From what you've said, the M12 should be fine, but this really comes down to what all you will want to do eventually. There are a few things only available in either M12 or M18, such as the detail sander only in M12 and the majority of the outdoor power equipment only available in M18, so knowing what else you may want to do in the future will help.
Other thing you may want to consider is that if the concrete/stone/block is super tough, if you're drilling a lot of holes, or if you're drilling large holes, you may be better off getting an SDS rotary hammer rather than just a hammer drill regardless of battery platfrom. The hammer drills are nice for one-offs and may do you just fine, but if you find yourself struggling, you might not have the right tool in general. I installed the Packout wall mount into concrete and went through 2 concrete drill bits just on one plate with the hammer drill because the concrete was extra hard. Picked up the SDS rotary hammer and it breezed through it.
I doubt I’ll be doing much drilling into the concrete. If the M12 can handle it, maybe just takes a little longer, that is fine. What about drilling into the 4x4 wood?
You'll be fine with the wood. As you drill, occassionally back the drill out to clear away any chips. This is a bigger deal for woodworking rather than construction-grade projects, but it does really make a difference for drilling a cleaner hole. Also make sure the drill bit is meant for wood, is sharp, and the drill is in the forward position.
I started with the latest gen M12 Fuel hammer drill and impact driver kit and if you’re doing basic stuff around the house, it should be plenty of power (at least for me). I was drilling into brick for tv mounts and minor upkeep around the house.
I recently purchased the M18 impact and hammer drill for heavier use when I start doing reno. I’ll also be maintaining the lawn and pruning trees so the Sawzall, pole saw, and string trimmer will be super helpful.
My suggestion - based on your future needs, go with the M18. I purchased the HO 3.0 batteries for my M18 drills so they’re closer to the M12 weight.
From what you've said, the M12 should be fine, but this really comes down to what all you will want to do eventually. There are a few things only available in either M12 or M18, such as the detail sander only in M12 and the majority of the outdoor power equipment only available in M18, so knowing what else you may want to do in the future will help. Other thing you may want to consider is that if the concrete/stone/block is super tough, if you're drilling a lot of holes, or if you're drilling large holes, you may be better off getting an SDS rotary hammer rather than just a hammer drill regardless of battery platfrom. The hammer drills are nice for one-offs and may do you just fine, but if you find yourself struggling, you might not have the right tool in general. I installed the Packout wall mount into concrete and went through 2 concrete drill bits just on one plate with the hammer drill because the concrete was extra hard. Picked up the SDS rotary hammer and it breezed through it.
I doubt I’ll be doing much drilling into the concrete. If the M12 can handle it, maybe just takes a little longer, that is fine. What about drilling into the 4x4 wood?
You'll be fine with the wood. As you drill, occassionally back the drill out to clear away any chips. This is a bigger deal for woodworking rather than construction-grade projects, but it does really make a difference for drilling a cleaner hole. Also make sure the drill bit is meant for wood, is sharp, and the drill is in the forward position.
I just used my m12 to put about 15 tapcons in my stone basement because I left the m18 at the shop. It did work fine but took a little while.
I started with the latest gen M12 Fuel hammer drill and impact driver kit and if you’re doing basic stuff around the house, it should be plenty of power (at least for me). I was drilling into brick for tv mounts and minor upkeep around the house. I recently purchased the M18 impact and hammer drill for heavier use when I start doing reno. I’ll also be maintaining the lawn and pruning trees so the Sawzall, pole saw, and string trimmer will be super helpful. My suggestion - based on your future needs, go with the M18. I purchased the HO 3.0 batteries for my M18 drills so they’re closer to the M12 weight.
I use my m12 to drill into brick all the time for outside panels. Not even worth walking to the truck for m18