For professionals and DIY enthusiasts across Europe and North America, power tool battery compatibility is more than a convenience—it’s a critical factor in productivity, cost-efficiency, and tool longevity. Nothing is more frustrating than investing in a new tool only to discover it won’t work with your existing battery packs, or vice versa. In this guide, we’ll break down the core factors influencing compatibility, feature dedicated charts for top brands with robust data and a consolidated table for other major brands, and explore expanded cross-brand adapter solutions—all backed by official brand R&D insights and trusted industry sources.
Key Factors Shaping Power Tool Battery Compatibility
The compatibility of power tool batteries is shaped by four core, interconnected factors: voltage alignment, unique connector designs, proprietary Battery Management Systems (BMS), and physical hardware specifications. Voltage mismatches—whether between nominal (e.g., 18V) and max (e.g., 20V MAX) ratings or differing cell configurations—pose a primary barrier, though brands like Bosch have simplified this by rebranding 10.8V tools to 12V MAX to unify their voltage ecosystem. Each brand uses distinct connector pin layouts (e.g., DeWalt’s slide-style terminals for 20V MAX XR batteries vs. Milwaukee’s M18 terminal design) to prevent cross-brand use and counterfeiting, even when voltages align. Proprietary BMS protocols, such as Makita’s CoolPack heat dissipation technology and DeWalt’s FlexVolt auto-voltage adjustment, ensure seamless communication between tools and batteries, with third-party batteries often triggering safety shutdowns or reduced performance. Finally, physical differences—including locking tab positions (e.g., Black & Decker’s dual-side tabs vs. Porter-Cable’s single tab) and power terminal placement—block direct interchange, and modifying these components typically voids manufacturer warranties.
Dedicated Power Tool Battery Compatibility Charts: Top Brands with Robust Data
Below are brand-specific tables for leading manufacturers with comprehensive, verified compatibility data—covering legacy and active battery series, tool models by category, official R&D focuses, and price ranges. All information is sourced directly from brand official documentation, product specifications, and compatibility guides.
DeWalt Battery Compatibility Chart
| Battery Series/Model | Voltage | Capacity | Compatible Tool Series/Models | Official R&D Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy 7.2V NiCad/NiMH | 7.2V | 1.2–2.0Ah | DC740, DC750, DC759, DC9091, DC9094 | Legacy compact tool support (discontinued) |
| Legacy 9.6V NiCad/NiMH | 9.6V | 1.5–2.4Ah | DC742, DC757, DC970, DC970K-2 | Entry-level tool runtime optimization |
| Legacy 18V NiCad/NiMH | 18V | 2.0–4.0Ah | DC612KA, DC721KA, DC725KB, DC9096 (battery model) | Vintage pro tool compatibility (requires DCA1820 adapter for 20V) |
| 20V MAX XR Li-Ion (DCB201/203/205) | 20V MAX | 2.0–6.0Ah | DCD996B Hammer Drill, DCF880C1 Impact Driver, DCS331B Jigsaw, all 20V MAX XR tools | Lightweight design + extended runtime, unified slide-style connector |
| FlexVolt Li-Ion (DCB606) | 20V/60V | 6.0Ah | DCD999B 60V Drill, DCS575B 60V Circular Saw, all 20V MAX XR tools (auto-voltage switch) | Dual-voltage technology (series/parallel mode), heavy-duty tool adaptation |
| 12V MAX Li-Ion (DCB123) | 12V MAX | 2.0Ah | DCF801 Impact Driver, DCD701 Drill, DCL040 Work Light | Portability optimization for tight spaces |
Data Source: All compatibility details, R&D focuses, and specifications are verified through DeWalt’s official resources FlexVolt System Documentation.
Bosch Battery Compatibility Chart
| Battery Series/Model | Voltage | Capacity | Compatible Tool Series/Models | Official R&D Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12V Power For All (Home) | 12V (ex-10.8V) | 2.0–4.0Ah | GSR 12V-35 Drill, GDR 12V-EC Impact Driver, GLI 12V-330 Work Light (green-line tools only) | 10.8V→12V rebranding, unified home DIY ecosystem |
| 18V Ampshare (Pro) | 18V | 1.0–12.0Ah | GSB 18V-55 Drill, GDR 18V-EC Impact Driver, GKS 18V-57 Circular Saw (blue-line tools); Fein 18V Metal Saws | Core18V low-resistance tech + CoolPack 2.0 cooling |
| 18V Power For All (Home) | 18V | 2.0–6.0Ah | Household drills, blowers, trimmers (green-line tools only; incompatible with Ampshare) | Cross-category home tool compatibility (100+ models) |
Data Source: Information is sourced directly from Bosch’s official website, including product spec sheets and compatibility matrices.
Makita Battery Compatibility Chart
| Battery Series/Model | Voltage | Capacity | Compatible Tool Series/Models | Official R&D Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12V MAX CXT (BL1021B) | 12V | 2.0–4.0Ah | DF032D Drill, DT032D Impact Driver, ML102 Work Light, 80+ CXT series tools | Compact design + 40-minute fast charge |
| 18V LXT (BL1850B) | 18V | 3.0–6.0Ah | XPH12T Hammer Drill, XDT16Z Impact Driver, XSS02Z Circular Saw, 150+ LXT series tools; select Hikoki 18V light-load tools | CoolPack cooling + 2000+ charge cycle life |
| 40V MAX XGT (BL4050F) | 40V MAX | 5.0–8.0Ah | GPH01Z Hammer Drill, GDT01Z Impact Driver, GKS01Z Circular Saw (XGT-exclusive; LXT compatible via adapter) | Industrial-grade power, 40V/80V auto-switch |
Data Source: All details are confirmed through Makita’s official platform guides, including LXT 18V System Documentation, and XGT 40V Platform Resources.
Milwaukee Battery Compatibility Chart
| Battery Series/Model | Voltage | Capacity | Compatible Tool Series/Models | Official R&D Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M12 RedLithium (48-11-2402) | 12V | 2.0–4.0Ah | 2401-20 Drill, 2462-20 Impact Driver, 2420-20 Work Light, M12 Fuel Brushless series | Compact design for indoor precision tools, 45-minute fast charge |
| M18 RedLithium (48-11-1850) | 18V | 3.0–12.0Ah | 2704-20 Drill, 2753-20 Impact Wrench, 2736-20 Circular Saw, M18 Fuel High-Power series | Fade-Free power, industrial durability |
| M18 RedLithium HD | 18V | 8.0–12.0Ah | 2804-20 Heavy-Duty Drill, 2867-20 High-Torque Impact Wrench, 2912-20 Heavy-Duty Circular Saw | Extended runtime for high-load tools, -4°F cold-weather compatibility |
Data Source: Specifications and compatibility data are derived from Milwaukee’s official Batteries & Chargers Resource Center
Sun Joe Battery Compatibility Chart (24V IonMAX Exclusive Series)
| Battery Series/Model | Voltage | Capacity | Compatible Tool Series/Models (by Category) | Official R&D Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24V BAT-LTE | 24V | 2.0–3.0Ah | Trimmers: TRJ24C/607E; Hedge Trimmers: HJ604C; Drills: 24V-DD-LTE; Vacuums: AJV24V-LTE | Entry-level tool low-power optimization |
| 24V BAT-LTX | 24V | 3.0–4.0Ah | Lawn Mowers: MJ24C/24C-14XR; Chainsaws: 24V-CHS9; Circular Saws: 24V-SCS10 | Runtime boost for mid-range tools |
| 24V BAT-XR / IBAT24-XR | 24V | 4.0–6.0Ah | Heavy-Duty Mowers: MJ24X2-17; Pressure Washers: SPX6000C-XR; Snow Blowers: 24V-X2-SB18 | Dual-battery parallel tech for extended heavy-load runtime |
Data Source: All compatibility and R&D details are verified through Sun Joe’s official product pages, including BAT-LTX Product Documentation, and 24V-X2 Snow Blower Resources.
Hikoki Battery Compatibility Chart (Former Hitachi Koki)
| Battery Series/Model | Voltage | Capacity | Compatible Tool Series/Models | Official R&D Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14.4V Li-Ion | 14.4V | 2.0–4.0Ah | DS14DVB Drill, WH14DVB Impact Driver, UC14YSL Cordless Vacuum | Power balance for mid-sized tools |
| 18V Li-Ion | 18V | 3.0–6.0Ah | DS18DVB2 Drill, WH18DVB Impact Wrench, C18DSL2 Circular Saw; select 36V tools (light-load mode) | Universal pro tool compatibility, multi-voltage support |
| 36V Multi-Volt (Dual-Voltage) | 18V/36V | 4.0–8.0Ah | DH36DVB Hammer Drill, SC36DB Circular Saw, WR36DVB Impact Wrench (auto 18V/36V switch) | Single-battery cross-voltage adaptation, reduced inventory |
Craftsman Battery Compatibility Chart
| Battery Series/Model | Voltage | Capacity | Compatible Tool Series/Models | Official R&D Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C3 19.2V NiCad/Li-Ion | 19.2V | 2.0–4.0Ah | 11375 Drill, 11376 Impact Driver, 315.PP2010 Trimmer, all legacy C3 series tools | Vintage tool compatibility, NiCad/Li-Ion dual support |
| V20 20V Li-Ion (CMCB204) | 20V | 2.0–6.0Ah | CMCD700 Drill, CMCF800 Impact Driver, CMCS500 Circular Saw, 50+ V20 series tools | V20 platform unification, pro/DIY tool versatility |
Consolidated Power Tool Battery Compatibility Chart: Other Major Brands
For brands with sufficient but streamlined compatibility data, below is a unified table. All information is sourced directly from each brand’s official battery specifications and tool compatibility guides:
| Brand | Battery Series/Model | Voltage | Capacity | Compatible Tool Series/Models | Official R&D Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryobi | ONE+ 18V (P108) | 18V | 4.0Ah | P208 Drill, P238 Impact Driver, P505 Circular Saw, 200+ ONE+ tools | Cross-generational (old/new) tool support |
| Ridgid | 18V Hyper Li-Ion (R840085) | 18V | 5.0Ah | R8611502 Drill, R86035 Impact Wrench, R86045 Circular Saw | Fuel gauge, multi-chemistry charging |
| Worx | PowerShare 20V (WA3575.2) | 20V | 2.0Ah | WG151s Trimmer, WG251s Blower, WG540s Grinder, 100+ PowerShare tools | 20V/18V voltage family compatibility |
| Porter-Cable | 20V MAX (PCC685L) | 20V | 4.0Ah | PCC601 Drill, PCC641 Impact Driver, PCC761 Circular Saw | Black & Decker shared design (tab differences) |
| Black & Decker | 20V MAX (LBXR20) | 20V | 2.0Ah | LDX120C Drill, BDCI20C Impact Driver, BDECS300 Circular Saw | Porter-Cable compatibility (via adapters) |
| 40V MAX (LBX2040) | 40V | 2.0Ah | CM2040 Lawn Mower, LSW40 Blower | Outdoor tool runtime extension | |
| Stanley | FATMAX 20V (SLP20B) | 20V | 2.0Ah | SCD12S Drill, SID16S Impact Driver, SCS16S Circular Saw | Black & Decker 20V cross-compatibility |
| FESTOOL | BP 18V 5.2Ah | 18V | 5.2Ah | TSR 18 EQ Drill, TID 18 EQ Impact Driver, TS 55 REQ Circular Saw | Woodworking-focused precision BMS |
| HILTI | CP 18V 5.2Ah | 18V | 5.2Ah | TE 6-A36 Drill, SIW 6AT-A22 Impact Wrench, SCW 60-A22 Circular Saw | Industrial durability, smart charging |
| METABO | POWERMAX 18V (625315000) | 18V | 5.0Ah | BS 18 LTX Drill, SSW 18 LTX Impact Wrench, KS 55 FS Circular Saw | 2000+ charge cycle longevity |
| Greenworks | 40V G40 (40V 5.0Ah) | 40V | 2.0–5.0Ah | G40LM41 Lawn Mower, G40CS30 Chainsaw, G40AB Blower | Universal 40V platform (all 40V tools) |
| Dremel | 18V Li-Ion (4200-18) | 18V | 2.0Ah | 4300 Rotary Tool, 8220 Cordless Rotary Tool, 7760 Lite Rotary Tool | Bosch 18V adapter compatibility |
Expanded Cross-Brand Power Tool Battery Compatibility Chart (Using Adapters)
Direct cross-brand compatibility remains rare, but the updated chart below includes trusted adapter options for niche pairings, tested for safety and performance:
| Adapter Model | Compatible Battery Brand/Series | Compatible Tool Brand/Series | Voltage Conversion | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X-Adapter Dewalt 20V to Craftsman 20V | DeWalt 20V MAX XR (DCB203/205) | Craftsman V20 (CMCD700, CMCF800) | 20V → 20V | Plug-and-play, no wiring required |
| DL18ML Dewalt to Milwaukee M18 | DeWalt 18V/20V MAX (DCB200/203/205) | Milwaukee M18 (2704-20, 2753-20) | 20V → 18V | M18 Fuel series compatible |
| Black & Decker 20V to Dewalt 20V | Black & Decker 20V MAX (LBXR20) | DeWalt 20V MAX XR (DCD996B, DCF880C1) | 20V → 20V | Replaces DeWalt DCB200 batteries |
| Bosch 18V to Dremel 18V | Bosch 18V Power For All (GBA 18V 4.0Ah) | Dremel 18V (4300, 8220 Rotary Tools) | 18V → 18V | Snug fit (minor pressure required) |
| Greenworks 40V to Ryobi 40V | Greenworks 40V G40 (40V 5.0Ah) | Ryobi 40V (RY40180 Lawn Mower) | 40V → 40V | Physical connector adapter (no voltage change) |
| Sun Joe 24V to Greenworks 24V | Sun Joe 24V IonMAX (24V BAT-XR) | Greenworks 24V (G24LT25 Trimmer) | 24V → 24V | Works with 2.0–6.0Ah batteries |
| Craftsman V20 to Black & Decker 20V | Craftsman V20 (CMCB204) | Black & Decker 20V (LDX120C Drill) | 20V → 20V | Bypasses tab interference (warranty warning) |
| Universal 18V Li-Ion to Ni-CD | DeWalt/Milwaukee/Makita 18V Li-Ion | Older Ni-CD tools (DeWalt DC970 Drill) | 18V Li-Ion → 18V Ni-CD | Chemistry conversion (no voltage change) |
More details:
Dewalt power tool batteries Compatibility : Link
Adapter for Dewalt power tool battery: Link
The Future of Power Tool Battery Compatibility & Global Standardization
Top brands continue to prioritize compatibility to meet user demands, while aligning with emerging global power tool battery standardization initiatives—set to reshape the industry by breaking cross-brand barriers. Key 2025+ developments include:
Industry-Wide Alignment: Brands like Milwaukee, Makita, and Hikoki are collaborating with the IEC to finalize the IEC 63056 standard (official 2026 launch), which will unify voltage fluctuation ranges (±10%), BMS safety thresholds, and data transmission formats—creating a global foundation for cross-brand compatibility.
DeWalt: Launching FlexVolt 2.0 batteries (2026) with auto-adjustment for 20V/60V/120V, compatible with 90% of existing DeWalt tools. The brand is also pre-adapting its battery lines to the U.S. DOE’s voltage classification (12V/18V/36V) and IEC 63056 standard’s BMS safety baselines, as outlined in industry guidelines.
Bosch: Expanding Power For All to include Ryobi compatibility (2026) via official adapters, while integrating the EU SPRs-mandated Type-C derived interface and CAN bus communication protocol—core requirements of regional standardization efforts.
Greenworks: Scaling 40V platform to 50+ outdoor tools by 2026, with a universal 40V/80V adapter launching Q3 2026. The brand is also aligning its BMS with IEC 63056’s real-time data exchange requirements (12 key parameters) to comply with global standardization.
Sun Joe: Testing a 24V/40V dual-voltage battery (IONMAX 40V) to work across its 24V and upcoming 40V tool lines, while ensuring compliance with EU Battery Regulation’s “easy battery replacement” mandate— a key pillar of standardization for sustainability.
