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If only this was true! I have a bunch of Makita cordless tools (and IME, Makita was #1 for pros 10-15 years ago, not a niche brand). Several years ago (2015-i

If only this was true! I have a bunch of Makita cordless tools (and IME, Makita was #1 for pros 10-15 years ago, not a niche brand). Several years ago (2015-ish?) they changed up the battery shape a little bit so newer batteries wouldn't fit on older tools. It was to add another pin so the battery could tell the tool it was dead and quit drawing power (why the battery couldn't just cut power is beyond me). So (at the time) I had a drawer full of year-old tools that wouldn't work with the extra batteries I just bought. As it turns out, you can file down part of the tool body and the new batteries fit old tools, but without the power protection. So they didn't end up in the landfill, but it's still hugely annoying.

ensignavenger 3y ago
Yup, I have a Dewalt set, with their older battery design.... unfortunately my batteries are getting old, the tools are fine, but I can't get the old batteries, and if I buy new tools, they will use the new batteries. So... do I buy aftermarket batteries for my existing tools, or get rid of my existing tools and switch to whatever brand next? It is silly.
- stonogo 3y ago
  DeWalt sells adapters so the 20V lithium batteries fit the 18V NiCad tools. You're still locked in, but at least your old tools keep working. It's part number DCA1820: https://www.dewalt.com/product/dca1820/18v-20v-adapter https://www.dewalt.com/product/dca1820/18v-20v-adapter
  - ensignavenger 3y ago
    Thanks! The price is pretty high unfortunately. There are some third party adapters I may get for around 10 dollars each. May be worth it to keep my old tools working.
- leehuffman 3y ago
  I’ve had great luck with NOS 18v batteries from eBay. Had to pick up a pair for an 18v trim nailer that doesn’t support their 20v adapter. My neighbor did the same for his 18v collection. All going strong.

ensignavenger 3y ago

Yup, I have a Dewalt set, with their older battery design.... unfortunately my batteries are getting old, the tools are fine, but I can't get the old batteries, and if I buy new tools, they will use the new batteries. So... do I buy aftermarket batteries for my existing tools, or get rid of my existing tools and switch to whatever brand next? It is silly.

stonogo 3y ago
DeWalt sells adapters so the 20V lithium batteries fit the 18V NiCad tools. You're still locked in, but at least your old tools keep working. It's part number DCA1820: https://www.dewalt.com/product/dca1820/18v-20v-adapter https://www.dewalt.com/product/dca1820/18v-20v-adapter
- ensignavenger 3y ago
  Thanks! The price is pretty high unfortunately. There are some third party adapters I may get for around 10 dollars each. May be worth it to keep my old tools working.
leehuffman 3y ago
I’ve had great luck with NOS 18v batteries from eBay. Had to pick up a pair for an 18v trim nailer that doesn’t support their 20v adapter. My neighbor did the same for his 18v collection. All going strong.