Bosch 10.8v vs 12v batteries: what's the difference?

[@pmarquisYT]

An 18650 battery, when fully charged actually puts out 4.2V. So the 3 cells in series, fully charged will give around 12.6V. However, the cells are nominally labeled by lg/samsung/sony/etc as 3.6 or sometimes 3.7V cells. The way Bosch labeled their tools/batteries as 10.8V, though more correct, while most other tool makers called them 12V, gave people the false impression that the 12V tools were more powerful.

[@zaxmaxlax]

That's because under load the voltage drops

[@BombasticVirus]

this shit need to be illigal. thing should be called the correct way

[@bnwww]

The cell is called an 18650, so named because they are 18mm in diameter and 65mm in length. Note some newer 18v stuff uses 21700 batteries.

[@russell3421]

I like your clear speech like a professor.

[@cb2000a]

Bosch batteries are impressive. I took an impact driver out of retirement (for 7 years) and the batteries are still in really good shape.

[@TeddyBeers]

Mate. I'm using on daily basis tools and batteries manufactured in 2013. Simplicity at its best

[@sporty05]

My Bosch 10.8v driver is still working great after 15+ years, original batteries! Glad to hear I can use the 12v batteries when I need to replace them.

[@PlaywithJunk]

Not really. There are mechanical differences between the 10.8V and 12V batteries. 12V may work in old tools but if you want to use an old 10.8V in a 12V tool, you need to cut away some plastic. I haven't tried the other way round, so take a close look before you buy new batteries.

[@GoingShirtless]

@@PlaywithJunk This may be because you are using a battery for a blue Bosch tool on a green Bosch tool. I had a green Bosch 10.8 that when it died I replaced with a blue Bosch GSR 10,8-2-LI Professional and found that while the two tools looked near 100% identical there was a tiny difference at the base where you insert the batteries. The blue pro tools are monsters, but still I quite quickly found that while the batteries lasted very VERY long and the tool ran very strongly all the way down to the last amp, I found myself taking some involuntary pauses to wait for the batteries to recharge. I studied the differences between the old "green" vs new "blue" batteries, and did as you - and simply notched out the collar on the old batteries so they would fit :) I now own two blue 10.8 Bosch tools and a total of eight batteries. Four of which are 13 years old and are still used nearly daily. The reason I stumbled on this video was because I now feel I need to replace the oldest batteries and wanted to make sure that the new 12V batteries worked on my older tools :)

[@PlaywithJunk]

@@GoingShirtless I would be interesting to find out if the blue version has batteries with more capacity ("better" types) than the green ones. Voltage and number of cells are the same.

[@GoingShirtless]

@@PlaywithJunk There are quite a few variants of batteries among the eight I own. I checked the ones that were available to me here there were two "green" 1.3Ah, one "blue" 1.3Ah, two "blue" 1.5Ah and one further "blue" at 2.0Ah. There still are more but they are scattered around my cars and garages. The blue and green 14 Wh 1.3Ah batteries feel and have felt comparable all the years I have used then and for all practical purposes they seem identical - except naturally for the slight difference in packaging. After 12-13 years of fairly heavy use they both are now quickly drained and needs replacing. Without cracking them open there is no method know to me to find out which cells are in use, but it would not be too shocking to find "cheaper" cells in the green stuff. I may in the name of science do that when I get some replacements :)

[@TeddyBeers]

Brilliant short video. Question, answer. Done. KZbinrs - learn from this guy.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Thanks sir! Much appreciated 👍

[@linang2211]

Drill- Packedge in typical box, came with a tool bag (added bonus), two batteries, one charger, drill, and driver. Two words "plenty of Torque" kzbin.infoUgkxW1vOBRCMrgTCDEijzpVzDWsgI-Jm2iQv well I guess that's three. Nice upgrade from current setup. Has belt clips, I don't think I will be using those. Driver and drill were bigger than what I expected but it is an upgrade from the current setup. For the money I would say that this is a great setup for Professionals and DIY/Weekend warriors.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

I love that guy. Still my go-to for most tasks even though the 18v is more powerful.

[@kasianchukandrii4471]

I was looking for this info. Thanks for the discharged stats too!

[@RandyLunn]

Thanks for clearing that up. The message is clear: Beware of Marketers.

[@studio_jowita]

I was confused for two different voltages. But it seems, it is marketing naming change from 10,8 to 12. This new "label" is introduced probably because of competitors that are labeling this way (12V).

[@MNCasaPro]

1:33 Which of the little terminals on the battery does the tool use to monitor minimum voltage? Thanks for the video!

[@nadiaw246]

What an amazing, clear, concise answer to my seemingly simple question... I had a hard time figuring out why a 10.8V batterry would have a dedicated 12V charger. 1 video in, you already have my sub. Thanks!

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Thanks, Nadia! Glad I could help. I had the same questions as you which is what drove making the video!

[@whomadethatsaltysoup]

Excellent! Short and to the point. I own a few Bosch tools - mainly corded - but bought the drill/driver 10.8v combo about 10 years ago. When I went in search of replacement batteries, I could only find 12v. Both drill and driver are still going strong, and although I tend to use my Hitachi 18v drill and impact for more demanding work, I have had a good decade of use out of these excellent tools. Good to know I can now pick up a couple of replacement batteries that will be compatible with the charger and the tools. Thanks for sharing.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Glad it helped! My 10.8 and 12v-labeled batteries are all running strong after so many years. Thx for watching 😊

[@erikpoephoofd]

Small correction: lithium cells go to about 4.2V when fully charged, not 3.7V. Seems like a minor difference, but put them in series and its a different story. Thanks for the excellent video, you did a great job!

[@tomasclasson]

Isn't 3.6-3.7 some kind of 'nominal' voltage of these cells? Like 1.2 v rechargeable AA cells actually hold like 1.5 fully charged.

[@maxtroy]

LIterally perfect answer to the question I had! You just earned a sub.

[@joeabad5908]

You just answered my question.. I was actually setting up my own test similar to the one you have and then found your channel.. Thanks..

[@PsyMan2022]

Just started googling this question expecting a confusing set of results and you cleared it up perfectly, I can now continue to buy the "naked" 12v tools, brilliant, thanks.

[@PaulStregevsky]

Outside of America, Bosch still markets its tools and batteries as 10.8V. 12V is called the nominal voltage; 10.8V is the voltage under a typical load. Interestingly, Makita and Milwaukee both use the honest, voltage-under-load rating for their 18av tools but their dishonest, nominal rating for their 12V tools. Dewalt, as we know, uses the dishonest rating to market all their powertool lines: 12V, 20V, and 60V. Hilti 21.6V = Kobalt 24V.

[@david.4445]

Thank you for taking the time to simply explain this situation. It enables myself and probably others to use old 10v batteries with 12v Bosch drills etc and vice versa.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

You're welcome! Same problem here and that's why I wanted to share that people don't have to worry about it!

[@jmira7732]

I think it's more real to check the voltage of both batteries when they are discharging through an experimental load, say 12 ohm resistance load (giving aprox 1A of current spent). And at that moment measure the voltage with the voltmeter (multimeter) between plus (+) and minus (-) batteries terminals. When one measure voltage without load, the high impedance (internal resistance) of the voltmeter causes a void measure, because it doesn't consume almost any current and the measure is a high theoretical (virtual) value, not the real voltage value. When discharging through a load, the battery drops to aprox. the nominal value 10.8 V ou 11,1 v (3x 3,6V or 3x3,7V, if battery fully charged) not the 12,2V or 12,57V. Please confirm if the measure was without any load.

[@markfs]

Thank you. So well explained. I had a 10.8 drill and impact driver and one broke. I was wondering if I could replace it with a 12 volt system.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Glad I could help!

[@andrewzaborowski9685]

Many device manufacturers call 3-cell Li-ion batteries 12V because traditional lead batteries were approx. 12V, like car batteries. Since the 3-cell Li-ions stay in a similar range (12.6V to ~10V) in normal use, they were often compatible with the Pb ones. But obviously your tool doesn't know what battery is plugged in so the voltage when discharged is always the same. Now the useful info here is that the Bosch chargers labelled 10.8V and 12V also charge them to the same voltage. BTW I came hear to learn about a different confusion and that is the shape of the bottom part of the battery, even though the connector is the same and the height is similar. Looks like old bosch GSR batteries had one shape and new bosch EasyDrill 1200 batteries have a slightly different shape that should fit both tools. But batteries with the older shape won't fit the EasyDrill. I just received two 10.8V batts with the old shape, and since I had one tool and two batteries I decided to saw off part of the tool's plastic bottom to fit both types, rather than saw off parts from the batteries. It seems to have worked and both batteries now sit well in the EasyDrill.

[@radodrill]

Someone at Bosch tech support once told me that they were identical and fully compatible; just a naming change 10.8V to 12V MAX. I personally find the 10.8/12V line great for pocket impact/screw guns and flashlights; but for most anything else I prefer their 18V line

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

That's my understanding too! And agreed.... The 12v ones are super convenient for kind of handyman type work and work on ladders etc but the 18v carry a lot more punch for real construction etc.

[@richysam11]

Excellent!! So next question is there are 1.5Ah and 2.0Ah versions. Are these fully interchangeable between drill models or will a 2.0Ah damage a nominal 1.5Ah drill motor?

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Ah is capacity and has nothing to do with voltage or current, so you're all good. It's literally amps pulled for a number of hours. You motor will pull what it pulls... But a higher capacity battery can supply it for longer.

[@IKAPeajai]

Buy Bosch gsr 10.8 2 li with 1.3ah in 2011...n buy newer 2 pieces 2.0ah..in 2016...more ah(amp/hour) mean more longer time consumption...

[@leonelectrical]

18650 cells. Very nice, professional video.

[@wojteksci]

A professor shiuld know how to round numbers correctly.

[@wolw66]

The difference in name is just a change from nominal voltage (3.6V/cell x 3 = 10.8V) to fully charged (4.2V/cell x 3 = 12.6V). 21700 cells are just the same (Nominal 3.6V/cell) only larger ( 21 x 70mm) thus higher capacity (Ah).

[@ken2633]

Thank you for clearing up between Bosch 10.8V and 12V batteries. I've several 10.8V batteries in use and bought a bare tool Bosch Jig Saw GST 12V-Li. I was afraid I might have to spend another $100+ to get the 12V battery & charger. Now I happy I don't have to spend that money after seeing your video. THANK YOU :)

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

You're welcome and thanks for the comment! I was in the same spot as you which is why I made the video. Glad it helped.

[@solidsnake6405]

What are the 3 pins on the back side of the battery?

[@peteyates]

A more pernicious variation is between the domestic 10.8/12 volt batteries (green tools) and the industrial (blue tools). To all intents they are the same with three 18650 cells - but evil Bosch has made the bottom of the battery two different shapes, so they are the same but not interchangeable. Except the lower part of the battery casing that makes them not interchangeable seem to have the capability to be popped off with three clips so you could swap. Has anyone done this or changed the 18650 batteries within?

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Perhaps similar, the Milwaukee 12v packs fit in the bosch tools until the last bit where part of the plastic housing interferes... But yeah, that example is even more infuriating.

[@Alexcann1]

Super useful Fella. I also run these incredible little tools for my lighter work. I have 4 of the 10.8v 4AH batteries as well as a couple of 2AH. I need a palm router but was a little perplexed as to whether or not the new Bosch 12v router would work with my existing kit. You have made my decision so much clearer now. Thank you.

[@sparx2391]

Great vide, I changed all my tools to Bosch about 4 years ago, and no complaints at all. I'm thinking of picking a 12v impact up , what's the difference between the 12v max and the standard 12v gba battery? I know there is the one for the green tools, but as I understand, both the 12v max and the standard one are for the blue professional tools.

[@tokesnationpropagandaminis1665]

Brilliant video, much needed information thanks heaps

[@labrat7357]

The difference is a legislative one. For example in Australia the product is required to display the average available voltage during use, i.e. from fully charged to flat. But in the US (where everything is bigger and better) legislation allows the product to display the maximum available voltage for the battery type, i.e. on a freshly charged battery. Bosch also explain exactly this on the parent company site. Same battery, different labelling allowed by different rules.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Awesome info! Thanks for the comment. Totally makes sense with that global legislative lens on.

[@bjornroesbeke]

So does this mean that i can safely charge a 10.8V battery in a 12V fast charger? Both batteries have three cells, so i assume it's just the label that differs but still it doesn't feel safe. It's a "round plug goes into round hole, square plug goes into square hole" kind-of thing.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Hey there. Not sure if you watched the video but the point I was making is that they are literally the same. Essentially Bosch started by labeling with the nominal voltage but over time looked underpowered against competitors that labeled by the max voltage. There's apparently some legality to it, too, but at any rate, there is no difference between them! And btw have been charging my 10,8v batteries in my 12v Bosch charger for years and years... If you have after market batteries or chargers, can't say there's no shenanigans there though...

[@bjornroesbeke]

​@@LetsOverthinkThis I did, i just couldn't believe there's nothing more to it. Perhaps the charge current is (or used to be) different? I've got a white label bosch 10.8V battery that doesn't completely fit in my devices, that's why i was doubtful.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

No, as mentioned it's just nominal voltage vs Max. I made the video since nobody seems to find Boschs own explanation: www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/knowledge-innovation/changeover-from-10-8v-to-12v/

[@michaelgilmore3567]

I have a Bosch GSB 1080 brilliant little drill unfortunately the battery charger has packed up the only battery charger I can find where I live is a Bosch gal 12v -20 ...which is as far as I can figure out a 2ah charger but the 10.8v battery is a 1.5ah battery can I use this charger for that battery?

[@bjornroesbeke]

@@michaelgilmore3567 If it fits, it'll work. I have multiple chargers and that is one of them. As said in the video, there's no difference between the batteries labeled 10.8V and 12V.

[@antigravity8247]

If we calculate marketing-voltage 4V/cell, why call they for the 5s-battery "18V" and not "20V" ?

[@crookassassin]

Thanks so much for posting this... I own a FLEX PXE 80 (mini) Cordless car polisher. In Australia they come with 10.8v 2.5Ah batteries, however in the US they're all 12v. I was wondering if I would damage my polisher if I put one of these 12v batteries in it. Based on what you've said here I should be go-to-go. Thank again! 🙂

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Is that a Bosch tool? I looked it up and I can tell you the batteries for that look nothing like the Bosch 10.8/12v batteries. Do they?

[@crookassassin]

@@LetsOverthinkThis No, not a Bosch tool but the principles the same. Cheers!

[@nt4hx]

Cylindrical Lithium Battery 18650 size usually hold charge nominal charge at 3.6~3.7v depends on the chemistry (LiPo, LiIo, etc). Fully charged it usually around ~4.2v. Each pack contain 3 cells. So in theory battery connected in series 3 x 4.2 = 12v. Older indication because it takes 3.6 x 3 = 10.8v as you've mentioned. For fully discharge cutoff per cell usually around 2.9~3.0v so around ~9.0v depends on battery type. Also need to mention is the Ah which is the capacity. Older battery maybe can hold around 1.5 Ah charge while newer Lithium Ion battery could hold up around 2.5Ah up to 3.4Ah depends on manufacturers design and high discharge rate (C ratings). Hopefully this explanation helps.

[@cfinlay6428]

A fully charged 18650 will read 4.2v. It's nominal voltage is 3.6v but at that voltage it's considered almost drained.

[@ragesmirk]

Almost drained is 3V. Some cells can go as low as 2.5V. But they don't do it here as they didn't implement Battery Management System module.

[@fastmal]

Hi. A simple question. Are PowerForAll 12v battery sistem from Bosh Diy home e garden line (the green line) compatible with Professional 12v system (the blue line)?

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Sorry, don't know... I don't think they have that line in the US where I am.

[@tomson1975]

Hi. Could you tell me the model of the charger on the left??? I believe the one on the right would be the Al1115cv

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

I *think* that's the GAL 1230 CV hope that helps!

[@marcelomoos]

And old style batery packs comes in 1.5 am and new in 2.0 am 0.5 am realy makes diferes .. how long it will last at the end? Im very much use dewalt 20v line but last year im begain swiching mi power tools to bocsh cause they ar smaller compear to dewalt and on mi opinion bocsh it's doing a grat job on the 12 v max line 👍

[@Leonardo-eu9rj]

Excellent video! Thank you for your time. I like your jig for testing the voltage! As a suggestion you may include a load at your jig to drain like 1amp form the battery. With this you could see if the battery holds the voltage it has been charged for.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Yes, very good idea! I really should have hooked up a power analyzer and drained both batteries to prove they held a similar amount of energy, but I hadn't become familiar with those back when I made this video!

[@SHA3BOL1]

I have one question. Will Milwaukee 12v battery work for Bosch 12v impact?

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

They're super similar but unfortunately I think the plastic tabs are different so they don't fit. But hopefully somebody else can confirm!

[@johnsaggers1]

Excellent helpful video. I have been concerned that if I bought a 12v battery to use when my 10.8v (hedge trimmer) battery runs down it wouldn't be compatible with the charger or the trimmer. Thanks!

[@DG-to6by]

Thank you so much mate! Was just searching this exact thing for Dremel 8220. They have a 10.8v they are selling here in Australia but 12v is sold overseas. I think you just answered every question I had! Much appreciated and great professional recording with great delivery!

[@cmcd7064]

Fantastic little powerful tools and I love them!

[@lebon2002be]

Me too, I'm going to buy them all for my collection ! Love Bosch ! :-)

[@upernikao341]

Great video! Do you have any Bosch 36V tools? my 36V flash light bulb is not good and i can't find a place to buy it

[@MattTester]

Thank you for explaining. I'm looking to buy my first 10.8V/12V Bosch tool and want to get in as cheaply as possible. I currently have a Dremel charger that is compatible with these Bosch batteries, but the max output is 10.8V. I can see that it will work but am I right in thinking that I just won't be fully charging the batteries, maybe getting 50% charge maximum until I upgrade the charger?

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Not sure if you actually watched the video.... There is no difference between the voltages! It's just labeling 😊

[@MattTester]

@@LetsOverthinkThis I did watch it, I fully understand it. My charger (AL1115CV) says 10.8V. I was wondering if you had seen chargers labelled like this that actually charge to 12V or if they leave the battery at a lower charge state.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

I can't speak to an aftermarket charger but as you know from the video there is no difference between the 10.8v chargers or batteries and the 12v chargers and batteries. So if you're asking if I think Bosch has always only partially charged their batteries, no I do not.

[@db1236]

What is the pinout of the battery pack? There are 3 pins: positive, negative and??

[@adamthomas1222]

Clear, straight to the point, no other useless chatter... You have gained a subscriber from me

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Thanks, Adam! Slow going over here with making videos, so I appreciate the feedback.

[@adamthomas1222]

@@LetsOverthinkThis no problem, quality is better than quantity

[@paulphone605]

Thank you. I was going crazy looking for a replacement of my 10.8V charger. Now I can just get a 12V charger.

[@AHMADKAMALZUBER]

Me too . I have 2 of them. Most of after market compatible chargers are 12v.

[@BOBBY-et9xb]

The 10.8 and 12v are interchangeable. I was made aware of this when Bosch replaced the 10.8 with the 12v.

[@InklingBoy]

Cell name is 18650 18mm stands for the diameter and 650 which is 65mm is the lenght of the cell

[@dasuboot123]

Would you do a followup video, to show if it is possible to refurbish these battery packs? In case Bosch ceases production I'd like to know, if it is possible to replace the dead 18650 cells with new ones - without seriously damaging the plastic package.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

I would be happy to if I had a dead pack to experiment on. But none of mine have ever died 🤷‍♂️

[@Tensquaremetreworkshop]

Done for the American market. In Europe, big cordless are labelled 18v, same tools in US labelled 20v. Same optimism in rating vac units (6hp shop vac? I don't think so!) and just about everything else. EU agreed to let Bosch label 12v to compete. Cells are ~4.2v fully charged, 3.7v at end of normal use. The voltage is fairly irrelevant - what actually matters is watt hours. Bit strange, when your pints and gallons are smaller ;-}

[@ELValenin]

Hey, where did you get the connector you plug the batteries in to measure the voltage? I want to use the battery for a project, but can't find this connector.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

I wish they were easy to find! No such thing... It's from an old, dead, bosch 10.8v light. Saved that assembly so I could test batteries etc.

[@ELValenin]

@@LetsOverthinkThis oh, ok that's unfortunate. Thanks for the answer!

[@SuperMurrayb]

This video has some useful information and thank you for posting it. The lithium cell's operating range is from the low 3s to about 4.2 when fully charged. Cell manufacturers specify the average voltage of about 3.6 or 3.65 as the cells nominal voltage. Tool manufacturers, however, often quote a cell voltage of 4.0 per cell but that number is pure marketing hype. Sadly, once one company inflates the voltage they all do it because it makes it looks like a 12 volt tool is somehow more powerful than a 10.8 volt one when their power is exactly the same. 18 V vs 20 V tools with lithium cells also have the same potential power.

[@gavinbonser3602]

got 10 of these batteries knackered sitting in the shed and a bag full of tools with no usable batteries. Will never but another Bosch due to poor customer service dealing with premature battery failure.

[@EyalBAkng]

that's outstanding, important to know 1. For the batteries that are basically the same 10.8 and 12 = 12v 2. the Explain or speculate how this happened (in a positive company perspective view) 3. now from costomer perspective, is comes with new questions in doubt, about the capacity and time working of those batteries 10.8v=1Ah(i'm not sure), 12v=2Ah, and 12v=3Ah is another battery in the market that says hey i can work longer. it's seems to be need to be real test how much time actually each battery can hold from full charge.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

All good questions you asked but i don't have the need to purchase those different capacities to do the test. The capacities don't have anything to do with the voltage (since we know they're all the same voltage anyway) but it's a good question whether a 2ah battery is actually twice the capacity of a 1ah one, for example.

[@EyalBAkng]

I know The capacities don't have anything to do with the voltage What I mean is that there is a difference between what is written and what is true (tested) The volt reads 10.8 and 12 but in testing it means they are the same 12V. In capacities, write 1ah, 2ah 3ah, the question of whether this is really true. Maybe it's all the same

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Gotcha. Totally fair question!

[@andregrenon5409]

Hi, i have 12 V 2 amp Bosh model, small plastic noch is place on NEGATIVE side of the battery to allign the battery and charger, i bought 2 amp original and now the noch is on the POSITIVE side, that bad, i cannot insert it in the Bosh charger anymore, do you know why the change that ?, if you need picture give me one email i can sent it thanks you

[@constancelovejoy7308]

I recently bought a Vonhaus 10.8 volt lithium ion cordless grass shears. I want a spare battery but Vonhaus tells me that don’t sell any spares. Do u think I can use the Bosch or Mikita 10.8 battery sticks in my Vonhaus grass shears? 🤔

[@loktom4068]

Constance Lovejoy Bring your old tool to the store to check out the battery contacts and shape for exact fit before the purchase. They hates return batteries.

[@mathieupaineau8557]

SO useful ! I have lost 1 year asking myself this question as I already got 10.8V tool and was wondering if I can buy a 12v and used the same batteries between 10.8V and 12V !

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Glad it helped! I made the video because I, too, had the same question and had to dig into it to get the answer!

[@degelev12]

Nice video, so my question is.. can i now charge 10.8v (2.0Ah) battery on my Rapid charger GAL 12V-40 ? Thanks

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Yep I charge all of mine on the newer chargers. There's no difference in the batteries. And if you think about it they'd have to have keyd them in some way to prevent people from blowing up their batteries if it was an actual problem!

[@12yanR]

Can I use the same 10.8v charger to charge the 12v batteries? Thanks

[@RandyLunn]

Yes, because they are the exact same batteries.

[@danstheman33]

Excellent video, and very helpful! This is how every informative video should be- clear, short, direct to the point, explained very clearly without either dumbing things down or making it any more complicated than need be. And you show the tests in real time so we don't have to just trust your word for it. Kudos!! Only one minor quibble, and I hate to criticize, but it would be better to round your numbers properly: If the final digit (in this case) is 5 or above, you should round up; 4 or below, round down. Instead of just chopping off the final digit, which in this case resulted in you rounding down when you should have rounded up, twice (for the first and last batteries). It doesn't change the conclusion at all in this case, but in general it's poor form and mathematically / scientifically incorrect.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Thank you, and agreed! 🖐️

[@moretimethanmoney8611]

Three wires to the battery; black, white and blue. What is the blue wire?

[@gsadlerdavid]

Thanks for the clarification on these differences.

[@SimonHollandfilms]

just what i imagined....we have both batteries

[@triboysmeubel]

Bang mester baterei punya saya yang bochs 12 fot rusak tapi tapi yang rusak cuma komponen nya yang hagus saya mau ganti gimana yahh 👍👍

[@johndn9238]

Great answer to my question and very well explained; many thanks - keep up the good work!

[@muhdfaidz8310]

Sir... What about Ah of that battery? It is possible to insert 12V, 2.0Ah into 12V, 1.5Ah drill?

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Yes.

[@muhdfaidz8310]

@@LetsOverthinkThis okay.. TQ sir.

[@tomnoto4648]

Great report, clearly given.

[@Phil-dg1yg]

Good vidéo. 18650 cells are rated to 3.6 volt ( x3= 10.8v ) but full have not to go Over 4,2 per cell ( 4.2x3= 12.6v) In diy 18650 Battery system, we are usually using 3s dénomination for 12v system ( lithium 18650 ), safe from 3,3v per cell ( 9.9v ) to 4,2v per cell Max ( 12,6) At the end, capacity of each cell is important for long time using of our nice tools 👋🏼😁. Congrates!

[@guozili]

Thank you for your explanation, I am confused when choosing these tools 😊

[@Mrplacedcookie]

because this guy doesn't minimize his audience and tell us to subscribe, ring the bell etc I subscribed.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Lol thank you! Much appreciated 🙌

[@Ferramentasemacao]

What is battery

[@Channel-in6sc]

Hi! Can I use 12V instead 10.8V on my BOSCH GKS 10.8V-Li?

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

That was the point of the video 🤣 Yes.

[@Channel-in6sc]

@@LetsOverthinkThis 🙄

[@Channel-in6sc]

@@LetsOverthinkThis lemme rewatch it.

[@jessesilver]

@@Channel-in6sc It's also explained in the video description if you want to save more time....

[@kahuna1247]

Perfect video. Thanks. I'm a big fan of Bosh tools, even though they are the older models.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Thank you! Yeah, me too. Love the feel of em.

[@min2ferrari479]

Short, simple and helpful. Very nice. Appreciate it. Thank you.

[@Pro1er]

Your information is partially correct. The batteries are cross-compatible only within the Bosch Professional line, (blue tools). The consumer line, (green tools), use the same battery pack but the base plate is different so the 12V battery will not physically fit the green 10.8V tools and vice versa. Bosch does not sell their consumer line of cordless tools in North America but this video could potentially confuse Europeans.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Thanks for the correction! It's true, I'm in the US and have no access to that other range. Much appreciate the comment.

[@Letsroll000]

Thanks for the video and the time spent at an excellent presentation. Looking for a rotary tool and came across both voltage ratings.. Quick search led me right here and answered my questions. Great job!

[@netproluis]

That test is not valid because the voltage of the batteries you are measuring without a load resistance, in vacuum. For the test to be correct you should measure the voltage of the batteries once placed in your workplace (in the machine) and then you will see how the battery of 10.8 v no longer marks 12.2 but 10.8v. It also happens for the test of discharged batteries. The voltage that the multimeter measures in vacuum does not correspond to the voltage that the battery is capable of generating under load.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

I agree that you need to test batteries under load! Totally right. But are you saying those packs are different? I contend they have the same cells in them (Bosch says so too). The load test has way more affect if the packs had different number of cells (which they don't) or a different chemistry (like NiMH vs lithium) or if I was trying to compare really old packs with really new ones. But happy to discuss if I'm missing a factor!

[@KRISHNAWARRIOR]

thsi is exactly why they relabeld them. it was law before, to label them with actual load voltage, the newer laws allow labeling the voltage without load ... which sounds better, also ;o). This is why the technology stays the same, just the laws and therefore the labeling changed.

[@jessesilver]

@@KRISHNAWARRIOR yeah, dead on! Somebody way earlier commented that the law changed (and also is different internationally anyway).

[@gospodingaspar3042]

That is the right way to explain something.Right in head.Clear fast logical top top.Long live U.S.A. Subscribed!!

[@jojet92]

Hi i want to know,i own bosch cordless GSB 10.8V, Now my battery is dead n i ask to bosch seller,they say i can use 12V battery even i own 10.8V cordless?it will be working?

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Yep! Should be fine.

[@jojet92]

Jesse MAKES thank bro..great info 👍👍

[@o0ace0o]

Will the 12V battery charge with the old 10.8v battery charger?

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Did you watch the video? 😁 Yes. Because they were always the same.

[@o0ace0o]

@@LetsOverthinkThis thank you for thee reply. One last question does the Bosch 12V Vacuum work with a 10.8V battery? Hehehe just making sure. Watched your video 3 times

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

🤦‍♂️

[@NojumpsNoglory]

So clear and concise, thanks so much!

[@scott1506]

new 12v drill still has same power and speed as 10.8v?

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Yeah that's the point of my video... There is no difference because its the same. Now what's NOT the same is if you compare a 12v brushless drill to a 10.8v brushed drill, for example.

[@theredpillreport]

Brilliant video and presentation... why did you stop?

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Thank you! Was just trying it out to kill time between jobs but then I started my new job and I just don't have the time. These videos take so so long to make. Thanks for enjoying though!

[@theredpillreport]

@@LetsOverthinkThis I fully understand. I host a podcast www.theredpill.report every week and that is something like 8hr+/week plus constant research through the week. And that is audio only.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Ooh I'll check it out! Yeah I might come back to it at some point but I also make huge kinetic art work as a "hobby" so KZbin is way down on the list currently.

[@HM13.]

I dont have a multimeter, but does this technically applies to Makita and all other brands in general?

[@denemetel783]

so it is no problem i have 12 v bosch using 10.8 battery right mr jesse ??

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

I do this all of the time! That said apparently outside of the US there are a few other versions of Bosch battery systems that may be different. Where are you located?

[@dimatarasovski9534]

Your tiny bit wrong, first of all not all cells are the same, really old ones is 3.6v nominal and 4.1v fully charged newest cells are 3.75v nominal and 4.35v fully charged. That's not really what is important, what is important is the discharge rate, old cells fall down to 3.8v at around 95% charge and at around 90% they are around 3.65V newer cells even on 60% charge staying on around 3.9-4v. There for old cells spend most of there charged state at around 3.6v that is 10.8v and newer one can be much closer to 3.8V there for yelling around 11.5v for most of there charged state. Yours measurements with multimeter shows exactly that difference 12.2/3= 4.06v (old cell) 12.5/3=4.16v (never more commonly 4.2v cell) I bet if you disassembly the battery packs and check the cells datasheet you will find that the old one is closer to 10.8v and newer one is closer to 12v :) With that said, it does not changing the fact that they are kinda compatible with each tool.

[@sns348]

Nope. Almost all li-ion packs are composed of cells and in battery chemistry, for liion, the cell voltage is 3.6v (1.2v for nimh, 2v for lead acid, 3.2 for lifepo). But the trick is that liion battery working range is (officially) is 3.6 - 4.0 volts (in fact - 2.0v to 4.25v depending on particular cells) and manufacturers do play a bit with it's cell voltage, so they can mark liion battery as 3.6v, or 3.7v, or even 4.0v. That is 3-cell voltage liion battery could be marked as 3.6*3 = 10.8v or 4.0*3 = 12v. It's totally up to them, how to market it. I bet they did market it as 10.8 to distinguish from 12v series (10 cell nimh/nicd) in the beginning and afterwards labeled as 12v to get a little bit of confusion to sell it as "more" powerful equipment with a bit more sales due to people to buy a charger and a battery again. Believe me, if the pack looks like it can be composed of 18650 cells - 95% - it is composed of 18650 cells - there are little of high drain liion cells producers out there. In fact - just LG, Samsung, SONY and SANYO|Panasonic. And every one of them has not more than just 2 cells applicable for this task.

[@gabrielgabo9914]

can i use a battery with.. 5 cell in a drill with a normal battery of 3 cell?, thanks

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Doubt it 😔

[@endyferdinand]

My drill 10,8v battery.... But i want replacement new battery... But i can't fine 10,8v... I only fine 12v battery online... Can i use it 12v on my drill...?

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Yep should be fine... If it fits its the same. They just changed how they measure and market the 3 cell packs...

[@xxfive_adxrxblxxx6274]

@@LetsOverthinkThis thanks this info helps too much to me and to all

[@MrDubje]

It's just 3x an 18650 at nominal 3,6V, giving a total of 10,8V nominal. That's how the cells are manufactured. Their cut-off voltage is 3V per cell, or 9V total. The maximum voltage you're going to see is 4,1 x 3. They are a bit naughty charging them to 12,5V... However, newer cells are specified to 3,7V nominal with a maximum voltage of 4,2V. Here the maximum voltage would be 12,6V. I guess they figured 12V sounds more familiar to people than 10,8V. It is, as you figured, marketing at work here.

[@kenpole3058]

Overall design of the 12V Bosch is remarkably similar to the Milwaukee M-12 series.

[@TheGrandPie]

Thank you so much for this informative and concise video.

[@faizanurulafifa6403]

Matur suwun mas 💪💪💪💪

[@soohoe1980]

it is not 100% compatible. i once bought the replameent battery for GSR 10,8-2-LI and they gave me 12v battery and told me it is compatible. i took back but it is not bale to fit it perfectly. i bough it at hardware shop where i outstation (difference state and i did not bring my personal tool to site) and when i return there and get a exchange back to 10.8v battery. too bad i did not compare detail the 10.8v and 12v about the physical difference and why it is not fit, it's like not able to push fully in. until today i am still curious why...

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Oh wow that's really strange! I've continued to buy new Bosch 12v tools and don't bother to distinguish my 10.8v batteries from the 12v ones since they all work. Even Bosch's own press release says they're the same! What tool (what model number) are you finding to not be compatible with the 10.8v batts?

[@albertoalhadeff5146]

Thank you so much for this precise explanation my friend

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

You're welcome!

[@Donnyjoseph]

Can I put 12v battery to 10.8v Bosch tool?

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

If only I made a video answering that 😂

[@honuputters1891]

If you overcharge a lithium battery cell by continuing to supply charging current after the cell voltage hits, roughly, 4.2V, it will soon die. The chargers account for this and stop charging at the right time. On the other end, when the battery is discharging in a tool, when the cell voltage drops below roughly 3.2V, you had better stop using it or it will die at the other end. Again, the tool circuit is designed to account for that and shut off the tool. Those voltages are not exact because cells from different manufacturers behave slightly differently - but they are all in the same ballpark. Furthermore, you will only see that 4.2 when the battery is not "under load", i.e. not actively driving a tool. As soon as you turn on the tool, the voltage of even a fully-charged battery will drop into the high 3's - but will go back into the 4+ range when you turn off the tool assuming you did not use the tool for very long. There are also temperature effects that some chargers and battery protection circuits take into account. Lithium batteries are complicated beasts to wrangle.

[@ragesmirk]

For high current devices without BMS it's a good practice to stop at 3.0V as the cells might not be balanced. The hard limit is 2.5V.

[@scogo6780]

Great work. Quick and to the point. Thank you for the clarification. Appreciate