Upgrading From the Dewalt 18V Platform

[dragoneggs]

Only way I'll ever own an electric chain saw is when I can no longer buy gasoline. And at that time a chain saw will be wayyyyyy down on my list of things I must have.

I absolutely love my Stihl battery chainsaw. My two gassers just sit there now.

 

[RalphVa]

I didn't want to bury this in the recent "cordless tools vs." post, so I'm creating this separately. I'm assuming I'm not the only person still limping along with this ni-cad dinosaur platform, so maybe any others out there can either help with my questions or learn a few details along the way as I make a move to upgrade.

I've got a reasonable amount of these tools: 10-12 total, with 9 batteries: 6 xrp & 3 regular. Some of this stuff I paid retail price for, and some I got at ridiculous deals over the years both new & used. for example, i paid $18 for a 2-pack of xrp batteries still sealed in the clamshell. but i digress... i recently had two of my xrp batteries fail - won't charge on any of the several chargers i have. they're all getting pretty well aged, and some of the others don't seem to hold charge well, so i know i'm on borrowed time. around here everyone is buying the milwaukee fuel 18v stuff like there is no other alternative. my question is, do i cut bait and jump too, or do i stay with the Dewalt brand and move the 20v max platform, hopefully gradually.

I've tried to do research online, but I can't find any large definitive lists of what works and what does not work when using the 20v max batteries in the 18v tools. the dewalt faq has one partial list (I will link it here in a bit) but it only has 2 of the tools i have and the information was unclear. Because of this, i'm going to post all of my tools with a list of what works and does not work for everyone's benefit, and also pose any questions I have about why something does or does not work, and hopefully someone can provide an answer.

Went from DeWalt to Porter Cable and now Kobalt for the smaller tools. Ryobi 40v for the bigger stuff like lawn mowers, grass whip, trimmer. Then 36v lead acid for the Ryobi ZT. No more gasoline engines.

 

[WranglerX]

The drill may just need brushes. Easy to find, easy to replace. I just did my old 18v Hammer Drill.

Quite possibly.... Have not really **looked** at it yet....

 

[cullenskink]

I was standardized on dewalt 18v. I experimented with Ryobi, hrmmm, but the eliability across the range of tools is poor. I'm transitioning to Milwaukee M18, the tools are top notch, but definitely avoid their "high output HD ( 9 and 12)" batteries. They have a design flaw, just look at many reviews of lemons on HomeDepot site. One of mine failed very early with little use. I think the XC line is pretty reliable.

I had a good experience with dewalt 18v but was pissed at them arbitrarily changing the connector to force me to buy a bunch of new 20v tools from them. So I half did what they wanted and started buying new tools from Milwaukee.

Also I have ordered a chinesium adapter to use the M18 battery on my old dewalt tools, from amazon. I'll just replace the dewalt stuff as I go.

 

[ovrszd]

Also I have ordered a chinesium adapter to use the M18 battery on my old dewalt tools, from amazon. I'll just replace the dewalt stuff as I go.

Didn't know such a thing existed!!!! Do I just Google search it? Thanks for posting this. I'm wanting to convert to Milwaukee M18 but hated to have my Dewalt tools laying around. Good stuff!!!

 

[cullenskink]

Didn't know such a thing existed!!!! Do I just Google search it? Thanks for posting this. I'm wanting to convert to Milwaukee M18 but hated to have my Dewalt tools laying around. Good stuff!!!

I've just ordered it, expecting it next week. PM me and I'll keep you posted on how it's working for me. There other choices but randomly picked this one based on reasonable reviews and price. It also has a usb port.

ADVNOVO DM18D Battery Adapter with USB Port for De&Walt Adapter for Milwaukee M18 Battery to DC9096 Battery for De&Walt Adapter DCB205 Battery to 18V NiCad NiMh Battery Tools : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement

ADVNOVO DM18D Battery Adapter with USB Port for De&Walt Adapter for Milwaukee M18 Battery to DC9096 Battery for De&Walt Adapter DCB205 Battery to 18V NiCad NiMh Battery Tools : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.ca

 

[Grumpycat]

I had a good experience with dewalt 18v but was pissed at them arbitrarily changing the connector to force me to buy a bunch of new 20v tools from them. So I half did what they wanted and started buying new tools from Milwaukee.

So how did you want Dewalt to handle the different charging requirements for lithium vs NiMH and NiCAD? Can’t trust your average idiot not to use the wrong charger.

18v NiMH uses 15 cells. So-called 20v lithium uses 5 (for 18.5v). The tall post of the 18v is terribly inconvenient for lithium cells.

I do agree Dewalt should sell their 20v-battery-to-18v tool for at a nominal price to convert loyal owners.

 

[cullenskink]

So how did you want Dewalt to handle the different charging requirements for lithium vs NiMH and NiCAD? Can’t trust your average idiot not to use the wrong charger.

18v NiMH uses 15 cells. So-called 20v lithium uses 5 (for 18.5v). The tall post of the 18v is terribly inconvenient for lithium cells.

I do agree Dewalt should sell their 20v-battery-to-18v tool for at a nominal price to convert loyal owners.

"So how did you want Dewalt to handle the different charging requirements for lithium vs NiMH and NiCAD? Can’t trust your average idiot not to use the wrong charger."

It's very simple, the mfr just adds an extra extrusion on the new style batteries that matches a change in the mould for the new style charger. Thus stopping newer chemistry batteries being placed on older chargers. Which is exactly what they did when they offered NiCd batteries in 18v. I imagine this is how Ryobi has solved the problem of supporting 18V batteries across many different chemistries for so long.

 

[Grumpycat]

"So how did you want Dewalt to handle the different charging requirements for lithium vs NiMH and NiCAD? Can’t trust your average idiot not to use the wrong charger."

It's very simple, the mfr just adds an extra extrusion on the new style batteries that matches a change in the mould for the new style charger. Thus stopping newer chemistry batteries being placed on older chargers. Which is exactly what they did when they offered NiCd batteries in 18v. I imagine this is how Ryobi has solved the problem of supporting 18V batteries across many different chemistries for so long.

So you want NiCAD, NiMH, and lithium batteries to be the same but you want the attachment modified so they do not get accidentally mixed with incompatible tools or chargers? "Same but different?"

And you want this retroactive? And presumably forward looking for whatever replaces lithium?

 

[IndyJay]

So you want NiCAD, NiMH, and lithium batteries to be the same but you want the attachment modified so they do not get accidentally mixed with incompatible tools or chargers? "Same but different?"

And you want this retroactive? And presumably forward looking for whatever replaces lithium?

I think the intent is that any new battery technology will still fit older tool; battery and charger compatibility would still be separated. Not that big of an ask. It has nothing to do with ability to do it, or even difficulty. It has to do with selling new tools.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I bought a supply of these DeWalt DC9180 lithium batteries for my older DeWalt tools.

They are a direct replacement for the old 18V NiCd batteries. Unfortunately, they are getting hard to find.

I also have a few adapters but I don't like the bulk they add to the tool. It's sometimes tough to get into tight places.

 

[cullenskink]

So you want NiCAD, NiMH, and lithium batteries to be the same but you want the attachment modified so they do not get accidentally mixed with incompatible tools or chargers? "Same but different?"

And you want this retroactive? And presumably forward looking for whatever replaces lithium?

What's required is perfectly achievable, as demonstrated by Ryobi. It's not hard. The tools don't care, 18 volts is 18 volts. wether it comes from NiMh or a bunch of lemons with with copper and zinc strips in their flesh. It matters for the chargers as different chemistries require different charging profiles.

 

[biffnh]

Dewalt 18 volt batteries are top post where the 20 volt batteries are flat top. Nothing is directly interchangeable. They make adapters. They’re kinda clunky but that might be an acceptable compromise for light use.

I purchased the adapter (aftermarket from E-Bay) and it works really well - doesn't change the geometry much and now I run my 18v tools with my 20v Li ion batteries. The tools work really well on the 20v and I've had the adapter for over a year and plenty of use. Certainly beat purchasing new 18v batteries for a 24 year old drill and saw! They both run like new - even better.

 

[ovrszd]

I purchased the adapter (aftermarket from E-Bay) and it works really well - doesn't change the geometry much and now I run my 18v tools with my 20v Li ion batteries. The tools work really well on the 20v and I've had the adapter for over a year and plenty of use. Certainly beat purchasing new 18v batteries for a 24 year old drill and saw! They both run like new - even better.

Thanks for the post!!! Just what I wanted to hear!!!

 

[Sodo]

I switched over to Makita but still have a lot of DeWalt 18v tools. That all work well but as you know the batteries are gone.

I made this adapter so I could use my DeWalt jigsaw, which is an awesome machine.

I used a Makita “USB Adapter” that cost about $16.

It’s possible that you can get these adapters on eBay by now but there was nothing back when I made this one.

 

[WranglerX]

I switched over to Makita but still have a lot of DeWalt 18v tools. That all work well but as you know the batteries are gone.

View attachment 737992
I made this adapter so I could use my DeWalt jigsaw, which is an awesome machine.

I used a Makita “USB Adapter” that cost about $16.

It’s possible that you can get these adapters on eBay by now but there was nothing back when I made this one.

Ands so it begins....

 

[AnotherBueller]

FYI. The Connecticut-based Stanley Black & Decker owns many brands beyond its name, including Lenox, Craftsman, Irwin Tools, DeWALT and CribMaster.

Add Milwaukee to that list.

 

[rScotty]

Add Milwaukee to that list.

Don't think so. Different company.

 

[walnutman]

As far as the lug is concerned, maybe it's related to the same issue I have with my Makita batteries. Makita came out with newer batteries that won't go on some of my older tools due to a plastic part that prevents final docking. The reason is the newer batteries are higher amp hour and have protection circuit that monitors the tool. Older tools can't talk to the battery.

 

[arto98607]

I didn't want to bury this in the recent "cordless tools vs." post, so I'm creating this separately. I'm assuming I'm not the only person still limping along with this ni-cad dinosaur platform, so maybe any others out there can either help with my questions or learn a few details along the way as I make a move to upgrade.

I've got a reasonable amount of these tools: 10-12 total, with 9 batteries: 6 xrp & 3 regular. Some of this stuff I paid retail price for, and some I got at ridiculous deals over the years both new & used. for example, i paid $18 for a 2-pack of xrp batteries still sealed in the clamshell. but i digress... i recently had two of my xrp batteries fail - won't charge on any of the several chargers i have. they're all getting pretty well aged, and some of the others don't seem to hold charge well, so i know i'm on borrowed time. around here everyone is buying the milwaukee fuel 18v stuff like there is no other alternative. my question is, do i cut bait and jump too, or do i stay with the Dewalt brand and move the 20v max platform, hopefully gradually.

I've tried to do research online, but I can't find any large definitive lists of what works and what does not work when using the 20v max batteries in the 18v tools. the dewalt faq has one partial list (I will link it here in a bit) but it only has 2 of the tools i have and the information was unclear. Because of this, i'm going to post all of my tools with a list of what works and does not work for everyone's benefit, and also pose any questions I have about why something does or does not work, and hopefully someone can provide an answer.

I will stick with my modest but trusty very old 12V DeWalt DW972 as long as cheap batteries and cheap parts, or replacement DW972 drills are available on the eBay!

Perfectly fine for light duty drilling it was meant some 30 years or so ago, and anything requiring more juice I use 120V or pneumatic tools.

Your mileage may differ.....