DEWALT has released some sweet new batteries over the past few years. They currently run two primary voltage platforms for their extensive cordless tools: 20 and 60 volts.
DEWALT 20V MAX and FlexVolt – What’s the Difference?
For those who haven’t been paying attention, DEWALT revolutionized cordless power tools in 2016 when they released the FlexVolt platform: the first-ever multi-volt battery system. FlexVolt batteries pack 60 volts to power highly demanding tools, including DEWALT’s Atomic compact cordless tools, outdoor power equipment, work lights for the job site, saws, and nearly any tool in your trailer.
As a bonus, FlexVolt batteries step down and run at 20 volts when attached to lower-power tools. Besides the heavy-hitting FlexVolt, DEWALT is still strong with its tried-and-true 20-volt MAX platform. This lithium-ion system of slider batteries is compact, rugged, and made for jobs needing moderate power.
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DEWALT Battery Frequently Asked Questions
Knowing what you need for your tool might be a little confusing with all these batteries. Worse yet, you don’t want to buy a battery only to find it doesn’t fit in your tool.
Since the two power platforms bear a striking resemblance, add the correct size to your cart before clicking “Place Order“.
DEWALT has three primary voltages for its cordless tools: 20V, 60V, and 120V. They are all marked with the battery size required on the tool. 20V tools can use 20V MAX batteries OR 60V MAX batteries, while 60V and 120V tools can only use 60V MAX batteries.
FlexVolt batteries are compatible with all DEWALT 60 and 20-volt DEWALT tools. We’ll touch on a few exceptions down below.
However, DEWALT 20V MAX batteries can’t be used in FlexVolt 60v and 120v MAX tools. The lower voltage doesn’t provide enough juice for the high-demand motors.
Moreover, DEWALT 20V MAX POWERSTACK batteries are compatible with all 20V MAX tools and chargers, so they can be used with over 250 different DEWALT products.
It will not fit. All 60V and 120V DEWALT power tools have plastic tabs that physically prevent using 20V batteries, but FlexVolt batteries have unique ports that allow their use.
DEWALT 20v MAX XR batteries are just like standard 20-volt batteries but last longer relative to their size. The XR stands for Extended Runtime, so you get extra life out of them before running out of juice.
DEWALT POWERSTACK batteries utilize breakthrough pouch battery cell technology, allowing the battery to run cooler and deliver greater power. POWERSTACK is DEWALT’s most powerful, compact, and lightweight battery-powered product line.
DEWALT has 2 options in its POWERSTACK lineup. The POWERSTACK 20V MAX compact battery has 50% more power and a 25% smaller footprint than the DCB203, the standard 20V MAX battery. The battery also has twice the lifespan of the DCB203 and an LED Fuel Gauge to monitor current battery life.
The second is the brand new POWERSTACK 20V MAX 5Ah battery. The new compact battery has 50% more power and allows 50% more work per charge compared to the DCB205, the standard 20V MAX 5.0 Ah battery, making it DEWALT’s most powerful and efficient battery.
The latest model is compatible with all DEWALT 20V MAX tools.
Yes, DEWALT batteries will work in all DEWALT tools at the correct voltage, whether brushed or brushless. Brushless refers to the construction of the motor. Brushless tools will use the batteries more efficiently and last longer per charger than brushed tools.
DEWALT also produces a line of ultra-compact 12v MAX batteries and tools. These smaller batteries only fit on tools labeled 12v MAX and vice versa. 20v MAX and Flexvolt batteries are not only too powerful but physically too large for the receptacles on these pint-sized devices.
No. At the time of this writing, only one DEWALT cordless tool uses 120 volts: the 12-inch Cordless Miter Saw. While it harnesses 120v DC power, it achieves this by having two slots for 60v batteries running in series.
As a substitute, DEWALT created a corded power supply adaptor for the miter saw to swap out batteries for wall power since they have the same voltage.
Are There Exceptions To These Rules?
Yes. While most DEWALT batteries fit on all tools they are marked as compatible with, a few don’t. Due to their size, FlexVolt packs don’t fit all smaller tools and adaptors. A few newer compact 20v MAX packs are slightly longer than others and don’t fit either.
