Troy has been using Dewalt 18V tools for years, but the tools and batteries are starting to go. He’s in the same situation as others, and wrote in looking for advice.
Like I’m sure a lot of your readers, I bought one of the DeWalt 18V multi-tool packages several years back. I’ve now reached the point where some of the tools are dying (like the drill) and the batteries don’t keep a charge, or I like some of the newer specialty tools.
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My question for you is: what is the best way to go about upgrading and replacing without buying EVERYTHING new? Can I just start replacing the broken tools with 20V Li-ion versions? Are the batteries and tools interchangeable? Is it a good idea?
I would appreciate any insight!
If you’re in the same situation as Troy, you’re not going to like this answer. Unfortunately, the only option is to buy everything new. Dewalt’s “20V Max” cordless power tool line is not at all compatible with their 18V line, except for their multi-port vacuum.
There currently are not any official battery or tool adapters, and there are unlikely to be any conversion adapters later on.
The bright side is that, since Dewalt 18V cordless tool users are faced with having to buy everything new, they could shop around and decide which brand’s battery platform to buy into. A lot of readers have made the switch from Dewalt to Milwaukee’s M18 lineup, but Dewalt’s 20V Max offerings have become reasonably competitive.
To spread the cost around you could always buy individual tools as they break, starting perhaps with a drill/driver kit. But if your batteries are starting to go as well, a kit might be a better option. Keep in mind that the basic kits have saws with reduced features. If that matters to you, you would have to look at the premium kits or individual kits and bare tools.
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Dewalt’s 20V Max tool selection is not as vast as their 18V line, but they’re adding new tools every so often and coming out with exclusive offerings such as their brushless oscillating tool and brushless framing nailers.
Having to upgrade from Dewalt’s 18V platform to a completely new Li-ion system, rather than simply being able to upgrade to latest generation tools and batteries as needed, is not the happiest situation to be in. The need to upgrade everything could be delayed with the purchase of new 18V batteries and replacement or upgraded tools as needed, but that’s just postponing the inevitable need for a complete upgrade. In my opinion, the money would be better spent on new Li-ion tools and batteries.
SharkyTM
This is one of my biggest complaints about DeWalt. I don’t see them offering anything over any of the other companies in price, performance, selection, backward-compatability, or warranty. Given the choice, I’d switch from Makita to Milwaukee 18V, but I’m very happy with my Makita LXT tools. If I cared about price and selection, I’d go to Ryobi. DeWalt is basically an also-ran in my eyes.
KenZ
Totally agree. I too have the Makita LXT, and they’re fine. They were looking like the best option back when I bought into that lineup back in 2008, but now they’re no longer on top. Were I to go back in time, it’d be Milwaukee all the way. And, to parrot @SharkyTM even more, if cost is a major factor, Ryobi’s stuff is actually pretty decent if you’re not a tradesman using the stuff for hard, mission critical, paying your rent work every day.
Tom
Not a guarantee for the future, but Craftsman C3, Ryobi, and Ridgid all made their new 18v li-ion packs compatible with older tools. I have an old Ridgid set that I was able to upgrade to li-ion by just buying a new drill kit on sale; 2 new batteries and charger were more expensive.
SteveR
Stuart–I think before anyone can say, “Go with Milwaukee” or “Stay with DeWalt”, they need to know to what uses the new tools will be put. If I had to guess, Troy is not a professional repairman or construction worker that needs THE best or most versatile tool package out there. If he’s a DIYer like most of us, he may not need the 20V package; perhaps he’d be better off with a 12-volt platform drill-driver, impact or or other tool. The size and weight difference can be enough to make you prefer one over the other. And the power available in the 12-volt line might be enough for his occasional use. I bought a 20 volt DeWalt impact/drill driver kit two years ago, and would have been happier with a 12 volt system.
He should evaluate what he needs it for, weight considerations going to a lighter model, how often it will be used (daily/professional or occasionally) and other relevant factors. Everyone’s different in their specific needs, so he should understand what will work for HIM. From there, he can ask questions about what’s the best package within that set of parameters.
Michael Quinlan
I was in the same situation 18 months ago – dying batteries & a drill with stripped gears. I knew a complete upgrade was on the horizon no matter how I addressed the issue in the near term. I concluded that the DeWalt’s 18V product line had limited life , and that resale value would rapidly decline as this became apparent to more people. So, I replaced all my essential tools with Milwaukee M18 models, and sold ALL my 18V DeWalt tools. Since I was only replacing essential tools, the sale of the old DeWalt tools covered about 50% off the new Milwaukee tools.
I know DeWalt did sell (and I think still does) lithium ion batteries compatible with their older 18V tools, but the stem-pack firm factor is obviously not compatible with their newer 20V Max line. I really think DeWalt sit itself in the foot by not giving users an upgrade path. As you said, being put in the position of having to upgrade your entire toll arsenal at once presents the perfect opportunity to evaluate our switch to a competing brand – something I did, and I think many others will do. Sure… Brand loyalty can play into this decision, but do does customer loyalty, and DeWalt has shown none of that here.
Tim S.
the fact the 18v stuff is going to get cheaper is only a plus to me personally. The 18v lithium batteries will come down in price (hopefully) and keep my 18v stable going strong for a while. Seems like calling these new ones 20V when they are infact 18V li-ion in a different form factor is quite a marketing gimmick. I will remain happy with my lowly 18v tools as long as they continue to serve me well. If money were no option it seems the Milwaukee 18v Fuel is the current flavor of the month but boy are those kits pricey. the dewalt 18v stuff continues to go on sale, i will continue buying it.
Troy
This is Troy, the original questioner. Thanks to ToolGuyd (and the readers) for taking up my issue!
Perhaps I’m splitting the baby here or delaying the inevitable, but can I purchase an 18v li-ion tool (like a new drill) and use that as a bridge until the rest of my tools need replacement? Are those batteries compatible with my old 18V XRPs? Is there a huge difference between 18v li-ion and 20v li-ion? I think I have too many working 18v tools to jump ship from DeWalt just yet.
P.S. – the drills in question took a real beating using the CAMO system on a 12 x 24 deck I built. That’s what accelerated this mess.
RX9
Dewalt’s 18v li-ion battery for the XRP line is only 2.6 AH. (ampere-hours of available energy).
The 20 V max line has 4.0 AH batteries available.
Jerry
Also, the 18 volt Lithium batteries will require a special charger compatible with the lithium batteries (can’t use your old charger) and will not work with the new 20v tools.
If it were me (and its always easy how to tell someone else to spend their money) I’d replace your broken tool(s) with the platform of choice, and get a couple 18v batteries to finish wearing out your other tools. The 18v compatible lithium battery is quite a bit more expensive than the 20v, plus will require a new charger. If you watch sales, you can get the 18v XRP batteries for less than $50, and a basic 20v DeWalt drill/driver with compact lithium batteries for around $100.
Now might be the time to make the jump, with Amazon extending their DeWalt discount, if that is the brand you want to go with.
mikeh
I agree with Jerry – I have a ton of old 18v tools that work very hard – i just purchased some traditional 18v batteries to replace some dead ones on CPO and using the current discount picked up two batteries for under $100.00. There’s no real need to move to the 18 li-ion but if you do just get one with a charger – those batteries will work in your older equipment. You can also pick up new drills pretty cheap and if you look on craigslist there are a lot of folks selling very lightly used 18v dewalt tools.
I hear what everyone’s saying about the new lines but i have beat the life out of my dewalt 18v equipment and it continues to perform better than any of the other brands i’ve used (disclaimer: i have not tried the new milwaukee or makita lines). Dewalt continues to fully support the 18V line so there’s little risk in maintaining your investment.
RX9
Go with:
Ryobi 18V – if you want a series of dependable consumer-grade tools, with a positively huge span of applications. Ryobi’s 18v line boasts a number of landscaping tools, including: hedge trimmer, chainsaw, string trimmer, etc. Ryobi’s line is very affordable, often on sale and widely available at Home Depot and other outlets. Ryobi also makes a cordless JobPlus tool, compatible with Ridgid JobMax tool heads.
Dewalt 20V Max – if you want professional grade strength and you do a lot of woodworking/construction. Dewalt has one of the few cordless nailers out on the market. Dewalt also has one of the few cordless rotary saws as well.
Milwaukee M18 – if you are looking for brilliant battery life from your tools and price is no object, Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel line (a subcategory line compatible with all M18 batteries) is the largest selection of brushless 18V tools to date. I have both the full size and compact M18 Fuel impact wrench, and they are considerably more powerful than almost all competitor’s models (save for Ingersoll Rand). The regular M18 line is very well built and fairly extensive as well.
Makita 18V LXT – if you want to have the absolutely largest selection of 18v tools available to you, Makita is your choice. With over 80 different tools, including a planer, right-angle impact driver, 16 gauge nibbler, die grinder, and a host of other niche tools, Makita has almost every application covered. Like Ryobi, Makita also has a number of landscaping tools in their line. What’s more, Makita is one of only two manufacturers (the other being super high end woodworking brand Festool) to feature a double battery system that allows you to use two 18v batteries to power tools from their 36v line. The only drawback is that Makita’s battery system is not as reliable as other manufacturers, missing some of their competitors’ more advanced protection circuitry.
Jason
Ryobi makes decent Diy quality tools and Home Depot offers some great battery deals. You can’t beat 2 4.0 ah batteries for 99 dollars. Most of my tools are Milwaukee M18 fuel, but I still have a few Ryobi tools that I use mostly for outdoor chores. Ryobi also as the Power Strike cordless nailers which are amazing for the price. You not going to find another brand of cordless nailer even close to price Ryobi has them.
Tim S.
Yes Troy the 18v Li-Ion kits will work on your current 18V tools. The battery you would want is the DC9180 (XRP 18V Li-Ion). Ebay is the cheapest I have seen consistently as of late.
or you buy the set from amazon for 300
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCD970KL-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Hammerdrill/dp/B001UHOUU8
Les Garten
I guess I’m doing it wrong…
I get my battery packs rebuilt and my drills rebuilt.
When I get to the point that I can’t do that, I’ll look closely at incompatibilities, performance, and product lines. I didn’t do that when I bought into Dewalt back in ’95. Not sure if there really was other players so much at that time though.
Troy
Les, where do you get your stuff rebuilt? The few times I’ve walked into my DeWalt repair center (I actually have one local), the cost is through the roof.
Jerry
We have an Interstate battery store that rebuilds them, but in my experience, their economy rebuilds aren’t nearly as good as a DW brand battery, and their premium ones run $40-$45, aNd for just a few bucks more, I get brand new batteries, with no wait (it takes from 3-5 days for a rebuild)
Kevin J Kucera
The DeWalt repair shop in Fort Worth, Texas offered me the option of having my drill shipped to them for complete rebuild. It was so warn out that I essentially got brand new 18V drill out of it. I like it better than the last one. Price of rebuild: $99 plus tax.
I had them rebuild my angle drill for the same price. Both are working great, I bought new 18V batteries, but now I want to buy an 18V grinder, but they are $250 and up; I should have purchased when they were $125. Whereas the 20V MAX grinder is $99.
Mike
Listen I used every tool brand and the two best are dewalt and Milwaukee m18 not the fuel line they are having too many problems with it Bosch is good but harder to find complete line up and best bang for the buck porter cable they are just as good as the higher priced brands
Hang Fire
Thank you for mentioning Bosch, Mike, I was beginning to wonder if anyone here even knew Bosch existed!
Stuart
Bosch is actually my favorite power tool brand. They are my favorite for corded tools and that has influenced my cordless tool preference.
Most of the time when someone writes about upgrading from Dewalt’s 18V lineup, it’s usually to Dewalt 20V Max or Milwaukee M18. That’s the only reason why Milwaukee is mentioned in the post.
SharkyTM
Stuart,
I love Bosch’s tools, but their selection is awful short in this country, and their pricing is pretty high. I’m a big fan of their organization and 12v tools, but feel that Milwaukee 12v is better for a number of reasons.
Alfredo Huerta
What about Hitachi? That’s my favorite brand. And you can pick up refurbished tools at Bigskytool.com..
Garrick
DeWalt “20 Volt Max” means 18 uncompatible volts.
I don’t want to start an argument, but I get the impression DeWalt has a better image with do-it-yourselfers and consumers than it does with pros. Pros tend to use them simply because homeowners are impressed by them… Which is maybe why I have my bigger table top tools display DeWalt on them.
For tools held in my hands, I try to buy ones that I can hold in my hands well.
I would love to get into Milwaukee these days, but they seldom fit me.
Fe$tool and Makita, then Bosch fit me well.
Hang Fire
“Pros tend to use them simply because homeowners are impressed by them…” I’ve never heard that before!
At the local weekend flea market there’s a humongous pile of deWalt 18V tools for sale, mostly drill drivers, almost all gleaming new. The simple reason for the existence of this pile is simple: holiday specials that included 2 batteries and a cheap drill driver for $99. Laborers buy the $99 special and then sell the drill driver for a few bucks and use the batteries on their existing tool set.
At that same flea market you can walk in with a new in package deWalt battery and use it like currency.
IMHO it has nothing to do with impressing homeowners. It has everything to do with the fact that all the other laborers are using deWalt tools and chargers, and the batteries are high quality and very available.
arturo raygoza
pros use them because they are pros
matt
Pro’s use them cause their boss handed them to them..
Pete
As many have said already, I would go with the Milwaukee. I currently own several Makita 18v tools and wish I was invested in the Milwaukee 18v platform.
DragonLord
I use DeWalt 20V Max simply because it’s the most accessible system to me. The only professional power tool brand the local Sears carries is DeWalt, and I was dissatisfied with the Craftsman power tools they had there. The closest Home Depot is more than a hour away via mass transit, and since most of the contractors I’ve seen in my area use DeWalt, I figured I couldn’t go wrong.
Sure, the 20V Max tool selection isn’t as large as that of the Makita 18V LXT or Milwaukee M18 systems, but I trust DeWalt to come out with some new and better tools over the coming years. They also have a huge service network, so I know I have someone to go to if I ever run into an issue.
It really would be a good idea if DeWalt ran a program where users could trade in their 18V tools for credit towards 20V Max tools…
Jim
“The only drawback is that Makita’s battery system is not as reliable as other manufacturers, missing some of their competitors’ more advanced protection circuitry.”
If you buy in ‘new’ now, this is no longer the case. The new batteries, chargers and tools have the protection circuitry. There is some backward compatibility, but not 100%. Hence, many of the half-informed and incorrect comments about the Makita 18V LXT battery platform on this site. Interesting, Makita engineers have limited the ability of the new higher amperage batteries to be used on older tools without the protection circuitry to prevent too much drain and protecting the life of the tool. On this site, multiple people complain repeatedly about this. Makita could taken a marketing vs. engineering approach and decided to just let the new batteries work. Some people even modify the tab on the new batteries so they fit and function. But, it could have jeopardized the life of the tool. And, for tools out of warranty, no cost to Makita. With tools over 3 years old, the consumer may just think it is old age and not tie the root cause to the use of higher amperage batteries. But, this is what some of the other manufacturers are doing…….and is it being applauded; Just offer higher and higher amperage and longer runtime batteries to be compatible in older tools with limited or no protection built in.
I have both the Dewalt 18V and Makita platform. I keep the Dewalt 18V around as secondary tools. Often I am using 2-3 drills, all chucked with different bits during a project. The high demand larger bits in the Makita, the lesser in the Dewalts. For what I could sell the Dewalts for, it is worth keeping them around. (The quickest tooling change is NO tooling change. That is why I have three 18V grinder; one each with a cutoff wheel, a grinding wheel and a 4” cup wire brush)
Makita has the largest lineup you can grow in to, with multiple versions of drills, impacts and saws. Plus, the garden tools, plus the 36V lineup, plus the multitude of additional tools already developed and slowly, but steadily being released in the US market. (I buy them in Australia at Sydney Tool and bring them over).
But, one of my biggest insights was when visiting my friend’s large commercial woodworking shop in Basel, Switzerland. They have a variety of brands in the shop and in their fleet of trucks. In the corner of the shop was a large drum half filled with dead cordless tools. I dug through it. Drum was 50% Bosch, many in good to very good condition. Drum had some older Makita, the very old with the long stick batteries. No newer Makita. A couple really battered Hilti drills. Afterwards I talked to the two owners. They said Hitachi and Bosch are junk. Refuse to buy any more. Hilti and Festool are very good, but too expensive and limited number of tools on the platform. Not a good value for them. Their current buy is Makita and 20V Dewalt. The Makita is by far the most reliable. The new 20V Dewalts so far have held up well and are small, allowing them better access during onsite installations. Dewalt also offers a well package 20V Drill / Impact kit with accessories that is perfect for in the trucks.ited the
Another data point. In Atlanta, I visited a larger local power tool repair center to buy some parts. I specifically asked the owner about cordless tool line reliability. He felt Makita was the most reliable. (Metabo has the best corded grinders) He told me in the early 2000’s Makita had about 3-4% of the local commercial market. Now it is about 22-25%. He was not kind about the new Milwaukee stuff. And Ridgid (the orange kind, not the industrial red Ridgid), he doesn’t even consider it as a viable alternative for the trademan….disposable.
Alfredo Huerta
Could be possible. I’m a handyman. I’ve killed a 18v Dewalt, a Makita drill, my Hitachi tools are holding up really well. I cannot say anything about Bosch or ridgid. I’ve tried some metabo drills, man they are sweet but expensive.
joe
lol You just schooled me bro…this is why i like reading the comments too.
Alex M
OK, if you can work a crimper there’s a good chance that there’s a harbor freight 18V battery pack that can provide new cells that will drop right into your DeWalt 18V battery shell. Then you just keep using the tools you already paid for.
I just rebuilt all of my 18V battery pack for under $20 each – I went to harbor freight, bought as many different variations of the 18V packs as I could get my hands on, opened them all up, and compared the cell layout and lead position to my dewalt pack. Lo and behold one of them was a perfect fit and I just harvested the ‘interface pins’ from the DeWalt cells, transferred them to the HF cells, then reassembled the Dewalt shell around the HF cells. The other packs required a little jiggery-pokery (a little extra lead or a trim here and there, nothing more) to fit, but I preferred that to reassembling and returning them. Then I bought more of the ‘easy’ packs to finish rehabbing my battery fleet.
Are they great cells? No. But I’m not a pro, they meet my needs easily, and they were absolutely dirt cheap. For other cheap bastards who are perfectly happy with their existing tools save for the dead/dying batteries, I hope you check out the HF pack transplant strategy.
JimS
I switched to Ryobi tools several years ago and have been pleased. The main problem some of my friends have had with DeWalt batterys has been with the NiCad batterys. They fail to charge or won’t take a charge. This problem is easily remedied. Using a wire welder you can zap the battery pack and they are usually restored to like new condition. This only works on NiCad battery packs NOT on Lithium. To learn how to do this just Google “zap NiCad battery pack”. Again DO NOT try this on the Lithium batterys.
Glenn
Just my 2 cents worth.
Except for the bargain basement type, pretty much all of the “name” brand cordless tools these days are decently made are durable and have decent a warranty.
You will never get a consensus on any brand as each brand has something to offer individual users and for for others its based on blind loyalty.
I work in two different areas, HVAC and concrete pool construction so I see a variety of brands being used. eg:, My HVAC boss uses M18, one or our electricians also uses M18 the other Makita.
Of my pool coworkers one uses a mix of Dewalt 18 and M12. My pool boss uses Dewalt 20v and has now started buying M18 Fuel while another co worker uses exclusively Ryobi One+ for both pool work and timber flooring work.
Personally I use M12 and Ryobi One+ . For now, both platforms have the tools I need between them.
Every one of us is happy with our gear. So what I am getting at is don’t get too tied up in what brand to buy. All these brands plus all the others mentioned in others posts above are good choices.
I can only recommend that you base your decision on envisaged usage, which company makes the tools you require and your budget. I would also further recommend that you take into account which brand has any other tools you may want in the future, even if you don’t need them right away.
Sorry if I have added confusion for the original questioner!!!
Kevin
This is the second time I am going though the same thing. I started with the Makita 9.6v stuff, sold all and moved into Dewalt 18v. I have the same problem, the batteries are shot and I have already purchased 6 of them over the years.
With the Fuel line, its a perfect time to invest in the next generation of cordless. I plan on getting both 12v and 18v stuff, since Milwaukee was smart enough to have charger to do both batteries and I do not need the bigger stuff most of the time.
I am sure we all will be have this same discussion again in 5-8 years when the nuclear power tools come out and its time to upgrade again!
Kevin
michael
I found it so interesting that you wrote this article because just this last week I replaced my Dewalt 18v drill driver with a Makita drill drive and hammer driver set.
I went to HD to buy new batteries for my dewalt but a a set of 2 was $100. So I played around with the drills and drivers and found I liked the Makita a lot and at $180, considering I didn’t own a dedicated driver; It made a lot of sense.
It’s just really cool how much tools have improved. I’m not used to lights on my tools and batteries that fully recharge in 15 minutes!
Jim Felt
I bought my first Dewalt 18v ni-cad drill at Costco (really) the month they came out in the mid Nineties. Very cutting edge. Even dropped a battery 10 feet onto concrete. Cracked and gaffer taped and used it last week. I’m thinking what 18 years?
Regardless since then I’ve only acquired Bosch 12v and now larger as they’ve met my needs with angle drills/drivers and great power/weight ratios and again I’m sad to see DeWalt become a has-been brand for too late future proofing and obviously innovation. Wasn’t DeWalt the last brand on earth to finally migrate to Li-ion batteries? Let alone brushless???
Sad once a company looses it edge.
fini
dan
It is a shame, DeWalt was everywhere in the mid to late 90’s here in the UK but has really dropped off since, bringing out lithium ion batteries that are compatible with older tools was good but now to change to a new system now is a stupid thing to do, pretty much all the other major brands have been building their current ranges for longer and I don’t believe there will be another round of battery format changes for a long while yet, Can you see Makita changing LXT now there is more than 60 tools available.
Jimmy
Problem I have with dewalt is that they don’t offer replacement body for the plastic case for the drill
matt
I think most of the arguments have been covered..
If it was Me and I was just doing it as a home owner.. I would just buy a new dewalt drill combo with new batteries or a remaned from CPO.. and run the stuff till at least Xmas time all the awesome deals hit around then.. If you decide to change or upgrade just sell of the old platform on CL.. It will sell fast its still a popular platform to most users..
Pat Lucado
Sort of off topic, but are any of the batteries rain proof? I’m so disappointed that my two newish 18v Dewalt Li-Ion batts got rained on (one sitting out, one in my recip saw) and it killed them both. Cooked the boards inside and now will not charge. I know, electronics and water don’t mix, but this makes me spooked to go Dewalt again. Of course, I could just go NiCad which has no board…
john
I have the dewalt 18v tools and they have been great so I also started buying the 20v tools and I love them. I’m not going to switch tools just because the battery platform changed I believe just about all the tools out there have changed their batteries. It’s just time to upgrade like buying a plasma TV to replace your old box tube tv. I also bought most of the 12v line up which are really cool. Buy what you like but I’m sticking with dewalt.
joe
“Sort of off topic, but are any of the batteries rain proof?”
I don’t thing there is such a thing it’s just the nature of the beast. All batteries, and all electricity, shorts out when there is no load across the positive and negative. Here it the neck of my woods it is mandatory to install GFI outlets in the bathrooms just in case a female drops her hair drier in the water and she won’t get fried, for example…you get the idea.
Having said that…what I believe happened is that the water shorted out the battery plugs and killed the board. I would believe it would be harder for the old nicad to short out since the plugs are high up in the nipple but if water gets in there I’m sure they would short out too…it only takes a few minutes the batteries get very hot and could explode…
Having said that, I always wear my DCL510 flashlight clipped to the back of my jeans. When it rains hard here where I work and have to be walking around, I don’t cover my flashlight with anything…have not shorted out the battery (knock on wood)…
You might give festool drill a try like this video shows it works even if it gets wet but I think he fried the batteries or something shorted out later on. lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bZ4yrpTcjw
The above video is two years old and this is 2 months old him doing sort of the same test but this time he does not dips it in water lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6ONa1WHl0k
In conclusion I don’t believe there is a battery that can handle water unless there are some brands out there that have a fuse in line to prevent such a thing but I would imagine that would cost money to implement and not a lot of demand for that.
Nate
i have not heard of one person on this forum utter the work PANASONIC! check out their entire new line of li-ion IP56 dust and waterproof drills, saws, grinders, etc. etc.! I am a US contractor in extreme N.W. Minnesota (almost Canada) it get -40F to 105F and I have been using Panasonic for 10-12 yrs now (year-round)….and still have the very first tool, charger, and batteries in the line-up getting used regularly all be it they look like hell they still work great! NiMH batteries in tools before any other brand of tool knew what that combination of letters meant, and Li -Ion before the rest too! Made in japan by people who know about electronics!
Gator
Ryobi One+ Line. Im addicted to adding to my collection. Used every day at home and professionally. Make sure you get the “high capacity Lithium+ batteries”. LITHIUM+ NOT JUST LITHIUM. The run time is amazing amd they really DO increase the power of the tool noticeably. Their smart charger is equally impressive. It actually conditions the batteries after charging and then cuts itself off.
T Krusling
I have 9 – 18 volt dewalt batteries; some as old as 1998. Only one is half dead. The rest hold their full charge. I charge them at home for 8 hours EVERY TIME. Read the manual and it tells you how to get the longest life from them. I bought enough batteries to never need to charge them while I’m working. That is a waste of time looking for an outlet that someone else isn’t already using.
I have over 20 18 volt tools thanks to all of you thinking you NEED to upgrade and dropped your working tools off at the pawn shop. I love how cheap I can buy 18 volt Dewalt stuff for now. Thank you.
When it is -5 to 10 degrees outside, my nicad Dewalt stuff works perfectly fine.
My Makita 18LXT stuff would not handle the cold so I sold it. My first and second gen Milwaukee M12 batteries also can’t handle the cold. Other’s experience the same problem in the cold and the heat. Ridgid, makita and others will not charge the pack if it is too hot. I have not had that happen with my dewalts because I charge them at home.
All of you traded the durability and inexpensiveness of NiCad for indicator lights telling you how much power you have left! – BUT the M12 tools are awesome – I have at least 15 of those. I’m a commercial construction plumber, so I got a lot of tools. BUT only two battery systems are allowed in my van (my rules). I refuse to bring in more than two different spare batteries to the job site.
I recommend you keep the tools you have and buy a pair of batteries for $100 or an 18 volt drill with batteries for $100. Your wife/bank account/truck payment will thank me.
Dewalt 18 volt is not going away completely for at least ten years, and even still there will be an aftermarket for batteries. You can buy new or used bare replacement tools from amazon and other places to use the system you already invested in.
bob shelton
can a 18v. dewalt battery be used in a 14.4 v circular saw or is the 3.6v more than the motor can handle
Erik
in my case it is batteries that are quitting before the tool goes. This is what I’ve done to remedy the issue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPyu7ahEWFg
Bill
I just spoke with rep today at Ganahl lumber and he told they will be releasing a new adapter for 18 to 20 volt . cant wait because I need new batteries but i’ll make due until release
Jim
My charger and 1 battery was lost, so I went to Grainger to purchase these items. The cost to buying a new 20V Ion drill kit was only 70$ more so I considered this. Then I saw a flyer that mentioned ” Ask about our 18V to 20V upgrade” I’am still waiting for an answer from Grainger. What’s the upgrade to a 20 V system include?
Frank
A word to the wise if you are an 18Volt Dewalt Cordless tool user.
OK, we all know Dewalt produces some pretty descent18 Volt cordless hand tools but we have all noticed more and more 20 volt tools popping up and batteries for the 18 Volt line are increasingly hard to locate.
The question is now what? What do I do as the proud owner of several, still serviceable 18 Volt tools that I see being serviceable years from now.
The answer…go on line and purchase Dewalt’s 18 Volt Lithium Ion batteries for your 18 Volt tools. They are about $115 each but they last about as long as a new 4Ah 20 Volt Li battery. You will have to invest in another charge that charges both the old NiCad batteries & the 18 Volt Lithium battery. Hurry though, a day is going to come when you own fully functional Dewalt 18 Volt tools and get get batteries.
You have to buy the batteries online.
Thank You, Frank
Paul
As of yesterday, talking to Dewalt’s R&D department of technology they are coming out in January 2016 with an adaptor to use the new 20 volt batteries on all 18 volt tools
John Andrew
Have one simple question. I have a DeWalt 18volt 5 piece tools set and it’s fairly new, do you guys have a program set up so you can exchange your tool set from an 18volt to an 20volt and if so, that are the process in doing the exchange. Can it be done through the local Lowes Store since that’s where I purchased all my DeWalt tools?
Stuart
ToolGuyd doesn’t sell or exchange tools. I am not aware of any current tool upgrade exchange program at Lowes or elsewhere.
Jason
This article needs to be amended. Dewalt does offer an adapter for using 20v batteries on the 18v lines.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B016K1UD0E?pc_redir=T1
You need to use the appropriate chargers for lit hums but you can use the newer batteries. They have the same number and size of cells inside the packs, however the circuitry to keep the cells at the same level is in the pack for 18v but inside the charger for 20v MAX.
The other option is to buy an 18v lithium battery and charger.
JERRY MOSS
I don’t understand the dilemma. I bought a 5 piece set from FURROWS when they first came out. Was in serious construction for a living. Never failed me and I still use them almost daily in “retirement”… Still using the same charger, along with others, and have only replaced 7 battery’s, Last use was in professional seamless gutter installation. My old DEWALT would last all day while other had to be replaced several times, RYOBI is the worst I ever tried. Would not recommend even to a homeowner for limited use. I removed a deck as my first project. My recip saw worked harder and better that an electric SAWZAL my brother was using.
Myles Moriarty
My experience, now a couple of years old, is not to upgrade to the Li-Ion 20v tools until it is really necessary, or at least to set yourself up so that you can wait for sales and special promotions.
When my Dewalt 18v Hammer/Drill stopped functioning (clutch slipping) I did the research to move to the new technology of Li-Ion. I was excited, but I needed a tool that worked on a commercial scale, not on little homeowner projects a couple of times a year. I had practically replaced corded drills with my Dewalt cordless and sharp saw blades / drill bits. It was really amazing to have moved along as Dewalt made better and better tools that took on the demands of a tradesman.
That ended with the 20v line. The power wasn’t there, the battery life wasn’t there, and there was no indication that a battery was coming to the end of it’s charge; it was going strong, then it was empty.
In the end I analyzed the problem with my drill, and bought a replacement clutch. ($60). Two years later, I still haven’t made the switch. Hopefully the technology has become more comparable with the older line, so I might start looking to retire my old tools soon, but then I might switch to some other brand.
Dan
> there was no indication that a battery was coming to the end of it’s charge; it was going strong, then it was empty.
What you are describing is how *good* batteries work. They give you a full and stable voltage and a consistent and strong current for their entire charge. The window in which they operate at a reduced current and voltage is small because, well, they’re out of juice.
Tom
Help! I have two skil 18V drills the first one I used for many years and then I accidentley dropped it and broke off the little clips that hold the batt. to the drill which still worked if I held the Batt. in or race taped it, I bought another one and have been using it for some time now, however the other day I went to use it and the lights showed a low charge so I pulled the batt. and put it on the charger but when I put it back in the drill it wouldn’t work and I charged the other batt. and it wouldn’t work either. I got my meter out and checked them and both showed full charge so I got the older drill out and put a batt in it and it worked fine, my question is where can I get the newer drill repaired or at least switch the handels so the batt will stay in the old drill?
Stuart
I don’t think you can switch the handles. If you contact Skil, they should be able to advise you about exchange or repair possibilities.
Alan
DON’T BUY MILWAUKEE! Their stuff is crap and they don’t stand behind it. After drilling two (2) 1/4″ holes in brick with the 1/2″ hammer drill a gear broke in the drill. The service center stated $150 for repair on a hardly used 6 month old drill. The company backed the service center and said tough luck. They wanted me to buy foreign so I did. I have had a Makita 1/2″ hammer drill for over 15 years and drilled countless holes in concrete and block with no problems. I have both DeWalt (Mostly) and a few Ryobi cordless tools and they seem to hold up well. I especially like the hybrid battery/110 VAC yard tools from Ryobi.
Mike Meehan
Yes DeWalt dod them a Major Dis-Service when they Dropped the 18 Volt Line Up with a 20 V System Sure You can buy an Adapter to use the 20 V Batteries but when So Many have had their 18 Volt TOOLS to have to toss out a 18 Volt XRP Charger and their Short Lived 18 Volt Lithium ION Batteries You CANNOT FIND Any More as All Are either Out Of Stock Or 2 and 3 times the Price has Tool Me that DeWalt Does Not Care About Customer Loyalty! As for Construction Type Jobs and Tool of Choice DeWalt has lost there standing as many have Gone to Milwaukee and never Looked Back as Milwaukee has Not Done What DeWalt Has. I have Several DeWalt 18 Volt Tools but as as my Main Hammer Drill Fails no more will have it rebuilt I will Just Go with the Milwaukee M-18 Kit and the Larger Lithium Batteries and Leave DeWalt behind as They Have Lost me when they Stopped Offering the 18 Volt Lithium Ion Batteries and Why Should I Accept an Adapter Was not the 18 Volt DEWalt what Got DeWalt to where they are? As for their 36 Volt Tools Sure if you want Works to Break their Wrist as I know 2 that thought Bigger was better and with a Month had Broken Wrists!!! Sad How Some Companies Think I guess Losing Paying Customers is not a Concern for DeWalt. As you Can tell by all the Comments made. Their LOSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!