Last fall we reviewed Milwaukee’s M12 cordless right angle drill, and found it to be a darn decent tool. It performed well, provided enough torque for RA applications, and had great ergonomics. It looks like a new M18 18-volt version is due to be released soon, so we compared the specs for the two tools.
M12 RA Drill/Driver (2415-20)
- 800 RPM
- 100 in-lbs torque
- 3-3/4″ head length
- 11+drill clutch settings
- Charge time: 30 mins
New M18 RA Drill/Driver (2615-21 & 2615-21CT)
- 0-1500 RPM
- 125 in-lbs (compact), 150 in-lbs torque
- 3-3/4″ head length
- 11+ drill clutch settings
- Charging time: 30 min (compact), 60 mins
Based on specs alone, it looks like the tools’ capabilities are pretty similar, with the 18V versions offering greater speeds. The ergonomics of the tools are slightly different, probably to improve the balance of the heavier 18V’s battery.
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While the numbers/specs aren’t quite available yet, pairing Milwaukee’s new RedLithium batteries with an M12 RA drill/driver should bring its torque rating up to that of the M18 RA driver (compact version), given Milwaukee’s “20% more power” claims.
Usually when you compare 12V and 18V tools, the main tradeoff is larger size for more power. The M18 RA drill/driver has as short a head length as the M12 version, and while it offers slightly more power, it is capable of nearly double the rotational speed. It’s hard to say which would be “better”, but we expect the M18 version to perform as outstandingly as the M12 one did.
Product Info via Milwaukee
Andrew says
I’m hoping Makita comes out with a right angle drill similar to the Milwaukee M12.
I have this set Makita LCT203W and I really love it. I am trying to minimize how many battery chargers/batteries down in my workshop. It’s a shame this hasn’t been standardized yet.
Any word on any Makita 10.8v equivalents?
fred says
We have just the opposite situation from what Andrew talks about – have standardized on the Makita LXT line for 18V tools and have BDA350Z’s – and on Milwaukkee M12 line for compact tools and have their 2415-20’s . I agree that battery platforms are a big issue