Are DeWalt Batteries Interchangeable?

There are many types of DeWalt battery, and the striking brand colours make them all look quite similar! Their names and product numbers aren’t always clear either, so if you’ve got a DeWalt power tool you may be confused about which one(s) you can use.

In this blog post we’ll help you get an answer to that question, by giving you the info you need to find the battery best suited to your needs. Here’s what we’re going to cover:

• Are DeWalt batteries interchangeable?
• Types of DeWalt batteries
• Can I use any DeWalt batteries in any DeWalt tool?
• Are DeWalt batteries compatible with other tool brands?
• What batteries are compatible with DeWalt tools?
• Choosing a DeWalt battery for your tool

DeWalt Battery Compatibility: Are DeWalt Batteries Interchangeable?

Some DeWalt batteries are interchangeable, but not all of them. Each tool is designed to work with one or some batteries, and batteries will either not fit or not work well if they aren’t compatible.

While some batteries will physically not fit into incompatible tools, meaning there’s no risk of damage or danger, it’s still best to know that you’re buying a battery that will work with your tool.

Let’s first look at the different types of DeWalt battery currently available.

Types of DeWalt Batteries

Your battery options will depend primarily on the tool you have, and, if your tool is compatible with multiple batteries, on your budget and the requirements of the job.

In this section we’ll look at DeWalt’s battery ranges, along with their features and tool compatibility.

DeWalt XR FlexVolt Batteries

With the tagline “Power of Corded. Freedom of Cordless.” this range of 54V DeWalt batteries makes a bold, appealing claim. They’re ideal for a site where heavy jobs need doing, and where fewer generators and cables are desired.

Features:

• Automatic switch between 54V and 18V depending on the tool
• Suitable for jobs not previously possible with cordless tools

Compatibility:

• 18V XR DeWalt tools and chargers

DeWalt Powerstack Batteries

DeWalt introduced this range of batteries with the tagline “More work. Fewer Charges.” When you’re on the job, it’s hard to imagine a better description of what you want from a battery.

Features:

• 50% more power vs. comparable cylindrical cell batteries
• 2x lifespan vs. comparable cylindrical cell batteries
• Cooler running

Compatibility:

• 18V XR DeWalt tools and chargers

DeWalt XR 18V Batteries

The XR 18V is DeWalt’s biggest range, with over 250 products suited to hundreds of different applications, all built to meet the needs of the most experienced and discerning professionals.

Features:

• Available up to 5Ah for high runtime

Compatibility:

• DeWalt XR FlexVolt batteries
• DeWalt Powerstack batteries

DeWalt XR 12V Batteries

Designed to provide “the perfect compromise between size and performance,” DeWalt’s XR 12V batteries are built to perform.

Features:

• Lightweight and compact for jobs with limited access
• A powerful and versatile range of tools

Compatibility:

• Some tools in the XR 12V range are compatible with all 10.8V and 12V batteries

Take a look at our range of DeWalt batteries to find what you need.

Note: DeWalt occasionally discontinues battery ranges. Recent batteries that are no longer sold include the 18V NiCad range, some 7.2V batteries, and some XR FlexVolt batteries to name but a few.

Can I Use Any DeWalt Batteries in Any DeWalt Tool?

No, each tool is restricted to certain types of battery. To help you understand why some batteries and tools are incompatible, let’s take a look at some of the factors that determine compatibility:

• Voltage: a battery’s power potential, with higher voltage meaning increased performance, power output, and efficiency
• Current (amperage): a battery’s ability to deliver power, with higher current increasing efficiency and performance
• Chemistry: batteries have different chemical compositions, and tools may only function with the correct partner battery type
• Size: a battery’s design and intended use will determine its size, and manufacturers can use sizing and physical form as a way to prevent incompatible batteries from being put into a tool

Are DeWalt Batteries Compatible With Other Tool Brands?

Yes, some DeWalt batteries are compatible with other power tool brands. Because compatibility can change over time as tool and battery ranges evolve, we won’t provide a list of compatible tools here. Instead, we’ll advise on things to consider when deciding whether to use another brand battery with your tool:

• Does the battery fully meet the required specifications? Using a battery that only partly meets the specs may lead to reduced performance or even damage
• Does another brand’s battery void the warranty? To prevent damage and safety risks, some brands include clauses in their warranties that prevent the use of off-brand batteries
• Will the battery require more frequent charging? If the battery has lower capacity than intended, you may find battery life to be lower than expected

What Batteries are Compatible With DeWalt Tools?

To find out which batteries are compatible with your DeWalt tool, follow these steps:

• Check the user manual: this will give information on the battery type and required specifications, including voltage and current
• Check the battery compartment: it’s likely you’ll find information here about specifications for compatible batteries
• Visit the DeWalt website: this is a fantastic resource for information about their tools, and about batteries in particular
• Look at online forums: there are plenty of forums where tradesmen and professionals talk about jobs and tools, and these are a great place to tap directly into their insights. It’s often the case that someone else has had the exact same question you’re asking, making it likely you’ll find a good answer!

Choosing a DeWalt Battery for Your Tool

If you’re still wondering what the best DeWalt battery for your needs is, here are some pointers on finding the answer:

• Check which batteries are compatible: you can do this by using the compatibility info at the top of this guide, or by looking at your tool’s specification in the manual or on the tool itself
• Consider what you’re planning to use the tool for, if multiple batteries are compatible: if you’re a casual user who uses your tool occasionally, you can probably make do with a lower power battery. For a professional planning on daily use, a higher power and capacity option is probably a better fit
• Consider your budget, if multiple batteries are compatible: batteries with higher power and capacity will cost more, so if your budget is limited see if you can make do with a cheaper option
• Ask around: sometimes the best way to find the right battery for your tool is to ask a friend or colleague who’s got more experience with the tools and jobs in question. This way you can leverage their expertise and save yourself a bit of time doing your own research!

Take a look at our DeWalt power tool range and our selection of DeWalt batteries to find the right tool and battery combination for your needs.

There are many different types of power tool batteries, and it’s not always easy to find the right battery for the tool and the job you’re planning to do. We’ve written this guide to answer some common questions about DeWalt battery compatibility and, hopefully, to point you in the right direction when choosing your battery.

If you’ve still got questions about batteries and tool compatibility, whether for DeWalt or otherwise, please feel free to get in touch with our team. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and connect you with the battery and/or tool you need to get your job done.