Is 12 Volts enough power?

I recently saw a survey from another power tool blogger asking the question, “Is 12 volts enough power?” In my previous life as a carpenter, I often preferred 12 volt tools to their heavier 18 volt counterparts. The 12 volt tools of my day were Ni-Cad, and basically full size drills, but light enough to be comfortable for all day use. With the release of the newer lithium-ion batteries I did finally switch to 18 volt drills, since they provided longer run times and more power, with virtually the same weight as the 12 volts I was used to. Now with the new compact “pocket drivers” having a smaller 12 volt lithium-ion battery, I’m in heaven. The new pocket drivers are phenomenal. They pack a ton of power into a tool that will easily fit into the pouch of your tool belt. In addition to your standard drill/driver, many manufacturers have released impact drivers in this new compact design that deliver an overwhelming 850 in-lbs. of torque in some cases. Bottom line: Not only are the new 12 volt pocket drivers lightweight and compact, they deliver more than adequate power for many basic applications.

Click here to see or vote in the survey that started it all.