To begin with, let me just say that I have looked in the archives and read what I could find on drills/drivers. My question is this-for specifically just doing installs (predrilling, driving screws through face frames and hanger rails) is an 18v necessary? We have an 18v we currently take on jobs and have always kept several 12v's in shop and on jobs. I am looking at purchasing a combo kit (Makita 12v drill/impact driver) and am wondering how it compares to our older 12v dewalts. I like the compact size and the price and I am not convinced we need 18v tools for this. Opinions? (keep in mind, I am not talking about drilling in concrete/tile, no steel studs, no large hole saws-just specifically actually installing cabinet boxes.) Thanks.

I'd buy the 12V and a couple of extra batteries. For installing cabinets I wouldn't need any more. I have a couple of smaller 9V that I use for some small screws. I do like an impact driver as opposed to a drill only.

I've used 12v and more recently 14v Makita drills for years. I've always found the 18v to be too cumbersome….until the latest Makita came out! I bought the combo kit for $200 bucks and it's perfect for my needs. Has plenty of juice even for the occasional use of a hole saw, and the batteries charge up in 15 minutes. I would highly recommend checking it out as the size has come down quite a bit from what they used to be.

good luck,
JeffD

I've used the Bosch 12 volts for the last few years, working them like jackasses.
I used them for 5x70mm confirmat assembly of cases and driving 2 1/2" cabinet install screws.
I recently purchased a 18 volt Makita combo with 1/2" drill and impact driver. LTX models.
The drill is outstanding, easily powering 2 1/2" and 3 1/4" carbide tipped holesaws thru 3/4" cabinet backs for plumbing lines.
The impact is not on par with the cheaper Bosch 12 volt impacts. The light is in the wrong place, balance is awkward, and rpms slower.
I'm still running my original Bosch 12 volts (3+ years old and abused like crazy), I did purchase two new batteries a few weeks back.
I figured the anvils or brushes would've gone out by now, but they just keep on slugging.
Next ones I buy will be Bosch again.

My 18v Makita impact gun weighs less than my 10 year old Makita 12v impact gun.

They are so light that they are not over kill. You don't have to charge the batteries as often.

The Makita 18v circular saw is great as well.

I really like the Makita LTX 18V tools for installation. A key criteria for me has been ability to use same battery in multiple tools. Found out after buying the cordless circ saw and jigsaw, that they require the full size battery as opposed to the half size that come in the Makita drill/impact kits. Does use the same charger. Fortunately I do not use the saws on every job and the quick charge time even for those batteries mean little inconvenience. The Makitas are much lighter than the 14.4V DeWalts I was using before.

I tried the 12V max Bosch drill/impact combo for awhile. The light weight was nice, but they did not have enough power, nor did the battery charge last long enough. One nice benefit was that battery works in their cordless multi master tool. Those Boschs were relegated to shop work.

We've been using the Makita impact drivers for many years mostly in the shop, some installs. Very durable. the last ones bought have been the 18V brushless models with full sized batteries. No problems, work great.

Another vote for Makita 18v LTX.
The change to lithium ion batteries made a world of difference in weight, run time, charge time and how long they hold a charge long term.

Makita also got the ergonomics spot on when they first came out with their 18vLi line of tools.

Their previous drills were uncomfortable. Bosch has never made a comfortable drill. The old Panosonic 15.6v were great. Dewalt have poor ergo as well.

The Makita's don't seem to have any faults. Hence their popularity. I have absolutely no brand allegiance.

Our 18v lithium rigid sets are indestructible. Harold.

Rich, the 1.5 amp hr battery will work in the tools you are talking about. Look at the slide guides on the tool and you will see a small sq. block in the casting. just cut that block out and either battery will work.