Which DeWalt 20v Battery to buy?

[908Jim]

It's been a while since I've needed to buy a 20v battery. I'm not a pro, so I've gotten by with 4 DCB203 2ah batteries which have served me well for a DCD791 drill, DCF887 impact driver, two cordless lights, and occasional palm sander and oscillating tool use. I've always appreciated the compact form factor and light weight. The low run time has never been a problem because I'm not using them professionally and I can usually top them off during lunch or trips to the store if needed. I've got a few big projects coming up that will probably require a few extra batteries but I'm not sure what to buy. Most of my big draw tools are corded (circular saw, sawzall, grinders) so I am hoping I can get away with smaller packs. My automotive stuff is all air. My next 20V tool purchase will either be a PEX expander or a hammer drill.

Home Depot has a deal on the DCB200 3ah batteries for pretty cheap, but they look huge. I see they also sell a DCB230 2 pack for $99, which appears to be the compact battery. There's also the DCB240 at $59 each, which seems like a better value than the DCB230 for $50 each. Then, there's the power stack.

Dewalt uses a lot of marketing hype and very limited technical specs when they make all kinds of claims, so I'm not sure if there's any reason not to buy the compact 3ah or 4ah packs other than maybe cost. Are the powerstack batteries worth the extra cost? Is there any real reason, other than run time, to buy 5ah or larger backs for drills and impact drivers?

 

[mike93lx]

If I needed any more batteries, this would likely be getting bought. 2 2's, 2 4's and a free tool for $200
https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-4-P...mp-Hour-Lithium-Power-Tool-Battery/1000665147

A 6 or 8ah is nice for the bigger draw tools, like a high torque impact, sawzall or grinder, but the 4's can do a lot of work

 

[niget2002]

If I needed any more batteries, this would likely be getting bought. 2 2's, 2 4's and a free tool for $200
https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-4-P...mp-Hour-Lithium-Power-Tool-Battery/1000665147

A 6 or 8ah is nice for the bigger draw tools, like a high torque impact, sawzall or grinder, but the 4's can do a lot of work

The 6's are amazing on impact drivers when pushing long lag bolts too.

 

[RTM]

People say the bigger batteries can put out more current, so you get more oomph from your impact etc. may help with other tools too.

 

[mike93lx]

People say the bigger batteries can put out more current, do you get more oomph from your impact etc.

Yes, definitely

 

[DHCrocks]

My favorites are the DCB240 and 230 (4ah and 3Ah). Those are the compact single 21700 cells. Its a little bigger then the 2Ah compact but the added size is actually a benefit since it makes for a more stable base to stand the tool up. Lasts a lot longer then the 2Ah and the price is not too bad. I didn't get any of the power stack pouch cell batteries since the base looked to small and the capacity is low. These have enough juice for me and I don't feel the need for the powerstack when those cost so much more. I like the single row since the double row batteries are so large. These batteries have enough power for my 1/2" impact, drivers and drill. The only thing I use the double row batteries in is the saws, fan, blower and light where the longer runtimes are preferred over weight.

Get the compact single row 3 or 4Ah, you will appreciate the power, runtime and weight which is a perfect balance.

 

[GeoBruin]

The compact power stacks are great. Smaller and lighter than the old 2.0 but with higher current delivery capacity. It's what I keep on all my drills/drivers. Large batteries are reserved for OPE, saws, and grinders.

 

[MOS3522]

Almost as important a question is where to buy batteries and more importantly where not to buy batteries. Amazon is a crapshoot for counterfeit and ebay is a nest of counterfeits. Home Depot and Lowes in person are probably your best bet.

 

[rsparks64]

It was implied above, but occasionally they have sales on combos of one or two tools, a charger, and one or two batteries. That way you can pick up a tool you might need and one or two batteries for a good price.

 

[xjfish]

Watch for deals. Bigger is better if you can handle a little extra bulk.

 

[finn]

Look for the deals if more tools are on your glide path.

Otherwise, get one or two larger batteries for big impacts, grinders, stationary tools, and ope, and stick with smaller batteries for everything else.

I’m partial to the Powerstack for most other tools, though, as size and weight matter, ie smaller and lighter for the win.

i also prefer the smaller batteries even if I have to have a pair on the project, ie one on the charger and one on the tool.

 

[nicks78camaro]

Most of mine are 4s and 5s. I really don't use the 2s the tools came with often. Just not enough power or capacity for me.

Reminds me I need to look out for black Friday battery deals.

 

[acer66]

If I needed any more batteries, this would likely be getting bought. 2 2's, 2 4's and a free tool for $200
https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-4-P...mp-Hour-Lithium-Power-Tool-Battery/1000665147

A 6 or 8ah is nice for the bigger draw tools, like a high torque impact, sawzall or grinder, but the 4's can do a lot of work

This is what I normally wait for when I want more batteries.


For me it depends where I use the battery.

I have cordless nailers and they are very top heavy so I use big batteries to balance them out which is more important to me than the extra weight.

On the other end in a cordless drywall gun I use a very small battery since weight is the deciding factor there for me.

 

[speed bump]

I run 2ah hr batteries on my impact driver and flashlights otherwise everything else has 5 ahr batteries. The oomph you get out of a bigger battery is worth it on everything from drills upwards in my opinion.

 

[WillyBoy]

The batteries that came with the driver and drill have charge indicator lights. I bought a couple of cheaper batteries later and I don't remember what size they are. The cheaper ones don't have the charge indication lights and it's inconvenient. I don't know what the state of charge is until the tool stops. That's the only advice I can offer.

 

[mike93lx]

The batteries that came with the driver and drill have charge indicator lights. I bought a couple of cheaper batteries later and I don't remember what size they are. The cheaper ones don't have the charge indication lights and it's inconvenient. I don't know what the state of charge is until the tool stops. That's the only advice I can offer.

AFAIK, all XR batteries have the charge indicator and the authentic Dewalt batteries I have seen that dont have them are the super cheap 1.3 ah that comes with the $99 kits.

 

[Ditchdigger]

My 1.5 and 2AH batteries are only used with the 1/4" impact, 3/8 electric ratchet and hot glue gun. The drill, reciprocating saw and angle grinder work so much better with the 5AH that they seem broken with the lower spec batteries.

 

[silkman]

Id stay clear of the 54V Flexvolt batteries. If they draw too much power just once, the protection circuit kills itself and its game over.

I'm happy with the 5Ah ones, plenty of power and no problems yet.

 

[908Jim]

If I needed any more batteries, this would likely be getting bought. 2 2's, 2 4's and a free tool for $200
https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-4-P...mp-Hour-Lithium-Power-Tool-Battery/1000665147

A 6 or 8ah is nice for the bigger draw tools, like a high torque impact, sawzall or grinder, but the 4's can do a lot of work

This looks like a great deal in terms of total ah/$, but they all appear to be the "lower end" large format batteries. I'll keep an eye out for a similar set of compacts. The free tool deal seems like a good option.

People say the bigger batteries can put out more current, so you get more oomph from your impact etc. may help with other tools too.

Is this actually quantified anywhere so that I can make an informed decision? How much does it actually help?

My favorites are the DCB240 and 230 (4ah and 3Ah). Those are the compact single 21700 cells. Its a little bigger then the 2Ah compact but the added size is actually a benefit since it makes for a more stable base to stand the tool up. Lasts a lot longer then the 2Ah and the price is not too bad. I didn't get any of the power stack pouch cell batteries since the base looked to small and the capacity is low. These have enough juice for me and I don't feel the need for the powerstack when those cost so much more. I like the single row since the double row batteries are so large. These batteries have enough power for my 1/2" impact, drivers and drill. The only thing I use the double row batteries in is the saws, fan, blower and light where the longer runtimes are preferred over weight.

Get the compact single row 3 or 4Ah, you will appreciate the power, runtime and weight which is a perfect balance.

DCB240 on Amazon and sold by Amazon, not a 3rd party, just dropped to $51 (vs $59 Home Depot special buy) so I picked up two. I have a few weeks to decide if I keep them. or if I look for a black friday deal on a compact/powerstack kit with a free tool or something

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCB240-Compact-Lithium-Battery/dp/B082G2ZZKH?tag=atomicindus08-20

The compact power stacks are great. Smaller and lighter than the old 2.0 but with higher current delivery capacity. It's what I keep on all my drills/drivers. Large batteries are reserved for OPE, saws, and grinders.

My biggest source of frustration is a lack of published current delivery capacity for the different batteries, and a lack of published max current draw specs for the tools. Any ideas?

 

[GaryM909]

I have three 9ah batteries for my two grinders and leaf blower. I used one in my die grinder and it worked but there was too much weight on the back end. I bought a couple new 1.5ah batteries off Marketplace for $50 that work perfect for the die grinder.

 

[Ilikeike]

Most of mine are 5ah,
couple 6ah for skill saw,chainsaw and blower.
the little 2ah I only use on the flash light.

the 5ah get the most use at my house.

 

[GeoBruin]

This looks like a great deal in terms of total ah/$, but they all appear to be the "lower end" large format batteries. I'll keep an eye out for a similar set of compacts. The free tool deal seems like a good option.


Is this actually quantified anywhere so that I can make an informed decision? How much does it actually help?


DCB240 on Amazon and sold by Amazon, not a 3rd party, just dropped to $51 (vs $59 Home Depot special buy) so I picked up two. I have a few weeks to decide if I keep them. or if I look for a black friday deal on a compact/powerstack kit with a free tool or something

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCB240-Compact-Lithium-Battery/dp/B082G2ZZKH?tag=atomicindus08-20


My biggest source of frustration is a lack of published current delivery capacity for the different batteries, and a lack of published max current draw specs for the tools. Any ideas?

You are going to struggle to find published specs. However, between torque test channel and workshop addict on YouTube, they have tested jsut about everything. TTC's tests are focused on torque/power so you have to infer current delivery, but WSA actually looks at voltage drop which you can correlate directly.

 

[RTM]

Is this actually quantified anywhere so that I can make an informed decision? How much does it actually help

Other than threads here, and YouTube videos, probably not in mfgrs specs. Find a few recent threads about battery size, it’s frequently mentioned.

 

[908Jim]

You are going to struggle to find published specs. However, between torque test channel and workshop addict on YouTube, they have tested jsut about everything. TTC's tests are focused on torque/power so you have to infer current delivery, but WSA actually looks at voltage drop which you can correlate directly.

The voltage drop table towards the end was interesting. I've been satisfied with the 2ah packs for my needs, so it sounds like there's nowhere to really go but up. I feel pretty good about the $51 compact 4ah deal now, given the modest out performance of the much more expensive and lower capacity 1.7ah PowerStack, and the big size and weight penalty of the higher capacity packs. If I find a hot deal on a PowerStack kit, I will probably pick it up. I could certainly see a case for them on impact wrenches.

My takeaways here are:
1) DeWalt does a poor job of helping us make an informed selection based on actual data. Even a "good/better/best" matrix for tools would help.
2) The 2ah packs are apparently limiting output, but it isn't a show stopper for general DIY stuff and the size is great.
3) If I move to cordless impacts (or eventually retire my 18v compact) I'll invest in a power stack for the extra juice and compact size.

 

[dnschmidt]

I use the Powerstack batteries. Use the 1.7 for low draw tools like an impact driver and the 5.0 for higher demand tools.

 

[DHCrocks]

you're going to love the 4ah compacts, great balance of weight, power output and capacity.

 

[IRQVET]

I use the XR platform on most, but only during Black Friday type sales when I can pick them up in bundles for cheap.

The 2ah batteries are cute and great for screw drivers.

But for my 20v platform, I usually gravitate toward the 4ah or larger XR batteries. They are just more versatile for garage/ lawn and garden stuff.

 

[GeoBruin]

The 5ah powerstack 2 pack is the lowest it's ever been on Amazon. Sold by the dewalt Amazon store, so presumably they're legit.

DEWALT 20V MAX XR POWERSTACK 5 Ah Lithium Ion Battery, 2-Pack (DCBP520-2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPJYZ7CB?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[toolmiser]

I only have a drill and impact, plus lawn care tools. My batteries are 4 ah. I've always wondered if it would be worth it to get a 2 ah to make them lighter since I use them in my woodworking shop. Never have found a deal though.

 

[908Jim]

The 5ah powerstack 2 pack is the lowest it's ever been on Amazon. Sold by the dewalt Amazon store, so presumably they're legit.

DEWALT 20V MAX XR POWERSTACK 5 Ah Lithium Ion Battery, 2-Pack (DCBP520-2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPJYZ7CB?tag=atomicindus08-20

Looks like I missed it, showing JBtools now.

I only have a drill and impact, plus lawn care tools. My batteries are 4 ah. I've always wondered if it would be worth it to get a 2 ah to make them lighter since I use them in my woodworking shop. Never have found a deal though.

I've gotten by for 5+ years with 2ah and never felt like the tools were insufficient on jobs ranging from installing cabinets, vanities, heavy garage shelving, deck repairs, garage door repairs, and other jobs around the house. A pro might notice a difference, but as a reasonably capable homeowner, I don't think that 2ah have ever left me feeling lacking when used on my drill and impact driver.

 

[mike93lx]

Looks like I missed it, showing JBtools now.

I've gotten by for 5+ years with 2ah and never felt like the tools were insufficient on jobs ranging from installing cabinets, vanities, heavy garage shelving, deck repairs, garage door repairs, and other jobs around the house. A pro might notice a difference, but as a reasonably capable homeowner, I don't think that 2ah have ever left me feeling lacking when used on my drill and impact driver.

same here, i did a lot of work with just 2ah batteries on my dewalt drill and impact. their limitations really showed when using the circular saw, sawzall and impact wrenches. i still tend to load a 2ah on my drill and driver to keep the weight down

 

[GeoBruin]

Looks like I missed it, showing JBtools now.

I actually show toolup as the seller, but I consider them a major/legit vendor as well.

 

[Shovelhead]

one of my 5ah DeWalts died. I have, had, two for my little chainsaw. Got good life out of it so I'm needed another, or two. Not interested in any other brand or "horsepower" ~grin

Is this a good buy from Acme Tools?
https://www.acmetools.com/dewalt-2-...wer-tool-batteries-dcb205-2/885911375955.html

 

[Shovelhead]

Forgot to add that my batteries say 20V max XR

Don't see XR on these. They make too many kinds of the same **** these days on everything it seems to me.

 

[JSutter]

Here's a run down on the various batteries

Dewalt XR Batteries – What Does this Mean?

toolguyd.com

And deals

Best Dewalt Cordless Power Tool Battery Deals for Holiday 2024

Here are the best Dewalt battery deals we could find.

toolguyd.com

 

[Shovelhead]

Thank you Mainer..

why the heck they can't just make ONE battery "type" for each amp hour rating is beyond me.
Who the hell wants to buy the "not so good" battery for an expensive tool?
Oh well........

 

[csp]

I buy the DCB205 5AH from www.woot.com, an Amazon liquidator. They don't have them very often and go quickly when they do. I think the last pair were $120. Sign up for the daily emails to catch them when they are available