20v Dewalt Battery Boosters

[JradM]

I didn't know such a thing existed, but apparently there are two of them - one from Dewalt and another from EZ-Start. Seems like a nifty idea when I've already got lots of Dewalt batteries (assuming it works well), but the price does make it lose it's luster a bit since I could just get a dedicated lithium booster pack instead...

Any thoughts on these? Are there other options?

DEWALT 20V 3 in 1 Professional Battery Booster (DXAE20VBB) - $122 @ Acme




EZ-Start 71900 - Booster Cables, Compatible with Dewalt/Milwaukee Batteries ~$135

 

[Rabid Badger]

I would be hesitant to put that kind of load on an expensive battery pack. I wonder if the DeWalt-branded one used the battery to charge a supercap.

Edit: It looks like they're classified as "boosters" rather than jump-starters.

 

[5ubtle]

I would be afraid of frying my vehicle's electronics with 20V+. Also, I think that lithium batteries are designed differently if they are provide "high amps for a short duration" vs. "low amps for a long duration". I agree with Rabid Badger, I would be hesitant to put that kind of load on an expensive battery pack.

 

[JradM]

I would be hesitant to put that kind of load on an expensive battery pack. I wonder if the DeWalt-branded one used the battery to charge a supercap.

Edit: It looks like they're classified as "boosters" rather than jump-starters.

Good point. The Dewalt version says: "Applying a rapid charge over the course of a few minutes, it will help start your vehicle with ease." I imagine that means its not meant to jumpstart a vehicle, but rapidly charge your drained battery enough to start the vehicle.

That's not quite the vision I had in mind, but does explain why it is probably safe to use with Dewalt battery packs.

I would be afraid of frying my vehicle's electronics with 20V+. Also, I think that lithium batteries are designed differently if they are provide "high amps for a short duration" vs. "low amps for a long duration". I agree with Rabid Badger, I would be hesitant to put that kind of load on an expensive battery pack.

Hmm... I assumed it would step the voltage down. If all it does is connect your 20v pack to your 12v vehicle battery with a fuse - that's going to make some heat! Plus I could probably DIY that for way less money.

I checked their website, but there isn't much detail about how it works.

 

[BrandonV]

Good point. The Dewalt version says: "Applying a rapid charge over the course of a few minutes, it will help start your vehicle with ease." I imagine that means its not meant to jumpstart a vehicle, but rapidly charge your drained battery enough to start the vehicle.

That's not quite the vision I had in mind, but does explain why it is probably safe to use with Dewalt battery packs.



Hmm... I assumed it would step the voltage down. If all it does is connect your 20v pack to your 12v vehicle battery with a fuse - that's going to make some heat! Plus I could probably DIY that for way less money.

I checked their website, but there isn't much detail about how it works.

Comparing this to a jump starter is the problem. This is just a portable automotive battery charger that can output 14.5V @ a maximum of 20A via a drill battery. You hook it up... it pumps up to 20A into the dead battery hopefully getting it to a state of charge where it will let the vehicle start.

 

[californiamilleghia]

I would think the 18v-20v is converted to 12-14V or whatever the proper voltage is on all the other jump starters.

Its a booster , not a jump starter for a dead battery ,
But like others have said , I would not want to use my expensive tool battery to do this.

 

[5ubtle]

The first google search result that I get for "DXAE20VBB" is Home Depot. The description there doesn't do a good job of differentiating "booster" from "jump starter". If it really is just a battery charger, then I agree that it probably does drop the voltage.

 

[KnurledNut]

People been doing this for years just hooking direct to a battery.

 

[BrandonV]

The first google search result that I get for "DXAE20VBB" is Home Depot. The description there doesn't do a good job of differentiating "booster" from "jump starter". If it really is just a battery charger, then I agree that it probably does drop the voltage.

That description is criminal IMO. It's not a jump starter and it's not a "booster". It's an anemic battery charger at best.

I'd rather have this charger and an extension cord if I couldn't have a real jump starter.

2/10/50 Amp, 12V Analog Charger with Engine Start

Amazing deals on this 2/10/50 Amp 12V Manual Charger W/Engine Start at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

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