DEWALT has established itself as a leader in the power tools market and commits itself to innovation and quality. One of the essential aspects of DEWALT tools is the compatibility of their batteries, which can affect the performance, convenience and cost-effectiveness of their products. DEWALT has engineered diverse battery systems to meet the various needs of professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Understanding DEWALT battery compatibility and the features of each battery platform empowers users to optimize their tool performance, minimize downtime and make more informed purchasing decisions.
DEWALT has released some sweet new batteries over the past few years. For those who haven’t been paying attention, DEWALT revolutionized cordless power tools in 2016 when they released the FlexVolt platform: the first-ever multi-volt battery system. Besides the heavy-hitting FlexVolt, DEWALT is still strong with its tried-and-true 20-volt MAX platform.
In today's world, there are so many different brands of cordless power tools, which are incredibly useful for DIY and construction projects, as they allow you to work with greater efficiency and precision. These battery-powered tools can make your life easier and less stressful, providing you with the ability to tackle tasks with ease. Knowing what you need for your tool might be a little confusing with all these batteries. Worse yet, you don’t want to buy a battery only to find it doesn’t fit in your tool. Since the two power platforms bear a striking resemblance, add the correct size to your cart before clicking “Place Order“.
DEWALT Battery Platforms
DEWALT has three primary voltages for its cordless tools: 20V, 60V, and 120V. They are all marked with the battery size required on the tool.
20V MAX
The DEWALT 20V MAX system is one of the most popular and widely used battery platforms. 20V tools can use 20V MAX batteries OR 60V MAX batteries.
Read also: A Guide to DEWALT Batteries
FLEXVOLT
The FLEXVOLT system is an innovative breakthrough that can operate at two different voltage levels. FlexVolt batteries are compatible with all DEWALT 60 and 20-volt DEWALT tools. As a bonus, FlexVolt batteries step down and run at 20 volts when attached to lower-power tools.
60V and 120V tools can only use 60V MAX batteries. However, DEWALT 20V MAX batteries can’t be used in FlexVolt 60v and 120v MAX tools. The lower voltage doesn’t provide enough juice for the high-demand motors.
At the time of this writing, only one DEWALT cordless tool uses 120 volts: the 12-inch Cordless Miter Saw. While it harnesses 120v DC power, it achieves this by having two slots for 60v batteries running in series. As a substitute, DEWALT created a corded power supply adaptor for the miter saw to swap out batteries for wall power since they have the same voltage.
How to use Dewalt's 18v to 20v Adapter: SUPER EASY! DCA1820 Rapid Fire Review
Types of DEWALT Batteries
XR Batteries
DEWALT 20v MAX XR batteries are just like standard 20-volt batteries but last longer relative to their size. The XR stands for Extended Runtime, so you get extra life out of them before running out of juice.
Read also: Complete Guide to RIDGID 18V Batteries
POWERSTACK Batteries
DEWALT POWERSTACK batteries utilize breakthrough pouch battery cell technology, allowing the battery to run cooler and deliver greater power. POWERSTACK is DEWALT’s most powerful, compact, and lightweight battery-powered product line.
DEWALT has 2 options in its POWERSTACK lineup.
- The POWERSTACK 20V MAX compact battery has 50% more power and a 25% smaller footprint than the DCB203, the standard 20V MAX battery. The battery also has twice the lifespan of the DCB203 and an LED Fuel Gauge to monitor current battery life.
- The second is the brand new POWERSTACK 20V MAX 5Ah battery. The new compact battery has 50% more power and allows 50% more work per charge compared to the DCB205, the standard 20V MAX 5.0 Ah battery, making it DEWALT’s most powerful and efficient battery. The latest model is compatible with all DEWALT 20V MAX tools.
Compatibility FAQs
What if I Put a 20-volt Battery in a 60-volt Tool?
It will not fit. All 60V and 120V DEWALT power tools have plastic tabs that physically prevent using 20V batteries, but FlexVolt batteries have unique ports that allow their use.
Do These Batteries Work In Brushless Tools?
Yes, DEWALT batteries will work in all DEWALT tools at the correct voltage, whether brushed or brushless. Brushless refers to the construction of the motor. Brushless tools will use the batteries more efficiently and last longer per charger than brushed tools.
What About DEWALT 12-Volt Tools?
DEWALT also produces a line of ultra-compact 12v MAX batteries and tools. These smaller batteries only fit on tools labeled 12v MAX and vice versa. 20v MAX and Flexvolt batteries are not only too powerful but physically too large for the receptacles on these pint-sized devices.
Read also: Battery Compatibility for Bosch Tools
| Battery Type | Voltage | Compatible Tools |
|---|---|---|
| 20V MAX | 20V | 20V MAX tools |
| FLEXVOLT | 20V/60V | 20V MAX and 60V MAX tools |
| 12V MAX | 12V | 12V MAX tools |
Cross-Brand Compatibility and Adapters
I believe some tool users are eager for a gadget that enables the same battery pack to be used across different brands’ cordless platforms. Fortunately, here is the magical solution to your frustrating situation, it will make it easier to switch between tools without having to buy a lot of batteries and without spending a lot. The answer is that cordless tool batteries are only compatible with the same brand (brand compatibility exists) provided they have the same voltage, amps, chemistry, and size/shape.
So, Can a Dewalt battery fit a Milwaukee Tool? Not directly. The cross-brand battery adapter allows you to use the battery of a brand’s tool with another brand’s tool or device. These cross-brand adapters eliminate the need to purchase the specific model or brand’s battery.
It is crucial to remember that brand cross-battery adapters might not function with all makes and types of power tools and batteries. Manufacturers of power tools strive to "enforce" brand loyalty by ensuring that their expensive batteries only work with their tools. However, there are adapters that allow batteries from one brand to be used with tools from another. For example, there is an adapter available online that allows a 20v DeWalt tool to use a 20v Black & Decker battery.
By now, you may have seen the videos running around that show a converted DeWalt or Makita lithium-ion battery running a Snap-On cordless glue gun using a tool battery adapter.
Pro Tip: Use the battery with other tools of the same brand according to its voltage and amperage as well. Using the right battery adapter below will allow you to use virtually any cordless tool with any battery. In the DeWALT 20V platform but see a great deal on a Milwaukee M18 item? no problem, get the right adapter and you are good to go!
Overall, from the viewpoint of economy and convenience, the use of these power tool battery adapters is a very useful accessory for users of tools, which makes switching brands a snap, you can even keep an eye out for batteries on clearance and save much money.
Incorporating these powerful and durable batteries into your toolkit can significantly improve your work efficiency, making them a valuable addition for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
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