18v Vs 14.4v Cordless Drills: Which Is Better For You?

Last Updated on July 15, 2022

There are some pros and cons of using 18v versus 14.4V cordless drills. For starters, you will get more run time and less weight with a 14.4V drill. Ultimately, however, it is up to you which is best for your needs.

Consider your job site, battery life, and price range to decide which one is best for you. Read on to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of both types of drills.

Less expensive

There are a few differences between an 18v and a 14.4v cordless drill. The most obvious difference is price. If you’re looking for a drill for the home, an 18v is a better choice than a 14.4v one.

Also, a drill with more power may be more convenient to use. Some tools are able to drill into harder surfaces with a higher torque, so an 18v tool is better suited to those projects.

Another important consideration is torque. While you can’t see this directly, a higher torque will result in greater force and higher-quality holes. Higher voltage drills can also bore big holes in flooring and lumber.

The additional muscle is impressive, but the weight is a definite disadvantage. The more expensive drills can weigh as much as 10 pounds. If you don’t need a lot of power, a 14.4V drill may be sufficient.

One major difference between an 18v drill and a 14.4v cordless drill is the weight of the battery. The battery in an 18-volt tool is slightly heavier than a 14.4-volt tool.

The 18-volt tool will run longer on a battery, but will be harder to carry around. The 18-volt battery will run longer and support heavier loads. This can make a big difference in the performance of a tool.

If you plan to use your drill for heavy drilling, you should look for a model with variable speeds. A good variable-speed drill will have two speed ranges, clutch and T-handle.

A good model will also have a second battery. Depending on your needs, you can choose a drill from a price range of $60 to $140. Professional-level models include the Hitachi FDS10DVA and the Makita 6222DWLEK.

Longer runtime

You may be wondering which cordless drill has a longer runtime: the 18v drill, or the 14.4v drill. They are basically the same thing, though the 18v battery starts with a burst of 20 volts and then settles down to run at a normal 18-volt voltage.

Some manufacturers put the smaller figure in their specs, while others list the larger number. Here are some comparisons:

The most important component of a cordless drill is its battery. A single battery can last 15 minutes or more. But it can take as long as five hours to fully recharge a drill.

For this reason, drill kits often come with backup batteries, as well as information on their runtime. Some even have smart chargers, which replenish batteries faster. Another feature to look for is a charge indicator, which lets you monitor the remaining capacity of your battery.

Fortunately, the difference in runtime between the two types of cordless drills isn’t so huge. While you can get away with a 14v drill’s 15-minute runtime, the 18v drill’s runtime will be about a half-hour longer. And remember that 18v drills usually have bigger fuel tanks, which means longer runtime.

While the 18V drill battery charges faster, the 14.4v battery has a longer runtime. A standard 18-volt battery will last for around four hours, while the 14.4-volt one will last up to seven hours. A lithium-ion battery, on the other hand, will last as long as four hours. A battery that lasts longer will be worth the extra money, though.

Lighter

While they are both powerful, the biggest difference between the 18v and 14.4v cordless drills is their weight. While you may feel more comfortable with the 18v drill, a heavier one could lead to problems during your project.

Moreover, a heavy 20v drill can cause you to get tired just moving it from point to point. You should check out the weight of the drill before purchasing it. Also, consider the size. If you’re going to be working in a narrow space, you should opt for a compact drill.

A cordless drill is usually lighter because it doesn’t need a charger or battery. Besides that, you can use it for other tasks too. Unlike the corded drill, a cordless drill is more balanced and easier to handle with just one hand. However, corded drills are often top-heavy, making it difficult for you to use one handed.

The difference between the weight of an 18v and a 14.4V drill is negligible if you do not need the high power. A 12-volt drill can drive a 25-pound box of drywall screws, while an 18-volt drill can drive a 2×4 piece of lumber.

While the 18V drill weighs more, it’s better for heavy-duty work. In addition to its weight, the 18V cordless drill also has a longer battery life. It also enables you to drive heavier loads.

A major difference between the two types of cordless drills is the weight. The weight of the drill depends on the user’s strength and how long he or she will use it. Some lightweight models can weigh as little as a pound while a heavy-duty hammer drill can weigh up to 8 pounds.

These extra weights may make the user fatigue quickly, so you should also check the weight quoted. Some weights don’t include the battery.

The weight of a cordless drill also has a lot to do with its power. Some cordless drills use pistol grips, but T-handles make it easier to hold and maneuver.

T-handles also provide better balance and prevent hand slippage. This will make your project much easier. You’ll be able to work for longer periods of time if the drill runs on a full battery.

Better battery

Better battery

To avoid damaging your new cordless drill, consider purchasing a battery that is better suited for this tool. A lithium-ion battery has a cycle life of about 1,900 cycles and will last between two and three years before it needs to be replaced.

A drill battery’s life will vary depending on the brand and model of the tool and how it is stored. It is important to choose the right battery type for your cordless drill and remember to store it properly, as improper storage could result in the voiding of the warranty.

Lithium-ion batteries have a longer lifespan than NiCd batteries. While they cost slightly more than the cheaper NiCd or NiMH batteries, they are still more expensive and last longer.

The cycle life of lithium-ion batteries is usually about two to three times longer than the corresponding cycle life of a nicad battery. Lithium-ion batteries are also more expensive, so it’s important to research each option before buying a cordless drill.

Choosing the best battery for your cordless drills can be tricky, since most tools use a different type of battery. The first thing you need to do is look at the voltage of your tool. If your drill runs at a higher voltage, it will require a higher battery.

You can also purchase a battery designed for a different brand of tool. These are usually interchangeable with each other. If you aren’t sure what battery is right for your specific model, consult the manual.

A better battery for cordless drills is essential to ensuring maximum performance. The best cordless drills will feature lithium-ion batteries, which are said to be superior to other battery technologies.

These batteries also react differently to environmental conditions, so it’s important to choose a battery that matches your needs. You should also pay attention to the battery’s temperature. If it is too hot, it could lead to damage.

Another thing to consider when buying a new battery is the brand. While nickel-cadmium batteries are more reliable than lithium-ion, the former are more expensive and have higher amp-hour ratings.

However, lithium-ion batteries are still not perfect, and some manufacturers have made the process easier by adding elements. A high-quality brand will come with electronic cell protection. This prevents the battery cells from overheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between 18v and 14.4v cordless drills?


The difference between 18v and 14.4v cordless drills is the voltage. 18v cordless drills are more powerful than 14.4v cordless drills.

What are the pros and cons of each?

The pros of 18v cordless drills are that they are more powerful and can drill through tougher materials. The cons of 18v cordless drills are that they are heavier and more expensive than 14.4v cordless drills.

The pros of 14.4v cordless drills are that they are lighter and less expensive than 18v cordless drills. The cons of 14.4v cordless drills are that they are less powerful and can’t drill through tougher materials as easily.

Which is better for specific tasks?

18v cordless drills are better for tougher materials and tasks, while 14.4v cordless drills are better for lighter and less demanding tasks.

Last Thoughts

There is no clear winner between 18v and 14.4v cordless drills. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. 18v drills tend to be more powerful and have more features, but they are also more expensive and heavier. 14.4v drills are less powerful but lighter and cheaper.

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