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Tool Addicts

DeWalt's compact 18-volt batteries fit old and new tools

Asa Christiana, editor, Fine Woodworking magazine

28 users recommend

Check out the difference in size between DeWalt's old NiCad 18-volt batteries and their new compact 18-volt lithium-ion batteries. The new batteries are about half the weight, too. 

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All the kings of the cordless category now offer much more compact 18-volt cordless batteries, based on lithium-ion technology, but DeWalt says it is the first to make its new batteries fit its older tools, without compromising performance in any way.

The new, smaller 18-volt pwer packs fit all DeWalt 18-volt tools, from impact drivers to jigsaws, going back more than 10 years. Rather than buy the individual batteries, though, at $99 apiece, DeWalt expects most people to buy new DeWalt compact 18-volt tools, knowing the smaller batteries will fit their other tools. And they expect their new DCK265L combo kit, which includes a 1/2 drill-driver, an impact driver, two batteries, and a charger for $279 to be the most popular package.

Bear in mind that DeWalt also offers its 18-volt tools with full-size lithium-ion batteries, but even those are smaller and lighter than the old NiCad models. By the way, the compact 18-volt batteries offer all the power of their full-size 18-volt brothers, but less run time. This should be attractive to woodworkers, who want better control and ergonomics in the shop but don't need to drive scores of screws non-stop.

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Comments (3)

morris129 writes: Why do new batteries cost almost as much as the whole package cost new? I have a drill/driver both batteries are dead but the tool is in good working order.
Posted: 9:04 am on March 20th

skorb writes: i dont like the new compact size found out the hard way they only run a short time i bought lithium for longer run time not to be changing batteries all the time the two i have wont even last long enough to recharge if im really working. my wife says that doesnt happen very ofter i disagree. its a little sad to me the only thing i dont have from dewalt is one of those yellow trucks that the dewalt salesman drive i can only dream, some day long live dewalt

Posted: 10:56 pm on November 15th

sharonlev writes: now if only those batteries didn't require a mortgage - I wouldn't have sold my collection (10) of dewalt 18v tools... gotta hand it to Ridgid - batteries for LIFE.
Posted: 10:49 am on July 16th

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