Project list
Sign in to your account
With project lists you can...
Please sign in or create an account to use Project Lists
Although voltage is not the only factor that affects performance, as a rule of thumb, equipment with higher voltage is more powerful than low-voltage products. If price and portability are priorities for you, and you are mainly focused on light-duty tasks around the home, opt for cost-effective low-voltage tools. A small, lightweight 4V cordless screwdriver is ideal for putting together flatpack furniture, while a 12V rotary tool is suitable for engraving and precision sanding or sharpening jobs.
In terms of voltage, the most popular battery size for D.I.Y. work is an 18V battery platform. Compatibility is a priority for today’s tool manufacturers, which means diverse products are designed to be compatible with a single battery type. The advantage is that you don’t have to buy a new battery and charger for every cordless tool (of the same manufacturer and battery type) you purchase.
A tool sold without its battery and charger is described as ‘skin only’ or ‘tool only’. This option is much cheaper and helps conserve resources.
For the added strength of 36V, some brands, such as Ozito, manufacture tools that utilise paired 18V batteries to deliver the required voltage. This means you can match the voltage of the battery to the power tool without needing to invest in a new set of cordless power tool battery packs and chargers.
HiKOKI's MultiVolt technology allows you to switch batteries between 18V and 36V, keeping the size and weight of the battery down whilst allowing flexibility for more power tools.
The industry standard for D.I.Y. power tools and the cornerstone of most platforms is the lithium-ion rechargeable battery, often shortened to Li-Ion. The capacity of a battery is described in terms of ampere hours (abbreviated ‘Ah’), which means the length of time in hours it can supply a steady current of one ampere (1A).
In practice, depending on how hard your power tool is working, it can draw less or more current, but this rating will still give you a clear idea of battery duration. As an example, a tool such as a line trimmer, which draws a consistent current, will take twice as long to discharge a 4.0Ah battery as it will to use up a 2.0Ah battery.
If you’re wondering where to recycle power tool batteries that have reached the end of their service life, bring them in-store. We have a national recycling program with dedicated bins at the front entrance. Before popping them in the bin, put clear sticky tape over the battery terminals.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
