With the popularity of cordless tools, the battery has become a necessity. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to get confused. But each type of battery has its own unique characteristics.
So you might be interested to learn the tool battery capacity comparison.
Charging time takes more on higher amp per hour batteries. Hence, 6Ah takes the most time. Due to capacity, a 6Ah battery lasts way longer. But the discharge rate of a 6Ah is also the highest. The 2Ah battery size is the smallest, so it’s the 2Ah battery is the lightest battery in this comparison.
But, this information is just the tip of the iceberg. We need to dive deeper for a better understanding of each battery.
So, let’s go through this article for a better understanding.
Quick Overview
Almost all good Dewalt hand tools and other manufacturers use batteries for cordless tools. Regardless of the tool, you can use a battery from 2Ah up to 6Ah.
Also, batteries have a great impact on productivity. But, does a higher Ah battery give more power? No, it doesn’t deliver more power. However, higher Ah batteries do have more runtime and can deliver power constantly during that period.
However, we get it not everything depends on the runtime of a battery. So, we have created a table compromising every detail.
So, let’s get through with the table.
| Factors | 2Ah | 3Ah | 4Ah | 5Ah | 6Ah |
| Weight | 0.80 Pounds | 1 Pound | 1.2 Pounds | 1.4 Pounds | 2 Pounds |
| Charge Time (From 0%) | 20mins | 35mins | 43mins | 50mins | 55mins |
| Battery Capacity | 2 Amp per Hour | 3 Amp per Hour | 4 Amp per Hour | 5 Amp per Hour | 6 Amp per Hour |
| Battery Size | Smaller | Bigger than 2ah | Bigger than 3ah | Bigger than 4ah | Bigger than 5ah |
| Battery Runtime | 1-2 hours | 1-3 hours | 1-4 hours | 1-5 hours | 1-6 hours |
| Discharge Rate | 2 times the battery charges | 3 times the battery charges | 4 times the battery charges | 5 times the battery charges | 6 times the battery charges |
| Nominal Voltage | 3.6 V | 3.6 V | 3.6 V | 4 V | 4 V |
| Temperature | Lower | More than 2Ah | More than 3Ah | More than 4Ah | More than 5Ah |
This quick review gives more insights. Yet, it isn’t enough for choosing a suitable battery for yourself. That’s why I have dug deeper and compared everything so that you get an idea.
So, let’s move on to the next section of this article.
In-Depth Comparison
This is where things get heated up. Many new thoughts pop up in this section. But don’t worry. I will guide you in finding the best battery.
Speaking of battery, almost all Ryobi drills are cordless these days. So, you may also consider buying either Ryobi P290 or Ryobi P237. The plus side is they use Ryobi One+ Ah batteries. These batteries are compatible with all the other tools.
Let’s start the comparison now.
2Ah vs 3Ah
Let’s talk about the weight of each battery first. You might be wondering, does weight matter for an Ah battery? Well, absolutely it does. Because weight can become an obstacle to your accuracy of using a tool.
2Ah tool battery typically weighs around 0.8 Pounds. On the other hand, the 3Ah tool battery weighs around 1 pound. 3Ah batteries are almost 20% to 30% heavier.
Now comes the power difference between 2Ah and 3Ah. A 2ah battery will provide 2 amps for an hour or 1 amp for two hours. Nevertheless, a 3ah will provide 1 amp for 3 hours or 3 amp for 1 hour.
So, it’s clear that a 3Ah battery can provide more power for a longer period. Now, let’s talk about the discharge rate.
A 2Ah battery discharge rate is lower than a 3Ah battery discharge rate. But, it depends on the C rate. For example, a 2Ah battery with a 1C rate will discharge at 2AmpsX1=2A. With the same C rate, a 3Ah battery will discharge at 3AmpsX1=3A.
So, it is clear that the 3Ah battery will have a higher discharge rate.
Now comes the nominal voltage. It means the average voltage of a cell. Both 2Ah battery and 3Ah battery has the same nominal voltage. So, both batteries will work the same.
A 2Ah battery’s operating temperature is lower than a 3Ah battery. Temperature is particularly important for Ah batteries. Because it affects the working rate. If the temperature is too high, your battery may supply less power.
Lastly, let’s talk about the cost. A 2Ah battery costs less than a 3Ah battery.
2Ah vs 4Ah
A 2Ah battery is almost 35% lighter. The size also varies in both the power tool batteries.
By now you know a 4Ah battery has a higher power capacity than 2Ah battery. It’s not surprising that a 4Ah battery lasts two times longer than a 2Ah battery. This implies that a 4Ah battery takes more time to charge than a 2Ah battery.
Source: ubuy.com
However, a 4Ah battery also discharges twice the 2Ah battery. At 1C rating, 4Ah battery discharges at 4Amps. Which is twice the 2Ah battery.
The nominal rating of both the battery is the same. So, you won’t be getting any difference here. But, a 4Ah battery gets hotter than 2Ah battery if used for a long period.
Lastly, a 4Ah battery is more expensive than a 2Ah battery.
2Ah vs 5Ah
The weight of a 5Ah battery is 50% heavier than a 2Ah battery. It can be very hard for you to handle a tool.
Regardless of weight if you become comfortable with 5Ah batteries then good news! You will get more runtime and higher power with a 5Ah battery. But, the charging time is more for a 5Ah battery than for a 2Ah battery.
The nominal power is slightly higher for a 5Ah battery than for a 2Ah battery. This means you can have higher efficiency using a 5Ah battery. A drilling machine with a 5Ah battery is 10% faster than a 2Ah battery.
The efficiency rate varies, but in all cases, a 5Ah battery will be more efficient. So, considering to buy a 5Ah battery already? Well, hold your horses!
The discharge rate of a 5Ah battery is 5Amps (1C rated). Nevertheless, the discharge rate of the 2Ah battery is 2Amps (1C rated). So, the discharge rate is more than twice for a 5Ah battery.
Battery Runtime for each battery types
The operating temperature of a 5Ah battery is hotter than a 2Ah battery. Also, the battery size is bigger than a 2Ah battery. So, a tool with a 2Ah battery may not support a 5Ah battery.
Lastly, the cost. A 5Ah battery is again more expensive than a 2Ah battery.
2Ah vs 6Ah
The 6Ah battery is the heaviest battery in this comparison. It’s almost 80% to 90% heavier than a 2Ah battery. So, you need to have a steady hand for using a 6Ah battery.
Moving on, a 6Ah battery has a higher capacity than a 2Ah battery. So, the charge time is more for a 6Ah battery than for a 2Ah battery. It takes about an hour from 0%-100%.
Because of such an amperage supply, a 6Ah battery is the most efficient one. It can do work almost 20% more efficiently than a 2Ah battery.
However, the discharge rate is higher for a 6Ah battery. It discharges at 6Amps (1C rating) which is three times more than a 2Ah battery. So, in the long run, a 6Ah battery can cause issues.
As we mentioned before, it takes longer to fully charge a 6ah batteries. However, you can significantly cut the time short using our recommender Li-ion battery chargers:
These chargers will get your batteries ready to roll in no time!
Like a 5Ah battery, a 6Ah battery may not be interchangeable with a 2Ah battery. Because the battery is bigger in size. Also, compatibility can be an issue.
In the end, a 6Ah battery is almost as expensive as a 5Ah battery. But, a 6Ah battery is more expensive than a 2Ah battery per usual.
That’s everything regarding the in-depth comparison. Whenever you use a power tool, always follow the power tool safety measures.
So, Which Battery Will Be Suitable For You?
It’s finally the decision time. So, which battery will be suitable for you.
Firstly, consider the work type. For small projects 2Ah, 3Ah or 4Ah battery will be enough. Also, these are lightweight so handling the tools are easier. Nevertheless, for big projects using the higher Ah battery is recommended like 5Ah or 6Ah.
Source: greenworkstools.eu
Secondly, consider how much battery time you need. If you work almost every day, go for 4Ah, 5Ah, or 6Ah. With those batteries, you need to charge less than 2Ah or 3Ah.
Lastly, consider the power tool. Some power tools require at least a 4Ah battery. With those power tools, you cannot use 2Ah or 3Ah.
Whatever you choose, should satisfy these three factors.
FAQs
Is It Possible to Utilize A 4Ah Battery Instead of A 2Ah Battery?
Yes, you can use a 4Ah batter instead of a 2 Ah battery. However, a 4Ah battery takes a long time to charge than a 2Ah battery. So, you may have to put a stop to your project for a period.
Can A Rechargeable Battery be Overcharged?
Yes, rechargeable batteries can be overcharged. But, overcharging may cause overheating and expire sooner.
What Is The Best Power Tool Battery?
Lithium-ion batteries (Li-Ion) are the best power tool battery at this moment. Because these are the modern rechargeable battery technology to be applied with cordless power tools.
Conclusion
That’s all regarding 2Ah vs 3Ah vs 4Ah vs 5Ah vs 6Ah.
Here’s a tip, Ryobi Oneplus charger can charge any Oneplus battery. So, you can get a whole ecosystem with Ryobi tools.
Have a great day!
