Every Dewalt Battery Explained Including PowerStack and Flexvolt

This is an explanation of every Dewalt Battery in 12v, 20v, and 60v including PowerStack and FlexVolt. Check out the links below to some of my favorites!
Dewalt 20v 5ah Powerstack: amzn.to/3SpLq6H
Dewalt 20v 1.7ah Powerstack: amzn.to/3SAgb90
Dewalt 60v 9ah Flexvolt: amzn.to/3SnUnxv
Dewalt 20v 5ah: amzn.to/470zpZX
Dewalt 20v 2ah: amzn.to/47ksVVG
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[@TorqueTestChannel]

DeWALT should make a QR code link to this video on each product

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Agreed! :) Although, I'm sure you could do an even more complete battery rundown for all the brands...I'd love to see that!

[@asrr62]

Do you think someone from Dewalt is constantly scanning the internet. It does seem you can see some company comments on tiktok

[@mikecheadle2728]

Great video, super informative. Thank you for taking the time to explain.

[@septimuspretorius250]

Thank you so much for a very clear explanation of the types of batteries that you Will find when using D Walt cordless tools. I learned so much from you. Nice job sir!!!

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Glad it was helpful :) if you ever have any questions, let me know!

[@jeffdillon1972]

I am positive there are four or five groups at DeWalt all working on the same exact projects and products but they aren’t allowed to talk to each other. Why else would a company come up with 5 different answers to one question. From tool storage (at least four lines and dozens of options) to batteries (thank goodness for this video), to tools (is it 12?, 20?, flexvolt?, are they compatible? WHO knows, as long as we are locked in the black and yellow battery prison we keep buying.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

LoL I know what you mean...and then their website is the most incoherent mess of pages with scattered specs that aren't the same or not listed for one drill but are for another drill.

[@kD_5555_]

HAha possibly

[@KyleEmge]

@@SomeGuysGarage Their complexity allows me to become an expert and add value to my clients.

[@rodgersandrodgers8191]

Well said and definitely well understood by me. Thank you very much for this video.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Awesome, glad it was helpful! :)

[@christopherbrown6493]

I’m a pump mechanic and I use the 9ah Flex Volt on my DCF900 to get impeller bolts out, they are usually put in at around 300-450 ft-lb with red loctite, and then the corrosion from use and stainless gaulling really makes them a PITA.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

When you need the most beans, the 9ah is a solid choice :)

[@dchambers25]

Great explanation. I am a contractor and haven't kept up with the new line of batteries. I have about 2 dozen Dewalt cordless 20v tools, in which I use about 5-6 of them on a daily basis, and am looking into getting the 60v miter saw. Your video was succinct and clear.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Glad it was helpful :) it's a pretty confusing platform these days, too many options. There's new powerpack batteries coming soon too and they're dropping the flexvolt advantage/power detect lines by rolling them into the XR branding...hard to keep up.

[@emmettturner9452]

The DeWALT XR blower/trimmer set I got from Home Depot in September still includes the 4AH in the same shell as the 5AH, so they still make these. Though they are 18650 cells they probably supply more current than the 4AH in the 3AH shell since there are twice as many cells.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Interesting...I haven't seen 4ah in kits for a while, crazy to know they're still out there. I guess a good way of cheaping out on internal cells. (thanks for all the input, certainly helps others with more context/info)

[@mikecheadle2728]

Great video, super informative. Thank you for taking the time to explain. Makes a lot more sense now.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Glad it was helpful :) if you have any questions let me know!

[@MarkBurch]

Thanks for taking the time to explain! I guess Dewalt's model names make more sense now, other than just made up catchy words for all this stuff haha. You rock!

[@SomeGuysGarage]

LoL now if only I could decipher their model numbers, the letters make sense but the numbers are senseless lol like the 923 is the new version of the 890 compact impact, the 891 is the new version of the 894 mid torque and the 900 is the new version of the 899 high torque...tell me that isn't just a random number generator lol

[@MarkBurch]

@@SomeGuysGarage haha, SOO true! I think the model #s change if it’s with a kit or not too for extra deciphering fun for the same tool.

[@howardosborne8647]

Nice tutorial👍. I have had a couple of the 5AH packs apart out of inquisitiveness before. The pouch cells seem like they would be good on cordless tools such as the 20 volt chainsaw.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Yeah, the powerstack (pouch cell) batteries are great on any of the really high current draw tools!

[@KyleEmge]

Thanks for the information. I started selling Dewalt for the first time and you made this easy to follow. Cheers,

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Welcome :) Anything else you'd like info on please let me know!

[@StuMagoo]

Very informative, I have various batteries, which helped me understand what I have. Thank you

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lukecrisman7300]

Thank you for the informative video!!

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Welcome :) any other questions let me know!

[@hanif20231]

Great video mate very well explained

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Hope it was helpful :)

[@paulx7888]

Very good explanation

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful :)

[@emmettturner9452]

I got the 8AH with my DCD998 XR PowerDetect hammer drill though Torque Test Channel routinely sees better results with their 6AH pack. I can’t imagine many 998 users need more runtime than 6AH provides. Meanwhile, 8AH would’ve made more sense with the blower/trimmer set I mentioned before since it only includes one battery and you aren’t going to get much done sharing one 4AH pack.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Their packaging choices for batteries are interesting at times...gotta wonder why.

[@toddrhine7648]

Very informative that is understandable. Was looking for something like this and just now found it. Thx much as I just subscribed & a thumbs up to you. Would be great for a demo on dewalts power tools for mechanics/carpenters also!

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Thanks for the sub, glad it was a helpful video! What sort of demo are you looking for on those tools? I do have individual reviews but are you looking for more comparison ones? Or something else to help understand what's out there?

[@toddrhine7648]

Comparison of the 1/2" drive Dewalt impacts amongst each other. And the 3/8" drive Dewalt rachets. Thx much.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

@@toddrhine7648 Unfortunately I only have the 923 (3/8") and then the old 894 and 899 1/2" impacts, and only one 20v 3/8" ratchet (I did do a review on this one compared to an aircat though). If I were to make recommendations on impacts to buy, it would be the 891 mid torque first (it does as much as my old 899), then the 921/923 compact, and then the 900 if and only if you need more torque than the 891. I'd also highly recommend checking out Torque Test Channel, they are friends of ours and he has tested every impact and ratchet out there, including measuring torque output.

[@toddrhine7648]

Ok, thx much. I shall have to check out that video with torque test again. Thx again!

[@TedKennedyIII]

Very helpful video! One question: are the chargers compatible across the PowerStack line and the regular 20V line. I saw another video that said the new charger and the PowerStack line is the future, but if I get that charger can I use it on the older 20V batteries?

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Yup, cross compatible powerstack and regular 20v. I'm not sure about the new powerpack batteries that are coming out though. I did do a video on chargers explained that might also be helpful, so check that out :)

[@Boiswo]

So which battery, jsut in terms of high capacity, would be best to use as a powerbank for their phone charger accessory? Love taking it on camping trips but im not sure which battery has the best "capacity", I dont really need efficiency

[@SomeGuysGarage]

If you're using the DCB094k I would go with the 5ah 20v battery...mostly because any of the higher capacity batteries are more pricey and any of the smaller ones won't last as long. It's more about price per ah than it is about capacity itself.

[@aciccotelli6951]

Ok so please explain something. I always thought the only difference between amp hrs on batteries meant longer run times but not more power but I have seen in tests that’s not the case. I get it across the same “type” of battery but say a 20 v max 2 amp vs 4 amp. Why would the 4 amp be more powerful as well as longer running? Watts out?

[@SomeGuysGarage]

The more power you draw (amperage) from a battery, the more the voltage sags, lower voltage means less performance. The small batteries only have 5 cells in series, and so each cell has to deliver all the current required...the larger batteries have multiple sets of 5 cells in series (in parallel), so they split the current requirements across each parallel set, and therefore voltage doesn't sag as much and you get more performance. The powerstack use pouch cells which are able to deliver more current without sagging. Long and short, you can draw more current without voltage sagging with the bigger packs.

[@jeremyallard3848]

I have the 2- 8 amps 5- 5 amps n 2-power stacks n 4 I need to throw away but I love the power stack for my 2-1/2 Brad nailer. N use the 8 on my skill saw n 7-1/4 miter saw n a 5 on the big blower every day. Wanna get the 5amp power stacks now.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

That's a damn nice collection there...can never have too many batteries! The 5ah powerstacks are pretty awesome, heads up they're releasing new powerpacks later this year, different tech again.

[@rotfan77]

Just curious what’s the difference and weight between a five amp and a four amp hour battery I tried to search using Google but didn’t get any results that seemed useful.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

I don't have any of the 4ah anymore, I gave them away to family...they're physically identical though to 5ah in size, and I'd imagine just a smidge lighter.

[@coltonwood9846]

I have a new DCB200 battery (says 2023 on it, even though it seems to be an old model) that is 3AH and the exact same size/weight as the 5AH 20V XR battery. Why are they making a 3AH battery the same size as a 5?

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Oh, that's interesting...I had not seen those packs before, but doing a bit of digging, it looks like a double stacked 1.5ah pack. Basically twice those black 20v ones I have in the video. They're probably made with less expensive cells to hit a price point.

[@Gtag_thagoat]

Question please help! My 10ah battery brand new “ only charges for about 2 minutes then my charger shuts off I’ve tried 3 different chargers?

[@SomeGuysGarage]

I heard there was a bad batch of 10ah at some point, might just need to warranty it.

[@steveanimatrix3887]

What? No mention of the 18v batteries with the long neck that inserts into the tool? I have several of those 18v tools that I use 20v batteries with using a converter.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

That's the old lineup, I have long since sold off all my 18v stuff...

[@igywoodcreations2012]

😮GREAT VIDEO

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Thanks! Hope it was helpful :)

[@jlfa4720]

Good vid but I was hoping you’d touch on what’s the difference btwn plain Dewalt label and XR on label????

[@SomeGuysGarage]

XR used to stand for eXtended Runtime and they put it on their larger 4ah and 5ah battery packs. Now it's just their heavier duty line. These days though, you don't really need to pay attention to XR branding on the batteries, the cell arrangement is more important (or if it's pouch cell).

[@jlfa4720]

@@SomeGuysGarage Tx for that explanation 🙏🏼 I saw some batteries on sale, don’t really need more, but you know how it goes. Lol. I am wondering in your opinion, which would you get and think is a better deal? Qty 4 - 3ah 20v max $149. or qty 2 - 5ah XR $129. Tx for your input. Will the non xr line batteries last as long lifewise? I’m also assuming both will fit in regular charger. Tx!

[@SomeGuysGarage]

@@jlfa4720 lifetime should be about the same, more to do with charge cycles though so the higher capacity you might not charge as often and therefore get more time...but light use it won't matter. Chargers the same too. Anyway, definitely go with the 5ah option, those 3ah packs if they're the black ones (made after I did this video) are really low performance cells. The 5ah are the sweet spot of the 20v line up.

[@synergyacousticcovers5906]

Can standard 20V charger that comes w/ tool - say impact drill, charge any 20V battery or is there high capacity chargers for the higher capacity batts?

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Any 20v charger can charge any 20v battery (even the really big like 10ah ones), it'll just take a really long time. The higher capacity chargers will do it faster.

[@KyleEmge]

@@SomeGuysGarage Thanks!

[@rrsttt7505]

I finally found a good load that works for me. 1 15ah, 8 9ah, and 4 5ah powerstacks. Those with 3 DCB104 chargers, I can make it all day.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Woah, dude, what are you doing? I'm not sure I could use up that many batteries in a day even if I tried lol

[@rrsttt7505]

@@SomeGuysGarage we install digital menu boards for drive thrus. We do 2-3 installs a day, and running out of battery sucks. My SDS-Max hammer drill and my 9” cut off saw are my biggest power draws, but that 9” can cut up an old steel menu board like no one’s business. Those along impact drivers, drills, grinders, caulk guns etc. it’s nice to not have to switch batteries between tools, and have enough juice to get thru day. I don’t always have access to power at my sites, so having 3 chargers I can get everything charged over night.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

@@rrsttt7505 ahh I see, those concrete tools are power hogs, makes a bit more sense :)

[@rrsttt7505]

The hammer drill is a beast. I have to do (4) 7/8” holes about 10”-12” deep at every job. The 9” does an ok job cutting concrete in a pinch, but nothing beats a 14” gas saw for that

[@Penguin545]

Check out the DCB119 (little hard to find as I think it got discontinued)- lets you charge 12/20v batteries off a cog lighter in your vehicle- super handy for charging while on the road.

[@ktr831]

How do you tell which cell is in which batteries?

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Lots of people have opened them up, and you need to do this to figure out the specific cell manufacturer (e.g. Samsung or whoever)...but externally the dimensions are different and it's easy to tell which is which just based on size of the overall casing.

[@GLI_1701]

Lowe's is running a special on two 5 amp hour XR Batteries + 2 free tools for 300 bucks. Or 2 4amp batteries and 1 free tool for $200. What would you say is the better value from a battery perspective

[@SomeGuysGarage]

@@GLI_1701 definitely the 5ah deal!

[@willyfisterbottom6246]

Dumb question, the batteries are basically the same? As far as power output, the big differences are basically how long they will last? I’ve got a couple different dewalt cordless tools. I am an auto mechanic looking to buy a half inch cordless impact. When I look at the batteries I get confused. I want the power but I’m not crazy about the prices of the batteries. So I wonder if I didn’t buy the bigger batteries would the tool be weak or just not last as long?

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Both, the bigger batteries (or powerstack ones) will provide more current which allows the impact to make more power/torque. Now you don't need the really big packs, the 5ah will do the job, but the 3ah and smaller won't perform quite as well. Can be 100ft-lbs or more difference on a DCF900 sort of impact, though I'd recommend a DCF891 if you're about to buy your first 1/2" impact. Hope that helps!

[@AllodialTitle]

Do you know when Dewalt will be using pouch cell technology in the flexvolt range?

[@SomeGuysGarage]

All just rumours/speculation for the moment, haven't heard anything definitive about them coming out yet. My speculation would say if not this year, then probably next year. Especially with the Powershift lineup coming out this year, that's probably their big product investment for 2024.

[@AllodialTitle]

@@SomeGuysGarage Thank you.

[@thomastran]

How long would I expect a battery to last for during light use? Once a week

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Like how many years? 5-10 probably...I have batteries from ~2017 that are still going strong.

[@rokinrandy]

What is it with the 28 volt that uses 26650 batteries. The dewalt with nano technology. Which I guess they get that because of 123A systems because they planned on competing a against car engines. They went bankrupt . I wonder if I could just replace them with any 26650 battery. Is there a forum where I could find out more. Or a store where I could buy the stuff I need to replace them ?

[@SomeGuysGarage]

I don't have much info on the 28v batteries, they also had some 36/40v line for a while too...but most of that got replaced when the 60v flexvolt stuff came out. I'd say just crack the packs open, see what's inside, and any ol' Samsung or whatnot generic cells could get swapped in if they have enough capacity and discharge rate. I doubt they are special in any way.

[@KENNETH.J]

Dont forget the 20V Max 6AH battery, that also uses the higher discharge 21700 cells.. Most dewalt tools actually perform better with this battery in particular, simular to the new 5AH Powerstack and 9AH Flexvolt batteries

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Yeah, basically the doubled up 3ah.

[@MrLonstar]

I have a simular assortment of different 20v batteries (more than a dozen in various sizes), and a couple 9ah 60v that came with a circular saw. I didn't know the AH was divided by 3 with 60v. Very misleading marketing in my opinion, thanks for the info on that. I 100% agree with you on the single stack 2ah - 3ah batteries, they're small and light, it's usually my go to battery, and I don't mind swapping them out to get the job done. I prefer them over the heavier double stack 4ah - 5ah most of the time, especially when working overhead. Next purchase is a 20v angle grinder. I always preferred my corded ones, I want the power of 120v, but the power is finally comparable. But I'm going to get a couple power stacks for that, I don't want it to run slower with the batteries I have now. And no way do I want to run it with a 60v anchor hanging off the back of it!

[@SomeGuysGarage]

I have another video on the channel with a few different Dewalt grinders compared, so check that out! I use my old 20v DCG413 with a regular 5ah (not a powerstack) all the time and it's probably my most used grinder. They're just so darn convenient. I don't find the 60v grinders too heavy, if I need to remove material faster it's the go to before pulling out the corded 7".

[@MrLonstar]

​@@SomeGuysGarage Thanks for the reply, I'll check out your videos on grinders. I should have mentioned I want a variable speed cordless grinder (DCG416VSB), I'm not interested in the rest of the crop available. The 416VSB currently on back order, I haven't found a single vendor that currently has one in stock...at any price. I have a few 4.5"-5" corded and a bigger 7" corded (which is a beast, only used when necessary!). I'm not interested in a 60v grinder, especially because the currect models aren't variable. What I meant was, in most cases, I wouldn't use the heavier 60v battery on a 20v grinder.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

@@MrLonstar Yeah, that variable speed one looks awesome, wish it was released when I bought my last grinder, it came out a couple months later. With the flexvolt advantage grinders they do pick up a bit of power using a 60v instead of a 20v, but not worth it for the weight and might as well buy a full 60v grinder at that point. If you're sticking with 20v only, the 416VSB is an excellent choice!

[@IsambardKingdom]

Rationalised my DeWalt Batteries to Power Stack and 6Ah FlexVolt the rest I have put into storage. I have no need for the heavier FlexVolt batteries.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Whatever works for you, nice to have the options :)

[@emmettturner9452]

0:51 “the 12 volts … you can’t use these on any other tools but the 12v tools.” DCL045 hood light begs to differ. ;)

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Well isn't is nice that the DCL045 is a 12v capable tool ;) Point taken though...it was more that the 60v can be used on 20v (ie it does two voltages), but the 12v is just for 12v tools.

[@emmettturner9452]

@@SomeGuysGarage …except it’s a 20V Max tool that also takes 12V Max. ;) The Mac Tools MCL045 and Craftsman CMCL090 versions of the same light only work with their respective 20V lines (20V Max/V20 Max). I suspect that Stanley-Black & Decker, parent company of DeWALT, Mac, and Craftsman, did not actually make it because there also seems to be a 24V Greenworks PA7210K/WLG907 version. It might even use the 12v contacts in a 20V Max battery, which makes me wonder if it could lead to cell imbalance. Are any of the other DeWALT work lights dual-voltage?

[@SomeGuysGarage]

@@emmettturner9452I seem to remember some radios that could take both, and they do have a flood light that's 12/20v as well. I also have the 2 gallon shop vac that takes both the old 18v and new 20v batteries AND 120v plug in, that one is neat.

[@emmettturner9452]

@@SomeGuysGarage Interesting. Yeah, I remember now that the TSTAK jobsite radio powered off DeWALT batteries also doubled as a pack charger when plugged into the wall… and since 20V Max DeWALT chargers generally charge 12V Max too, it makes sense it would be able to use those. That thing is EXPENSIVE though. I saw the Craftsman version on clearance and thought I could find a similar deal on DeWALT but… NOPE!

[@lincolnbarlow4778]

​@@emmettturner9452 there is no "12v contacts" on the 20v batteries!!

[@tamassohajda198]

Are all chargers compatible with all batteries? Sorry my english

[@SomeGuysGarage]

No The smallest chargers won't do the 60v and the biggest chargers won't do the 12v. There's also some 12v only chargers. DCB112 or DCB115 will do them all though, 12, 20, 60v.

[@tamassohajda198]

@@SomeGuysGarage Thank you

[@SomeGuysGarage]

@@tamassohajda198 welcome! let me know if you have any other questions.

[@tamassohajda198]

@@SomeGuysGarage Can I use a 20 Volt Battery on an 18 Volt tool?

[@SomeGuysGarage]

@@tamassohajda198 yes, with the DCA1820 adapter from Dewalt you can use the 20v batteries on the old 18v tools.

[@micahryanray]

What happens if you try to run a 20V battery in a 60V tool?

[@SomeGuysGarage]

They physically won't plug in, there's some lockout tabs that prevent it from connecting.

[@micahryanray]

Thank you. @@SomeGuysGarage

[@SomeGuysGarage]

@@micahryanray welcome! Happy to help

[@dionkraft6782]

you left out the infamous 28v batteries which were orphaned....

[@SomeGuysGarage]

I should change the title to current? :D The 18v, 28v, and there was 40v too...

[@mrnoedahl]

Great video my hillbilly friend.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

LoL thanks

[@just1lifexx11]

The big battery, drop they crack easy.. I like dewalt.. but MannMann. Yhey need to use better plastic

[@SomeGuysGarage]

I haven't had issues with dropping the smaller sizes, but ya, can imagine those 10-15ah packs would thud pretty good

[@mikepellegrino514]

I believe the wider 2ah battery has 21700 cells vs 18650. 21700 cells are a bit larger.

[@mikepellegrino514]

Also you are correct about the 1.5s. They are virtually worthless. I use them in my 18g trim gun. They work well enough for that, but not my drills.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Nope, the 3ah has the 21700's, but the wider 2ah is still 18650 sized, it's a tiny tiny bit wider but not wide enough for 21700's.

[@xXQUIRKY1992Xx]

Ive always been under the impression that anything under 3AH your tool isnt at full power

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Depends on the tool, this would be true of the high draw stuff (big impacts, grinders, saws, etc.) but some of the smaller drills/drivers it won't matter.

[@xXQUIRKY1992Xx]

@@SomeGuysGarage ahh I see yeah that makes sense

[@SomeGuysGarage]

@@xXQUIRKY1992Xx yeah, if the tool only draws 100 watts, any of the batteries will do that no problem...if you want 1000 watts though, that's when the bigger packs with parallel cells help.

[@SurviveTheDay]

Everything Dewalt is confusing. But hey, if I can deal with my wife and her sister's madness, I can certainly deal with Dewalt's model number madness.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

LoL Dewalt is a cakewalk compared to that :)

[@mojoman2001]

​@@SomeGuysGarage-- some Dewalt batteries are labeled "XR" and others, not. What does XR mean?

[@SomeGuysGarage]

@@mojoman2001 it's some marketing crap about eXtreme Runtime, but generally it's just put on their bigger batteries.

[@mojoman2001]

@SomeGuysGarage - thank you. I just read Dewalt's marketing claim that the XR batteries are designed to work better with their XR brushless-motor tool line. Supposedly, the XR batteries are "smarter" on the inside with better protection circuits for overheating and stuff, and "tougher" on the outside for better, I don't know, maybe impact or water resistance or something. In researching them, I also read that the lifespan of Dewalt lithium ion batteries is 3 years +/-. That's discouraging, but I guess it's just physics. It has discouraged me from buying any more until the ones I already have begin to die of old age. I store them inside, so ... 🤞

[@SomeGuysGarage]

@@mojoman2001 it's not so much the packs have more smarts in them, just they can deliver more current and so XR tools with XR batteries perform the best. Also, I have some Dewalt packs going on 6-7 years that are as good as the day I got them. 3 years would be daily professional use, but home use I'd be shocked if you didn't get a decade out of them.

[@raygonzalezfrompr1068]

People can have issues when use 60v batt in 20v tools. Tools can get wasted

[@SomeGuysGarage]

News to me, never heard of a 60v pack toasting a 20v tool...shouldn't technically be possible unless the tool was already damaged.