Upgrading From the Dewalt 18V Platform

[lostcause]

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.

 

[lostcause]

Here's the test platform:

Dewalt DCA1820 adapter and DCB207 1.3ah battery

and the tools:

DC011 radio/charger - untested so far

DC970 drill - seems to work fine with the test platform listed above. Dewalt states not to use premium batteries with this tool. assume that's the higher output batteries only?

DW908 light - seems to work fine

DCS370 band saw - adapter will not fit tool. I saw this note on the link below and assumed it was a battery / adapter clearance issue, but it is a design issue. the adapter has some lugs on the post that will not allow the tool electrical contacts to make contact with the battery contacts.

DC390 circular saw - seems to work fine, but will not quite cut full depth with the 1.3ah battery, however it appears that you can cut 1-1/2" framing lumber with batteries up to 5ah or maybe even larger? I have nothing that large to do a definitive test with at current time.

DC385 reciprocating saw (have 2) - seems to work fine

DCD970 hammer drill - seems to work fine

DW919 light - seems to work fine

DC825 1/4" impact driver - seems to work fine

DC410 cut-off tool - untested so far. tool stopped working previously - need to determine whether it is armature or brushes or other.

DW059H 1/2" impact - seems to work fine


I will post my results with each tool as I go.

here's the link to the Dewalt FAQ with more of what does and does not work:

https://support.dewalt.com/hc/en-us/articles/360014537137-Is-the-DEWALT-18V-to-20V-MAX-Adapter-DCA1820-compatible-with-all-18V-tools-

 

[davedj1]

I have a bunch of Dewalt 18v stuff as well, I don't use it much any more. I'm not sure what to do with it. I have a ton of 18v Makita as well which gets used all the time for work, in my garage I have tons of Ryobi 18v and love every piece of it.
I'm thinking I'll probably end up giving hte Dewalt stuff away.
If it helps, I bought some knock off batteries off Amazon or ebay and have no complaints with them and they were cheap.
I write the date on every tool and battery when I buy them just to keep track of them and to slow down theft.
If the tools work for you look into the knock off batteries.

ETA: I understand you can buy adapters to run any battery platform in any tool, maybe a Ryobi battery to the dewalt tools? Batteries are usually 99 a pair for 4 ah batteries

 

[4570Man]

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.

 

[Grumpycat]

I would suggest looking for a reputable online source of raw NiCAD and NiMH replacement cells. Used to be a number selling the cells pre wired to open your old battery to swap.

 

[Jchonline]

I dont have anything against Dewalt. I started in Milwaukee about 8 years ago and still have every battery I started with and they work fine. No tool failures Yet. Main tools have been bullet proof for my needs. I usually wait for a deal at Hone Depot then get what I need. Batteries on this platform are expensive but very good. So look for deals that give you ”free” ones.

 

[lostcause]

so, i've tested most and came up with the surprise when i encountered a deliberate design feature prohibiting me from connecting the adapter to the band saw. I've googled and can't find an answer, so does anyone have any idea why this might be? the nominal battery voltage for these batteries is 18v, so what could the difference be that they don't want you to use the adapter, and also, to aftermarket adapters all have this limitation too?

 

[lostcause]

I dont have anything against Dewalt. I started in Milwaukee about 8 years ago and still have every battery I started with and they work fine. No tool failures Yet. Main tools have been bullet proof for my needs. I usually wait for a deal at Hone Depot then get what I need. Batteries on this platform are expensive but very good. So look for deals that give you ”free” ones.

my failed batteries are stamped 2009 & 2010, so I've got zero complaints on the quality and longevity. i have some functioning 2008 & 2009 still, and my newest is 2014, so they all have done fine by me.

 

[japody]

so, i've tested most and came up with the surprise when i encountered a deliberate design feather prohibiting me from connecting the adapter to the band saw. I've googled and can't find an answer, so does anyone have any idea why this might be? the nominal battery voltage for these batteries is 18v, so what could the difference be that they don't want you to use the adapter, and also, to aftermarket adapters all have this limitation too?

I've used the adapter on my drill, recip saw, circular saw, and impact driver. Works great.

 

[rScotty]

I haven't looked at all but know that my M28 Milwaukees can't last forever. The problem is that none of the newer tools are built half so well.

Maybe this is common, but do any of the companies offer a Lithium battery pack to directly replace the older Ni battery pack?