Battery voltage is one of the fastest ways to understand a cordless drill’s performance envelope. In simple terms, higher system voltage can support greater power potential when matched with the right motor and electronics. That affects how much torque the tool can deliver, what top-end speeds it can reach, and how comfortably it handles different job types over time.
Understand what kind of operations are suitable for tools with different voltages? As an experienced manufacturer of cordless power tools,This article lists three different voltage electric drills to introduce them in detail.
12V: Compact Control for Everyday Light-Duty Work
What it handles best
Furniture assembly and cabinet hardware installation
Small screws and anchors in drywall and softwood (think #2–#6 screws)
Pilot holes and small-diameter holes in wood and plastics
Light drilling in thin sheet metal using sharp HSS bits at slower speeds
Advantages
Light, compact form factor that’s easier overhead and in tight spaces
Fine control for delicate materials where avoiding strip-out or splitting matters
Quicker-charge option available (about 1 hour) when paired with a compatible charger
Trade-offs
Lower torque ceiling can struggle with larger fasteners or dense materials
Smaller chuck limits bit shank sizes
Single speed range caps top-end drilling speed
Who should choose 12V
DIYers focused on home maintenance, décor, and occasional weekend projects
Users prioritizing compactness and control over maximum power
Apartment dwellers or anyone doing frequent overhead or one-handed tasks
20V: Versatile Power, Plus Impact Function for Occasional Masonry
What it handles best
General carpentry, framing touch-ups, shelving, decking, and furniture builds
Larger screws and fasteners (#6–#12 typical) with proper pilot holes
Medium-diameter drilling in wood; light-to-moderate drilling in mild steel at appropriate speeds
Occasional masonry drilling using the impact function with proper carbide-tipped bits
Advantages
Broad torque envelope for tougher fasteners and larger bits
Two-speed transmission balances controlled driving (low) and efficient drilling (high)
Impact function expands material coverage to brick/block/concrete for intermittent tasks
Multiple battery capacities let users balance weight and runtime
Trade-offs
Heavier feel than 12V; may lead to fatigue in prolonged overhead work
Higher performance can magnify technique issues (bit choice, speed, pilot holes) if ignored
Who should choose 20V
Home renovators and light trade users who need one drill that covers most tasks
DIYers stepping into denser materials, larger screws, and mixed wood/metal work
Users who occasionally drill masonry and want the convenience of an on-board impact mode
21V: High Top-End Speed with Strong All-Round Capability
What it handles best
Clean, efficient drilling with small-to-medium twist bits where higher RPM helps cut cleanly
Versatile wood and metal tasks that benefit from fast hole-making and a strong low gear for driving
Mixed workshop and jobsite work where switching between drilling and driving is frequent
Advantages
Higher top-end speed helps maintain clean holes in suitable materials
Strong overall capability with a full 13 mm chuck range
Two-speed gearbox provides both control and speed on demand
Trade-offs
Higher RPM potential requires proper bit selection and speed control to avoid burning or chatter
Who should choose 21V
Users who value fast drilling performance alongside solid driving power
DIYers and light pros balancing workshop tasks with occasional on-site work
Those who don’t need impact drilling but want more top-end speed than a typical compact drill
Practical Picking Guide
Mostly furniture, fixtures, and light repairs? Choose 12V for compact handling and precise control.
One drill for almost everything—including occasional masonry? Choose 20V for a broad torque range, 2-speed gearbox, and impact function.
Fast, clean drilling across wood and metal without masonry? Choose 21V for its higher top-end RPM and solid all-round power.
Quick Safety and Usage Notes
Match bits to materials: brad-point/spade/auger for wood; sharp HSS for metal; carbide-tipped masonry bits for impact drilling (20V model).
Use pilot holes for larger screws and hardwoods to reduce splitting and stripping.
Let speed serve the material: slower for larger bits and metals; start holes slowly to prevent walking.
Battery care: charge and store at moderate temperatures; don’t leave packs on the charger unnecessarily; bring a spare pack for longer sessions.
If you’re unsure which model fits your work, think about your most common materials, typical screw sizes, and how often you drill in masonry. That quick self-audit will point you to the right voltage tier with confidence，or you are welcome to contact us at any time, and our professionals will answer your product-related questions to help you find the tool that suits you best.
