It’s no longer a rumor – Dewalt’s 20V Max to 18V battery adapter is REAL! You asked for it, and Dewalt delivered. Although there are a lot of users who wished for this adapter to have come sooner, it’s better to come out now than never!
Introducing the Dewalt DCA1820 battery adapter – a bridge between their high performing 20V Max Li-ion power tools, and previous generation 18V tools and accessories.
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As they say, “Dewalt’s NiCd and NiMH batteries have been industry standards for over 15 years.” Even though the new 20V Max platform launched 4-1/2 years ago, there are still a LOT of 18V tools out there.
What’s impressive is that the new adapter can be used with Dewalt 18V tools without adding any weight. The adapter is angled presumably to maintain a weight distribution that 18V tool users are used to.
Here are some snippets from the press release:
With a collection of over 40 tools in the DEWALT 18V system – and users who continue to operate them on jobsites all over the country – the adapter makes it possible to continue to use fully-functional DEWALT tools on the Lithium Ion premium battery platform.
That’s along the lines of what we discussed in our previous post about the rumored adapter. Switching over to the new 20V Max Li-ion battery packs, even if a user doesn’t intend to buy new tools, should result in runtime gains – at the least, when using Dewalt 18V tools.
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The adapter also opens the door for DEWALT’s 18V tool users to begin to invest in the advanced technology of DEWALT’s 20V MAX* tools – currently over 70 tools with more to come. Investing now in DEWALT’s 20V MAX* batteries will allow users to purchase less expensive bare tools in the 20V MAX* system, compared to their kitted versions.
Yup, this makes sense as well. Dewalt is really kicking their 20V Max lineup into gear – here’s a look at some of their upcoming cordless tools. A lot of these and other new cordless tools are unique to the 20V Max lineup, with nothing like them in 18V users’ trucks, garages, Jobboxes, or tool sheds.
So bridging 18V users to the Dewalt 20V Max platform makes more sense now than before. Perhaps that’s what largely contributed to the timing of this adapter.
One thing to note is that some tools might not be compatible.
The 20V MAX* Battery Adapter allows most of DEWALT’s 18V tools to operate off of the advanced Lithium Ion battery technology.
I think that compatibility issues might only arise due to physical obstructions. I cannot find any existing Dewalt 18V tool where the 20V Max adapter might not fit – can you? Maybe that’s why the adapter is angled, and not because of balance considerations as I assumed. It’s unclear.
Update: It is recommended that the adapter be used only with their compact battery packs, although Dewalt’s product page seems a little unclear about this. They do say that the adapter should not be used with premium (higher capacity) battery packs and DC970 or DC759 drills.
Price: $39
ETA: October 2015
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In addition to the Dewalt DCA1820 20V Max to 18V battery adapter, there will also be the Dewalt DCA2203C starter set, which comes with the battery adapter, a 20V Max and 12V Max multi-voltage charger, and (2) 2.0Ah Li-ion battery packs.
Seeing as how Dewalt’s 18V XRP NiCd battery pack ($89 via Amazon) is rated at just 2.4Ah, it makes sense that the starter set comes with compact 2.0Ah battery packs, as opposed to higher capacity ones. Plus, the smaller battery size might fit better with the adapter when attached to certain tools.
The Dewalt DCA2203C starter set is reasonably priced, considering that it’s $129 via Amazon for just a pair of battery packs.
Price: $149
ETA: October 2015
Buy Now(via Amazon)
I assume that a 20V Max charger is required, and that you cannot charge a 20V Max battery through the adapter and plugged into an 18V charger. Just in case, I’m checking with Dewalt and will update when I have an anwer.
First Thoughts
I have always believed that if Dewalt wanted to come out with this type of 20V Max to 18V adapter, they would have released it at the beginning, alongside the launch of the 20V Max platform. But, when writing yesterday’s discussion post about the rumored adapter, it seemed extremely reasonably that an adapter was forthcoming.
Powering a 20V Max tool with an 18V battery pack is pretty much out of the question. Dewalt’s current generation of power tools, and the same is true for other brand’s Li-ion cordless tools, are much more sophisticated than previous generation of cordless tools.
But powering an 18V tool with a 20V Max battery – that should be simpler, right? I’ve seen some DIY adapters, so why not an official Dewalt adapter? Well, it’s here, or at least it will be quite soon.
We’ll never know the exact reasons for the timing, but the important part is that Dewalt listened to their users and finally came out with a 20V Max to 18V battery adapter.
I’m pretty confident that we’ll see a similar 18V XR to 18V adapter outside the USA.
I think this is a sure win for Dewalt users, but also a win for Dewalt. This is a great move to combat Milwaukee efforts to bite away at the cordless power tool market.
Nate 818
I wish I kept all my dewalt stuff together.
Riptide10x
I just got an email from Dewalt saying that this adapter is not compatible with any of their nailers and will only work with 3 models of their batteries, DCB207-DCB201-DCB203. That sucks, I may as well stick with the old NiCads that work with all my tools.
Dean
Any word on adapter only from DeWalt?
JJ King
From Dewalt website description
Do not use adapter with premium batteries (DCB200, DCB204, DCB204BT, DCB205) in 18V Compact drills DC970, DC759. Use with DCB201, DCB203, DCB203BT compact batteries.
So I am thinking it could be used with the larger premium batteries in other drills and tools.
Bent Stephan
I wish I knew that it woud not work with the 18 volt brad nailer since I just bought the 2 items truly sucks.
Davy
Just a note to anyone with the adaptor after using one which did not power the Brad gun I overheated the board inside while on jigsaw for ages and being stuck I bypassed board inside with two wires and that worked to get me going again and just to check popped into brader and worked a treat still using it over a year later new life for my old nail gun on lithium
Stuart
That’s really not recommended. The safety circuitry is there for a reason.
Joe
Heard the same thing from a fellow (6/2021) who tried to use the adapter with a DW 18v NiCad brad nailer. The adapter worked with several of his tools, but not with his nailer. DW brand, not a clone.
Riptide10x
I sent Dewalt another email asking why it only works with some 20v batteries and not others, if they respond I will post the reason.
Nathan
almost exactly what I expected it to look like and about exactly how I thought it would be priced. standalone adapter is a touch high though. but either way.
you this works the other way for me – now I will look for older 18V dewalt tools that I don’t have. on the real cheap.
JayT
That’s about what I was picturing, too. I’d bet they very soon show a “conversion kit” that has the adapter, one or two 20V Max batteries and a charger for people on the 18V platform.
JayT
*one or two 20V Max 5.0Ah batteries
Hate it when I get interrupted while typing and the train of thought derails.
Stuart
They already make a separate dual port 18V and 20V Max charger – https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-20v-dual-port-fast-charger-batteries-fuel-gauge/
JayT
Yeah, I was thinking about something similar to the starter kit, only with full size battery packs. I have to imagine that a big target market for this adapter is contractors who have loads of 18V tools and batteries, but who could really benefit from the advancements in battery technology. Those guys are not going to want 2.0ah packs for the job site.
fm2176
One comment about the charger: my early production Porter Cable kit came with a lithium only charger (later ones included the multi-chemistry); Ni-Cad kits come with single chemistry chargers as well. If DeWalt had a different charger for their limited run of 18v lithium batteries, those may work. I doubt the regular ones will, though.
Sk
aVe on YouTube suggested that the dewalt 20v batteries contain the same quantity and size batteries as milwaukee’s 18v battery pack. What gives?!
Too late for me. Dewalt could & should have done this many years ago.
I dumped my dewalt inventory like a hot rock. Never looked back.
Ken
They named the slide pack platform 20v Max to avoid confusion between it and the existing 18v platform they still sell.
Nathan
also it’s a electrical misnomer too – distancing themselves in the market also.
when the packs are fully charged and fresh off the charger – their voltage will be 20V dc, give or take a bit. after use it diminishes (as do all battery packs) and stabilized around 18V. if they wanted to go minimum – it would probably be around 14V or so.
Most companies used the nominal voltage numbers – Dewalt chose max.
Irony – those 12V tools – should all say max. Milwaukee, Bosch etc. Hell in other countries Bosch 12V tools are shown as 10.8 for this reason.
will
They do it with 7.8v batteries labeled as 8v, 10.8 as 12v,14.4 as 15v. You can’t rail on Dewalt without going after Bosch,Milwaukee,Ridgidetc etc. because they all do it. Maybe they don’t with their 18v but most do it with there 10.8V as well as other voltages. At least here in the US because most other countries will not allow it for some reason.
Stuart
20V Max = 18V.
3.6V x 5 = 18V.
That’s why these are 20V Max and not just 20V. 18V battery packs output 20V right when fully charged before any load is applied. Voltage drops to 18V nominally during use.
Dewalt’s 20V Max tools are branded 18V XR everywhere in the world outside of North America.
High capacity battery packs have 10 cells coupled in series and parallel.
Greg
“DEWALT’s 20V MAX* tools – currently over 70 tools ”
That is kind of a bogus claim. Unless they are counting different models of the same tool? I find this hard to believe and I own almost all 20v tools as a GC except for their jig saw.
will
So what, Makita does this as well. I mean they have something like 5 drills (just a guess but close)and as many drivers. So why do people get on Dewalts case for things that almost every other company does??
Charles knoll
Can u charge it in the 18 volt charger or do I need the 20 volt charger for this adapter
Ross
The only tools I can think of that would have a physical obstruction are the radio and maybe the vacuum.
will
the vac can take both 18v and 20v batteries anyways.
Ross
I was referring to the original vacuum, which I think came out before the 20V tools.
skfarmer
i was just going to pipe in on the other post with this same info.
i just returned from the big iron farm show and the dewalt reps had the same story as you. the other tidbit i picked up is that the 18 volt batteries will be seeing a price increase of 20 dollars over the normal 99 – 119 price. that would mean a no brainer to convert to the 20 volt max batteries in your old tools.
i am glad to see this finally coming to be. i have proclaimed all along that i would buy one when available and i plan to do just that. i may just pick up the converter kit and an adapter. i encourage all dewalt customers to do the same. rumor has it some reps will be “passing them out” to contractors.
my thought on the angled adaptor? some of the tools are front heavy such as hammer drills and the like. the lighter 20 volt max batteries with a smaller footprint may not be heavy enough to stand on the battery. tip them back slightly to change the center of gravity and they stand up. just my .02 worth.
oh yea, where are the people who said this couldn’t be done?
Jason
I think Dewalt wants to stop having to deal with sourcing building and stocking the older battery packs. If they can make lithium Ion backs for the same price or ever cheaper it makes sense for them as a corporation. With the adapter they don’t anger thousands of old XRP Dewalt customers. That price increase is meant to be an incentive to move over.
John
Umm, why???? I mean I see the reasoning behind it, but I’m a true believer in right tool for the right job. Example I would rather grab a 3/8″ socket for my 3/8″ ratchet vs 1/2″ drive socket with adapter to 3/8″. Also the picture looks like I order for the battery to lay fit it tilts the tool backwards. Can anyone confirm? Looks to me like a swing and a miss!
skfarmer
because 20 volt max and 18 volt are virtually the same. there are more 18 volt dewalt tools out there than any other. they always promoted the line as something they would support. i believe the batteries will slowly phased out and the adapter will allow that. dewalt is following through on what they always said they would do.
i predict it will be a hit. if you have both platforms or want to upgrade, why wouldn’t you invest in one?
Jason
Some people have serious money tied up in 18v xrp tools. Why either junk or try and sell them if your batteries start to die out? Yes you can still get nicad packs, but this allows you to have feet in both ecosystems now. I know some contractors were just keeping the old charger and batteries around because it took so long for Dewalt to release a 20v finish nailer. That was a popular Dewalt tool that took them longer than it should have to release the 20v version. I think the trim nailer should have came before the framing in my opinion.
Phil
And we still have only the 16 gauge angled naiker – no 16 ga straight nailer, no 18 gauge nailer and no 15 gauge nailer. Whilst I wouldn’yt miss the 15 ga that much, the 18 ga is important as is a straight nailer (cheaper, plus I get mine issued by the GC)
Pete
They should have done this to being with. I think most dewalt owners would be ever more mad that they FINALLY came out with this lol.
Mark
Knockoff 4.0 ah xrp lithium batteries with Sony cells are already on the market. I bought 3 and. Couldn’t be happier with them. It’s like a whole new circ saw.
Jason
I have seen the knock off packs floating around. None of the tool sites can really talk about about them because of liability and legal issues. The one thing that does seem to be some one expensive and difficult to find is a multi chemistry charger.
Rob abner
Where can I find the generic packs?
glenn
This is great news for those that bought their 18v Dewalt tool second hand when the original owners dropped them like hot rocks. Well done Dewalt.
Jerry
Better late than never, I guess. I’m guessing the starter kit comes with the compact batteries to keep the overall tool size with battery as close to the original 18V, because they are petty close in capacity to the old 18V, and for cost considerations. I’d guess most contractors who wanted maximum performance probably went lithium already, so it makes sense to gear this more towards the value side pricing/performance.
If they would have come out with this 6 months ago, or at least let the word out they were coming out with one, I’d still be all DeWalt. Hopefully, this helps them keep more of their customer base.
KL
Parallel topic, the design of the adapter made me think I’d like to see an adapter that allows use of M18 batteries in M12 tools. The adapter could easily choke voltage to not damage the 12V tools, runtime would be phenomenal, and otherwise the same arguments as above apply: Milwaukee could theoretically increase sales of M12 tools by reaching those who are already invested in M18.
Stuart
An interesting idea, but it’s not going to happen.
M12 batteries are so inexpensive that cost is not a good reason to create M18 and M12 cross-compatibility. There are so many ergonomics reasons why such an adapter would be a bad idea.
Jay k.
Seems like dewalt wanted to get rid of there nicd batteries on the market before they put this out there, otherwise stockpile of the old stuff. Marketing, marketing, marketing…
Ken
You think Dewalt has been sitting in 4 years worth of Ni-Cad batteries trying to sell through them before they came out with this? Really?
Brad
I’ve found some people like to believe in conspiracy theories as a default thought process. The internet is a mechanism that feeds that illness. Take your meds Jay. 😉
Brad
Wow, happily surprised to actually see this become a reality. For some time now I’ve been looking at creating my own adapter, but given that the shut-off circuitry is in the tool for Dewalt’s 20V Max line, I was planning to go the easier way and make one for the B&D 20V Max batteries (where the shut-off circuitry is in the battery like the Dewalt 18V).
I already have enough projects, so I’m fine with nixing the battery adapter project and I’ll just wait for Dewalt to deliver the adapter.
Interested to see if I can use the adapter to charge a 20V Max battery using my 18V Li-On charger.
Drew M
Where I work these days, they have a LOT of Dewalt 18v tools. Almost all the batteries are shot so I’ve just gotten into the habit of bringing my personal Bosch tools in with me (along with a few other personal tools I have that are much nicer than the cheap stuff they have). But this might be a good option for making the tools they have work better until they need to be replaced.
I wonder if I could convice Dewalt to donate a few to a nice lab used primarily by engineering students…
tcmault
Why does this not sit flat with the 18v post sticking straight up. I like to set my drills down on the battery and have it sit there ready for me to grab. Oh well, I’ll still end up getting these when I need new batteries for the 18v line.
Kent
If it had been on the market a year ago, they probably would have kept me as a customer. Then I would have bought their 20v tools also.
Instead, I switched to Milwaukee, and have a milk crate of no longer used DeWalt 18v tools. At least they are probably worth slightly more on CraigsList now.
Hugh
This is great for all those people that don’t want to use the far more advanced brushless tools.
I wake up everyday wishing these companies would revert back to the painfully powerless tools of yesterday. At least when you use your dewalt recip-saw after waiting forever for it to make the cut, at least the battery will last that long now.
Finally I can put a 5.0 battery on my 16 gauge cordless nailer. Not only that I can check the fuel gauge on the pack. Now I don’t have to buy the 20v version until they get it right.
Pete
They did make it right! Only it comes in the color red! Lol
skfarmer
why be a dick? lot’s of people who don’t use every tool all day every day have good tools in good condition but need or want another choice to power them. this a pretty bold move that nobody else has done. there is a lot people who are saying this will hurt dewalt or is not good.
how can it be bad? people who have old tools and buy the adaptor to run better/cheaper batteries=good thing. people who buy the adaptor so the two platforms that work together=better thing. people who are looking to buy a new system stick with dewalt and buy new 20 volt max tools to complement the old with an adaptor=best thing. in each scenario dewalt sells an adaptor, most likely batteries and at some point tools. i don’t see a downfall. dewalt sells product in each scenario.
the naysayers? if you think anything that gives more options is bad i don’t know what to say. you probably don’t like the brand or the system and the chance of you buying is pretty low anyway. i just don’t get why anyone would be mad or mock the fact that a 20 volt max battery could be used in an 18 volt tool. it makes no sense.
Chris
People don’t realize that this is a great move for dewalt, this was the best selling line of tools for a decade and still hundreds of thousands still in use.. Awesome step for dewalt and will keep market share and increase sales…. By buying this kit, you keep old told going and ability to buy bare tools from 20v Max line…. Win win for dewalt and customers, no downside here at all….
Chris
Naw, your just crazy lol
James C
I’m going to keep investing in another color of tool, but I know Dewalt makes great products and I’m happy to see this.
Naysayers should keep in mind no one is making Dewalt do this, and if I’m not mistaken not many other companies provide an option (and options are always good!) like this for their batteries. It’s perhaps a risky move for sales of new 20V tools but people who have plenty of 18V tools with dying batteries will probably be pretty happy about this!
Jim Felt
I bought my first Dewalt 18v drill in maybe 1996. The original NiCads still worked a couple of months ago. Nearly 19 years! That said after buying several 18v brushless Bosch models I was amazed by the shear weight of the old Dewalt and so donated it to Habitat for Humanity’s Re-Store.
Hang Fire
I never thought I’d see the day when a market leader threw the masses a bone and gave us a legit converter to bridge systems. I think the fact this even exists demonstrates how much market share Milwaukee has taken away from Dewalt, and how desperate they are to buy time until they catch up with tool introductions.
Jay k.
So true!!!
Jason
Milwaukee is super aggressive with the free tool and battery promotions compared to the other big brands.
Chip
So sorry Dewalt,you lost me 1yr and aprox $3500 ago….to big red.
As a previous poster mentioned,trying to climb 20 ft up a ladder with a $140 each 3ah non fuel gauge lion 18 v on an impact to hang a shutter and 1/2 way through 1 freaking screw the battery dies.
From 2004-2014 i bought every 18v product that I could use including 30+ batteries……….I was happy to sell for $700 last yr.
Your sawsall,hammer drill,and vacuum are supperior ….and you have a framing nailer.
But i will never buy your yellow tools again.
dave
If Makita had done this i will have still been with them today…. but as they did not.. it gave me a resin to look around and i went all red….i know you can buy some after market ones in the US but they are to expensive by the time i get them to the UK
Toolpig
It’s a total win win for DeWalt and the thousands who have bought their tools over the past 10 years. I dumped all my 18v stuff many years ago. But for those that didn’t it’s a total no brainier! New life for old tools is almost like getting new tools! I wish there were adapters to go across brands as well. I would LOVE to have one set of Batteries to work with all the lines. I have All the major cordless lines. I will not limit myself to one lineup. There are too many good tools out there with different color plastic. Thanks DeWalt for listening to your customers! Now make a good brushless reciprocating saw, circular saw, grinder , 10″ brushless miter saw, a sander and a router please.
Gary
Better late then never have been really heating & seeing red up about this situation as I have a fleet of the 18 volt tools started buying the new lithium tools but was strongly considering dumping the yellow and going red. So the only way this could have been any better is to come up with a customer loyalty program and repack the 30 xrp cases I have with lithium technology. Sometimes I don’t think these guys get it why build a cordless saw to run on a 20 volt when you have a 40 volt for the hedge trimmer, blower etc. guess they will have to come up with an adapter for that a well.
iTeM
Does anybody know when exactly this will be released?
And also in which countries?
Stuart
October 2015, at least in the USA. I don’t know where else this will be released.
Chuck
I got told from a reseller first week in November. But I preordered 2 for myself. The reseller has been swamped with preorders for these.
As a side note… I have every single 18V XRP tool DeWalt has made. I love the quality and build of them, and they have never ever let me down. I was amazed when they came out with the Lithium Ion XRP pack a few years ago. I thought they were never going to give it up… Then 20v MAX came out and now everyone ran to that (even though it’s still just the same old technology in a new form).
Personally I like the pod style, versus the sliders… but to each his own.
Now DeWalt does this. I have to give them credit. If there was a way to nominate them BEST tool manufacturer in the world, I’d give them a gold medal.
I will always be a DeWalt customer for as long as I live and they are around. Truly an awesome company that thinks about their product line AND most important THEIR CUSTOMER BASE! They listen to the demands from their customers.
I own two businesses, and I go by the slogan: “Satisfied Customers Equals Success!”. DeWalt does this with innovation and PRIDE.
Jim Felt
It does make us here all ponder why no other company wasn’t and still isn’t apparently willing to at least try this…
I actually gave away my 18v Dewalt tools earlier this year because of the old NiCad battery tech. Now I’m feeling a little comflicted about that donation. Groan.
Chuck
I think the reason being is the adaptation to make it functional along with how many people still own the 18v system. DeWalt’s pod style is uniquely designed to make it work and adapt. I don’t know how else to explain it.
There was no way I was going to give up my nearly all brand new 18v tools because of some battery change, when the XRP Lithium batteries are easily available and work fine.
On the other side of the coin, I also believe DeWalt wants to standardize their battery market. Phase out the pod to go with the sliders. It’s easier for them to make an adapter than it is to keep on making prehistoric pod packs.
That’s my take on it.
Joel
Been checking my local big box…nothing as of yet. Some of the big box reps don’t even know about this….Dewalt rep(s) barely are at the store. Milwaukee rep is there every month. Will keep looking thru out the month of October.
Woodman
Well?…,,,,,Where is it?? It’s now October 17 2015. Could really use this adapter now. My 18volt batteries are on the wane!
iTeM
The Baustoffunion guys from Germany told me that it will not be introduced here. But at least they heared from Dewalt it exists.
iTeM
NEWS: DEWALT: “that is projected to be available in stores Middle to end of November at this time.”
So one month to go…
Matt
Why do they need an adapter? Just don’t sell the batterys for 90 dollars a piece and everything would be great, I’d like to upgrade but I’d spend over 1500 equipping all of my company trucks, even with trade in credit on current tools I have
Jon Strembicki
Just to let everyone know, I am on the Dewalt Insights Forum group and a group of us were asked what we really needed to see happen in the cordless field and this is what we came up with! Of course we had to agree that all of our ideas became the property of Dewalt. I am proud to say that it was our group that came up with the design of this adapter about a year ago and I can’t wait to get mine as I am heavily invested in the 18 volt line.
Graham Howe
I just notice some information on the DeWalt site which potentially takes some of the shine off this adapter. (http://www.dewalt.com/tools/20v-max-batteries-dca1820.aspx)
First it says “Product Launching Soon – Early December” so that looks even later than expected. Second it says “Use only with Compact DEWALT Batteries (DCB201 and DCB203)”. So I wonder if this means that it will not be possible to use 3/4/5 Ah batteries with the 18V tools?
Jon Strembicki
The news briefs that I have been reading say that all of the 20 volt batteries will be able to be used, as I have not been able to figure out how the batteries differ from each other, as they all slide into place.
Graham Howe
Well it seems from the press release (http://dewaltmediakit.com/power-tools/dewalt-launches-20v-max-battery-adapter-that-works-with-most-dewalt-18v-tools/) that all the 20V batteries should work which is good.
However I just noticed that the product page at Acme Tools (http://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/dewalt-dca1820#features) indicates that this adapter doesn’t work with the 18V nailers which I find odd. It is a nailer (DC608B) that is one tool I was really hoping to use this adapter for.
Stuart
I asked Dewalt for clarification, but haven’t heard back yet.
JMG
Stuart, you should run an update page on this adapter, as it is now available, albeit with limitations on actual use.
Stuart
I’m still waiting on official word from them. Maybe there are additional incompatibilities or limitations worth noting.
JMG
I can confirm that this adapter does not work with the nailers. I have attempted to use the one I received from Tool-Nut in three models, the 608, 618 and 628. The tool will attempt to spin up and then it enters an error mode and shuts down. The adapter works fine in a drill or impact wrench.
This is incredibly disappointing as these nail guns were the only real reason I purchased this adapter, in that I did not wish to replace the existing nicad batteries which are winding down towards end of life. My Dewalt purchases of late have been geared towards the new battery platform, and I do not wish to maintain the old platform.
I am a sad panda today.
JMG
The adapter will also not work with the DC527 florescent area light due to the tabs that are present on the adapter to keep it from being inserted into a battery charger.
tcmault
Could you just shave off the tab?
JMG
There are five tabs of various shapes and depths on the adapter, and yes, you could cut them all off and void any and all rights you might have if there were to be a mishap using it. The area light could also be modified to accept the adapter, but that is just to much trouble and time to test whether or not it would work or fail, possibly destroying the tool in the process.
JMG
I ran a short test to see if the issue with the nail guns was related to voltage output. I used my drill to run down a 5ah battery and checked at different intervals to see if the nailers would work as the battery was drained. I am sorry to say that even when the battery is showing a single bar on the fuel gauge that the nail guns do not show any real shift as to when they enter error mode and shut down. This suggests to me that the issue is amp related instead of volt. The question I would like to ask is if there is any type of resistor that could have been added to the adapter that could have metered the volt/amp draw and allowed the nail guns to operate?
Graham Howe
I know that the nailers don’t work with all the non-XRP 18V batteries, did you try the adapter with a variety of the 20V Max ones?
JMG
I only have 4ah and 5ah Dewalt batteries. I have had no reason to purchase anything smaller as my newer Dewalt cordless purchases have been limited to nail guns.
AndyNYC
Huge bummer, I have a 608 and 628. Any idea when these will be released in 20v? What’s taking so long?
Joel
Just found out from rep that the adapter is not coming out anytime soon. Either he is ignorant of his company post or he doesn’t care about it. Either way the adapter is still not here. He also mentioned that the adapter will not be sold in the big box stores. He didn’t even care that i was a Dewalt customer/consumer. i am thinking of moving on. The attitude of this company is reflected on this rep’s attitude. i say save your money and move on. They won’t learn with people praying and hoping this adapter will come out. This company and many like it will never change their attitude till they lose money that’s ALL they know. Take care everyone.
tcmault
I already switched to Milwaukee because of this. As my old 18v dewalt a die, they will be replaced with Milwaukee versions.
Jon Strembicki
They keep extending the delivery date for this adapter, first it was suppose to hit the market the end of October, then they moved it to the middle of November, then they moved it again to the second week of December! How is it that some people have this adapter in their possession, yet I can not find any supplier who has them in stock? It certainly makes me wonder who is posting the down side of these comments!
JMG
I pre-ordered mine from Tool-Nut. Currently shows as out of stock. https://www.toolnut.com/DeWalt_DCA1820_18v_to_20v_Battery_Adapter_p/dca1820.htm
The ones they received in their first shipment did not last long.
Jon Strembicki
Okay, that makes sense, wasn’t trying to say anyone wasn’t telling the truth or was some kind of a competition plant! LOL, no hard feelings?
Jared Rendar
Can I use this Dewalt 20V Max to 18V XRP Battery Adapter for specifically marked 18V XR batteries?
All logic points to yes in my head… but still
Brad
I can’t find the reference to it above, but does anyone know anything about the similar adapter from these guys? http://www.a-link.dk
The challenge is that they’re in Denmark and don’t seem to have any North American distributors.
Jim Felt
It would be nice if you’d email them for a USD/PayPal/CC price with shipping and let those here still in need to see what they tell you.
Cheers.
Stuart
Their sales manager emailed me today, and I asked just that – where USA-based customers can buy it. Haven’t heard back yet.
Keep in mind that it’s not UL rated, which is frowned upon by OSHA.
Looking at their video, using it on certain tools also requires modification of the tools, which could void your Dewalt tool warranty. Usage of the 3rd party adapter might also void your battery warranty.
Brad
I also sent them a note asking about the feasibility a Dewalt 18V to Craftsman/Black & Decker 20V Max adapter. That one would be easier since both of those lines have the shut-off circuitry in the battery.
Jerome
I’ve had the adapter on order from a distributor sinceearly Dec and they still say it is on BO. I have emailed Dewalt to get an update on when they expect inventory. I doubt the news will be very good.
I am also disappointed to hear why it won’t work on the cordless finish nailers. I had hoped that it was a form or fit issue and I could modify something to make it work. From what I read here the problem may have to do with the electronics, current not voltage related. Maybe someone will come up with a modification to allow it to work but if it were that simply you would think dewalt engineers would have done that already.
Jerome
I just heard back from Dewalt customer service and was told the adapter would be released at the end of March.
skfarmer
they are in stock at acme and selling like hotcakes according to them. the one store i checked at is completely sold out already so ordered online. i ordered a kit and an extra adaptor. using the 15% off leapday promo code.
a big thanks to becky at acme for all of her help.
Jerome
Thanks for the info. I just ordered one from Acme. Can’t understand how they have them available since I just got the “end of March” response from Dewalt but I’m not questioning it. 🙂
skfarmer
the word i had heard was that it took extra time to get it right. they were just about to release them when an unexpected problem showed up. better to wait a little while longer than have a bad product. i don’t think anyone really knew for sure when it was going to be ready until the product hit the stores.
Jerome
All I can say is thanks thanks thanks! I really needed to get one.
Now if I can just find a way for it to work on my 18 volt nailer, or sell the 18 volt and buy a 20 volt one.
Ron Jones
They don’t make a 20V 18ga finish nailer?
dave
No, it is technically not an issue to run a 20V Max tool off a 18V NiCd or NiMH battery if the adapter has the appropriate circuitry.
Jon
The way I look at it now, what is another couple of weeks before I am able to get one! I have gone so long without being able to use my 18 volt tools that I actually went out and bought some Big Blue tools, mostly 12 volt tools that seem to kick some ass and one 18 volt hammerdrill from Big Blue. All of the tools seem to hold a charge much longer than the Dewalt tools and last longer than the NiCd from my Dewalt tool collection. I do know the difference between the battery chemistry and I did buy a Dewalt 12 volt drill and impact gun as a combo from CPO tools. Other than price, there doesn’t seem to be much difference between the two except for the Bosch seems to hold the charge longer over time while just in storage in my truck. I will purchase the adapter as soon as it is ready for sale to the general public along with whatever battery Dewalt tells me will work with it as it will be better than not using the tools at all!
Kenneth
Did anyone ever figure out if you can charge a 20v using the adapter in an 18v charger?
Brad
Even if it works at all, it’s a bad idea. Batteries always require the correct matching charger to be used.
And bear in mind, this advise is coming from the guy (me) who uses B&D 20V Max batteries to power B&D 18V and Dewalt 18V tools. Powering tools with the “wrong” battery is one thing. Charging a battery with the wrong charger is another, and should not be done.
Mongo
What I really want is a way to use the Milwaukee 2731-20 Brushless 7.25″ circular saw with my Dewalt 20V MAX batteries. That is the kind of adapter I want.
Or for Dewalt to make a comparable saw, which they haven’t.
Brad
For anyone else who, like me, might have preferred to use Black & Decker / Craftsman 20V Max batteries with their DeWalt 18V tools, there is now a solution. Details here…
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6390014#post6390014
Geoff
can anyone tell me if the adapter has circuitry that switches off the battery before it is dead flat! I made an adapter myself and was very careful but the battery voltage went too low and I destroyed 2 batteries in a month. Dewalt has not been able to give me an answer!
Stuart
Dewalt’s tools and accessories all seem to have low-voltage shutoffs.
Their USB adapter drains batteries, but they batteries aren’t over-drained, at least not in my experience.
Brad
The adapter that I referenced above, which utilizes B&D 20V Max batteries (rather than DeWalt 20V Max), does NOT have any low-voltage shut-off nor does it need it. That’s because the low voltage shut-off is managed by the battery, same as the 18V DeWalt LiOn batteries.
So far I’m very happy with this solution – I’ve successfully used it with all my DeWalt 18V tools. Indeed it’s more of a roll-your-own kit than what DeWalt offers, but it’s pretty simple to build.
Jim
Does DeWalt (or anyone else) offer an adapter to be able to use and change to Li batteries and technology, to replace the original 14.4V DeWalt XRP type DC9091 Ni-Cad batteries? Think they are 2.2 Amp-Hour. (For a 14.4V DeWalt type DC930 drill).
Also a Li battery charger to replace the DeWalt only Ni-Cad battery type DW9118 (7.2V-14.4V) or type DW9116 (7.2V-18V) battery chargers?
I am aware of the 14.4V Ni-MH type DW9091 batteries, with 3 Amp-Hour, as one replacement battery option.
Does anyone have any other practical and safe ideas and suggestions? Thanks.
Stuart
Sorry, not that I know of.
David
Buy a ‘C’ clamp large enough to span the black buttons that are supposed to release the adapter! That is the only way I could remove it.