Which is better for a circular saw or grinder?

The 12 Ah battery. High-draw tools drain a 5 Ah pack fast, and the 12 Ah pack keeps them running far longer per charge.

Do I need the starter kit if I already own a Hercules charger?

No. The 12 Ah battery alone is the better buy if you already have a compatible Hercules 20V charger.

Which lasts longer over time?

Both use the same lithium-ion chemistry, so lifespan depends on charge cycles and heat. The 12 Ah pack sees fewer cycles for the same work, which can help it last longer in heavy use.

Is the 12 Ah battery worth stepping up to?

Yes for saws, grinders and long jobs. No if you only use drills and drivers lightly and already have a charger.

Will the 12 Ah battery fit my Hercules tools?

Yes. It is a Hercules 20V pack and fits the same tools as the 5 Ah battery.

Hercules 20V 5Ah Battery Starter Kit vs Hercules 20V 12Ah Battery

Buy the 12 Ah battery if you already own a Hercules 20V charger and want the longest runtime per charge. Buy the 5 Ah starter kit if you have no Hercules charger yet, since it bundles a 4 amp charger with the battery. The 12 Ah pack holds more than twice the energy and weighs about the same, so it is the better single battery. The kit is the better first purchase for someone starting from nothing.

Choose the Hercules 5 Ah starter kit if you are new to the Hercules 20V line and need a charger along with your first battery.
Choose the Hercules 12 Ah battery if you already have a Hercules 20V charger and want maximum runtime in one pack.

Prices

Hercules 20V 5Ah Battery Starter Kit: $84.99 at eBay (checked today)
Hercules 20V 12Ah Battery: $134.99 at Harbor Freight Tools (checked today)
Difference: the Hercules 20V 5Ah Battery Starter Kit is $50.00 cheaper than the Hercules 20V 12Ah Battery today

HERCULES 20V 5 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery and 4 Amp Charger Starter Kit - HC014K

What separates them

	Hercules 20V 5Ah Battery Starter Kit	Hercules 20V 12Ah Battery
Capacity	5 Ah	12 Ah
What is in the box	5 Ah battery plus 4 amp charger	12 Ah battery only
Runtime per charge	Roughly 2.4 times shorter than the 12 Ah pack	Roughly 2.4 times the runtime of the 5 Ah pack
Weight	About 3.5 lb for the kit	About 3.36 lb for the battery
Charging	4 amp charger fills the 5 Ah pack in about 60 to 90 minutes	Needs a separate Hercules charger; a 12 Ah pack takes longer to fill
Use in high-draw tools	Drains fast in saws, grinders and blowers	Holds up longer in high-draw tools
Certification	Not listed	UL listed
Best for	First purchase or a spare pack for light tools	Heavy or continuous use and long jobs

Specs compared

Spec	Hercules 20V 5Ah Battery Starter Kit	Hercules 20V 12Ah Battery
Battery Capacity	5 Ah	12 Ah
Battery Voltage	20	20 V
Item Weight	3.5 lbs	3.36 lbs
Battery Type	Lithium-ion	—
Amperage	4	—
AC Volts	120	—
Charge Time	60 to 90 minutes	—
Shipping Weight	3.82 lb.	—
Power Cord	6 ft.	—
Contents	5 Ah lithium-ion battery, 4 amp charger	—
Charger Input Rating	120VAC / 60Hz / 1.5A	—
Charger Output	12 or 20 VDC / 4.0A	—

Show all 22 specs

Spec	Hercules 20V 5Ah Battery Starter Kit	Hercules 20V 12Ah Battery
Brand	HERCULES	—
Battery Technology	—	Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Item Length	—	4.5 in
Item Height	—	4 in
Item Width	—	2.62 in
Product Weight	—	3.36 lb.
Product Height	—	4 in.
Product Length	—	5-1/2 in.
Product Width	—	3-3/8 in.
Certification

Hercules 20V 5Ah Battery Starter Kit vs Hercules 20V 12Ah Battery

Prices

Hercules 20V 5Ah Battery Starter Kit vs Hercules 20V 12Ah Battery

Prices