The convenience of portability makes cordless drills extremely versatile and widely used power tools. But they are available in a range of voltages to meet the needs of any project. Among the most suitable cordless drills are the 18v and 14.4v models.
Regarding power and capability, 18v drills can handle more strenuous jobs, while 14.4v drills are lighter and more compact. It should be noted that, although they both operate similarly, they have several significant differences.
Both types of drills possess unique features, so you should choose the one best suited to your needs. Please continue reading for more information on these two types of cordless drills.
Differences Between 18v vs 14.4v Cordless Drills
Cordless drills eliminate the need for cords and extension cords, and they come in various sizes and voltages to suit any task. 18v cordless drills are perhaps the most popular, as they offer plenty of power for most drilling applications while still being lightweight and maneuverable.
But, 14.4v cordless drills are also an excellent option for lighter projects or those who prefer a smaller tool. Here are some key differences between 18v and 14.4v cordless drills:
Drill Size & Weight
The 18v cordless impact driver drills are larger and heavier than their 14.4v counterparts. This makes them ideal for drilling through tougher materials, such as brick and concrete.
They also tend to have more power and torque, making them better suited for heavy-duty tasks. However, this increased size and weight can make them more challenging to maneuver, particularly in tight spaces.
In contrast, 14.4v cordless drills are smaller and lighter, making them easier to handle. While they may not be as powerful as their 18v counterparts, they are still more capable of completing most household tasks. Also, their smaller size makes them ideal for working in tight spaces.
Power & Torque
The battery’s voltage determines the amount of power and torque a cordless drill has. 18v cordless drills are more potent than 14.4v cordless drills. This is because 18v batteries have more cells than 14.4v batteries, which means they can store more energy.
This extra energy is converted into more power and torque when the drill is in use. As a result, 18v cordless drills are more capable of handling tough drilling applications than their 14.4v counterparts.
So, if you only need a basic cordless drill for light-duty tasks, a 14.4v model will be sufficient. But if you need a powerful drill for heavy-duty applications, an 18v model will be worth the investment.
Battery Cells
The number of battery cells is one of the key ways in which 18v and 14.4v cordless drills differ. 18v cordless drills typically have five 3.6v battery pack cells, while 14.4v cordless drills usually have four 3.6v battery pack cells.
This difference in cell count results in several key performance differences. 18v cordless drills have longer run times than their 14.4v counterparts. They also tend to be heavier and more expensive.
Gearbox Difference
The gearbox allows the drill to produce different torque or twisting forces. It is responsible for regulating the speed of the drill bit, and 18v drills typically have a more powerful gearbox than their 14.4v counterparts.
This means that 18v drills can drill through more rigid materials faster, making them a better choice for heavier-duty jobs.
Amp Hour Rating
Compared to 14.4v and 18v cordless drills, the 18v models typically have a higher amp hour rating. The amps-hour rating indicates the amount of time the drill can run on a single battery charge.
A higher amp hour rating means that the drill will be able to work for longer before needing to be recharged. This means that 18v cordless drills can run for longer on a single charge, allowing them to handle heavy-duty applications.
Price
Generally, 18v cordless drills tend to be more expensive than 14.4v cordless drills because they offer more power and performance. However, if you’re looking for a powerful drill that can perform quickly, an 18v cordless drill is the way to go.
Conversely, if you’re on a budget or don’t need all the extra power, 14.4v cordless drills will work just fine. Another thing is that 18v cordless drills usually come with more accessories than 14.4v cordless drills, so you’ll need to factor that into your purchase decision as well.
These are key things to remember when comparing 18v and 14.4v cordless drills. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of drill is right for your needs and budget. But if you consider all these factors, you’ll find the perfect drill for your next project.
Which drill should You choose, a 14.4v or 18v?
Choosing the right drill can be a tough decision. Do you need the extra power, or do you just need something to get the job done? To help you make the best choice, here are some factors you need to consider:
01. Type of Material You’ll be Drilling Into
When choosing a cordless drill between 14.4v and 18v, your choice has a great deal to do with the kind of drilling materials.
If you’re only working with soft materials like wood and plastic, then any 14.4-volt cordless drill will do. If you need to drill into more rigid materials like brick or concrete, you’ll need a more powerful drill, such as an 18-volt with a higher torque rating.
18v drills are designed for heavy-duty drilling and can easily handle thick materials like concrete and brick. However, they can be too powerful for more delicate tasks, such as drilling into plastic or metal.
In contrast, 14.4v drills offer a balance of power and versatility. They’re strong enough to drill through most common materials but won’t cause damage if used on thinner materials. As a result, 14.4v drills are a good choice for general-purpose drilling.
02. Size of the Hole You Need to Drill
An 18v drill can typically drill a hole up to 1 inch in diameter, while a 14.4v drill is limited to a 3/4 inch hole. You’ll need to choose an 18v drill to drill a larger hole.
However, if you are only planning to drill smaller holes, a 14.4v drill will be sufficient. Remember that the hole size that needs to be drilled will also dictate the type of bit you need to use.
03. How Much Power Do You Need
More powerful drills can handle tougher tasks, such as drilling through concrete or metal. However, they are also heavier and more difficult to control.
If you only need a drill for occasional use, such as screwing in screws or drilling into wood or furniture, then a 14.4v cordless drill will be more than enough power. However, if you plan heavy-duty drilling, you will need an 18v cordless drill.
04. The Versatility of Your Project
A cordless drill provides the power and versatility to tackle a wide range of projects, from hanging pictures to assembling furniture for any homeowner or DIYer.
18v cordless drills are powerful and can handle tougher projects, but they may be too much for small jobs around the house. 14.4v cordless drills are a good middle-ground option. They provide enough power to perform most tasks but are small and convenient enough to use for extended periods.
05. Preferred Battery Type
Both 18v and 14.4v cordless drills have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s wise to choose the right one for your needs.
Lithium-ion batteries have recently become the preferred choice for cordless drills due to their lightweight and long lifespan. NiCad batteries used to be the industry standard, but lithium-ion models now overshadow them.
Lithium-ion batteries are not only more powerful than NiCad batteries, but they also hold their charge for much longer. This is a significant advantage for anyone who needs to use their drill for long durations. Another benefit of lithium ion batteries is that they are less likely to suffer from the so-called “memory effect.”
18v batteries have a longer lifespan because they use lithium-ion batteries, so you won’t need to replace them as often. However, they’re also more expensive than 14.4v batteries. 14.4v batteries are lighter and more affordable, but they don’t pack as much power.
06. Accessories included
Most cordless drills come with a battery charger, carrying case, and one or two drill bits. If you anticipate doing a lot of drilling, it might be worth investing in a set of drill bits that includes a variety of sizes and types (like titanium-coated or masonry).
You may also want to purchase an extended warranty, as cordless drills can be prone to breaking down after heavy use. With so many options available, it’s important to take your time and choose the best cordless drill for your needs.
Benefits of Using 14.4v and 18v Cordless Drill
Cordless drills are much more convenient than their corded counterparts. They have come a long way in recent years, but there are still unique benefits that each type of drill offers.
Here are some benefits of using an 18v and 14.4v cordless drill:
14.4-volt Cordless Drills Benefits
More Maneuverable: The 14.4-volt cordless drills feature a shorter body and a lower center of gravity, making them easy to control in tight spaces. Also, the 14.4-volt cordless drills have a smaller diameter chuck, which allows them to fit into smaller drill bits.
Great for Small Projects: 14.4-volt cordless drills are ideal for small projects. The compact size makes them easy to handle, and the lower power output means they are less likely to cause damage to delicate materials. Also, the reduced weight makes them easier to handle when working in restricted spaces.
Accessible to Use: 14.4-volt cordless drills are increasingly becoming popular for their easy-to-use benefits, especially for people who have to use them for extended periods. Some features making them convenient include an ergonomic design, lightweight, and a built-in work light.
Less Recharging Time: You can expect your drill to be recharged as quickly as possible with a 14.4-volt battery. This is much faster than the average recharge time for an 18-volt cordless drill, which can take up to four hours.
18-volt Cordless Drills Benefits
More power and Torque: Drilling through tougher materials can benefit from increased power and torque. By utilizing more power than an 18-volt cordless drill, you will be able to accomplish tasks more quickly and with less effort.
As you increase torque, you can apply more force when necessary, making it easier to bore through rigid materials. This will enable you to complete your projects more quickly and with fewer problems.
Ideal for Larger Projects: The ability to drill through harder substances is enhanced by increased control, making it suitable for larger projects. Also, cordless drills that run on an 18 volts battery are much more portable than corded drills, making them ideal for many applications.
Perfect for Professional Use: Their high-powered batteries allow them to drill through walls and concrete easily, making them ideal for construction workers or anyone else who needs to drill through rigid objects regularly.
More Run Time: The increased run time of an 18-volt cordless drill is perfect for large projects or long-term use. A battery with 18 volts may run up to twice as long as one with 14.4 volts.
Both 14.4v and 18v cordless drills have unique benefits that make them ideal for specific projects and applications. Choosing the proper drill for the application is vital to maximizing its potential.
FAQs
Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about 18v and 14.4v cordless drills:
Q: Can You Use an 18v Battery in a 14.4v Cordless Drill?
A 14.4-volt drill cannot be operated with 18-volt batteries. The voltage is too high and will damage the drill. The battery must be the same voltage as the drill or lower. 18-volt batteries are only to be used in 18-volt drills. To use a higher voltage battery, you will need a drill designed to handle it.
Q: Is a 14.4v Cordless Drill Any Good?
A 14.4v cordless drill is powerful enough to drive nails into wood. It’s also capable of drilling holes, although not as quickly as an 18v or other cordless drill. The battery life is good, and it’s a reliable tool. This is a great option if you’re looking for a versatile power drill.
Q: Is Higher Voltage on a Cordless Drill Better?
Absolutely, a cordless drill with a higher voltage has more power, which is perfect for tougher jobs. Most experts agree that when choosing a more powerful cordless tool, you should choose one with a higher voltage. It’ll make the work go faster and be less strenuous on your part.
Q: What is the Best Voltage for a Cordless Drill?
The best cordless drill voltage is 18 volts, providing a balance between power and convenience. With 18 volts, you’ll have enough power to complete your task quickly and easily, but you won’t have to worry about dealing with the hassle of a heavy cord.
Conclusion
The decision between 18v and 14.4v cordless drills comes down to personal preference. Some users may find that an 18v drill has more power than they need. Others may find that a 14.4v drill doesn’t have enough ability to do the job.
While they may not be suitable for larger projects, they are well suited for small jobs such as drilling pilot holes or driving screws. However, both types of drills can be viable choices, depending on the user’s needs.
By following the tips we’ve provided in this article, you can ensure that your cordless drill is always in perfect working order.