HOW TO make an 18v NiCad to 18 volt lithium ion battery adapter for Milwaukee tools

MORE PROJECT AND TIPS: makebuildmodify.com/
HOW TO make an 18v NiCad to 18 volt lithium ion battery adapter build for Milwaukee cordless tools.
I put this together to reclaim the use of my older (but still useful) Milwaukee cordless tools. It was an easy build and only took about two hours for the first attempt. I hope this build tutorial helps you get extra use out of tools too.
I have no idea if this will harm the older tools or if it will cause damage to the new batteries or to my body. So if you try this you and you alone are making the choice to risk your tools and your health. Please be safe.
WARNING I don't let my lithium ion batteries go below one bar while using old tools. This is because the new tools will shut off before the battery is completely depleted. The old tools will run the battery all the way down. One of the guys on my jobsite used my old tool/new battery setup and completely depleted the battery and now it won't charge. :(
Materials and tools (Affiliate links)
▶ Milwaukee usb power adapter amzn.to/2vV7Lex
▶ Milwaukee 5.0 Ah Extended Capacity Battery amzn.to/2xGNGKW
▶ Milwaukee 2897-22 M18 Fuel 2-tool Combo Kit amzn.to/2cOGXaH
▶ High-Speed Steel Drill Bits amzn.to/2c9pX0k
▶ 6-in-1 Torx Screwdriver Set amzn.to/2eyPkK2
▶ Sharpie Marker amzn.to/2edfD5H
▶ Stainless steel Ruler amzn.to/2db8brB
▶ Diagonal-Cutters amzn.to/2l7xonn
▶ 60/40 Rosin-Core Solder amzn.to/2krxYx4
▶ Hobby Soldering Kit amzn.to/2jJesz6
DEWALT ADAPTER -------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have an old DeWalt drill set you're in luck! Dewalt make one! Here's the link: amzn.to/2wwjCU1
DEWALT ADAPTER -------------------------------------------------------------------------
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WARNING:
This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Always think ahead. Every project you try is at YOUR OWN RISK.

[@Makebuildmodify]

: I don't let my lithium ion batteries go below one bar while using old tools. This is because the new tools will shut off before the battery is completely depleted. The old tools will run the battery all the way down. One of the guys on my jobsite used my old tool/new battery setup and completely depleted the battery and now it won't charge. :(

[@Makebuildmodify]

:)

[@gtdodgeviper]

You probably did already but you can recharge your drained battery with another fully charge battery by jumping cables from one to the other. Just need a bit of power so that the charger can recognize it and charge it.

[@Makebuildmodify]

@@gtdodgeviper Yeah, I gave that a try, but it didn't work for my battey. :(

[@PFab]

Thanks for the heads up

[@videopipeline6419]

RE: " the new tools will shut off before the battery is completely depleted. The old tools will run the battery all the way down." That's true if using one of the newer-style Li-Ion battery packs that have the battery protection circuitry inside the tool instead of in the battery pack. Ryobi & Ridgid are the only two mainstream brands that haven't significantly changed their battery pack design since their tools used NiCad packs, which means they still have all the battery protection circuitry inside the pack, and these packs can also be used to power any device that runs on the appropriate voltage without any concern for for battery damage due to over-current or over-discharge.

[@NateCougill]

I've been patiently storing my old milwaukee gear, waiting or a tip like this. Thanks for posting!

[@Makebuildmodify]

+Nate Cougill thanks for watching!

[@THX..1138]

It's an absolute crime Milwaukee doesn't make this adapter. Dewalt makes an adapter to convert their old tools to the new batteries.

[@cheeseburger9232]

@@THX..1138 supposedly the v18 lithium slide on batteries work on the old ni cad cordless tools you just have to buy the right charger, I havnt tried it.

[@billspooks]

@@cheeseburger9232 Thank You. I just found it on ebay.

[@cheeseburger9232]

@@billspooks I found the old style ni cad batteries on ebay bought one and it works good.

[@ManCrafting]

Pretty handy tip. I'll bet there a lot of people with old tools and defunct batteries. I can't think of many of mine that the battery lasted longer than the tool.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks Chad!

[@vernonlong4936]

I had an Old Milwaukee cordless set and I was able to use this technique to convert it to the new lithium batteries. Thank you so much!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Awesome!!! I'm glad it worked for you!!

[@vernonlong4936]

Make Build Modify It was a brilliant idea of you. It's a shame to have to throw away such good tools because you can't get batteries.

[@qdfqdf9720]

Those old Milwaukee tool sets were rugged and built very heavy-duty

[@vernonlong4936]

Make Build Modify: So thankful for your video! This morning I was using the adapter to run my skill saw and then we lost electricity so I've been using it the rest of the day to charge cell phones.

[@richardlewis4020]

An excellent video. Clear and easy to follow. Thanks, Richard

[@Makebuildmodify]

Glad it was helpful!

[@houndsmanone4563]

Excellent job, MBM. Learned a lot of good juju from this video. Thanks for sharing. Have a fine week.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Hey Thanks! Just a word of warning. I don't let my lithium ion batteries go below one bar while using old tools. This is because the new tools will shut off before the battery is completely depleted. The old tools will run the battery all the way down. One of the guys on my jobsite used my old tool/new battery setup and completely depleted the battery and now it won't charge. :(

[@davidmiller180]

I've got the old 5 piece set. Now I'll be able to use them again. Thanks!

[@Makebuildmodify]

You're welcome. Be sure to read the WARNING in the description or the first comment. It's possible to drain the new batteries to a level that makes them permanently unchargeable.

[@valeriemckay7064]

My brother just gave me his old Milwaukee tools with 2 bad batteries, I think you just saved my bacon and some good tools. Sounds like the route I will take rather than buy more of the NiCd batteries. Great video, thanks a bunch.

[@Makebuildmodify]

You bet! Also, Amazon sells adapters now! amzn.to/2s4DNIZ (affiliate link)

[@pentiuman]

Great video. Thanks! I have a cheap, NiCad Sears Companion drill, bought on a whim, but put in a drawer and forgot about it. Still works, but I'll keep your mod in mind, if the opportunity and parts presents themselves. I had always preferred to use corded tools, DeWalts, as I didn't need portability, and didn't like the disadvantages of batteries. But I re-discovered welding last year and on Black Friday scored a Lithium-Ion drill / impact driver set, 2 batteries and case for just $79 at Menards Hardware - their Masterforce house brand. Now, I'm eager to invent work, just to use them! The impact driver is strong enough to remove my cars lugnuts, and I own a more powerful, corded impact wrench for heavy duty auto repairs. You are very experienced and talented! Me, not so much (in this area), but your mod is motivating! So if I did this, I'd disconnect the battery from the tool when storing it, to reduce the risk of a fire. Heck, as I don't have a great understanding of electronics, I may also store the battery by itself, in a steel can, on concrete, separate from any combustible materials, if not outside. Otherwise, I'd be paranoid my house would burn down!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Lol! I haven't had any trouble with my modifications yet. But you're right. It's not a bad idea at separate the battery from the tool when it's not in use. I got the habit from some older tools that I use to have that would drain the batteries overnight. Thanks for watching!

[@jeremiahjohnson5805]

Made this same fit up for Milwaukee 18 to 20v battery!! Works good!!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Great to hear!

[@jasonhull2163]

This is so cool. I have modern M18 tools but I have a brand new old Milwaukee 18 v a friend of mine gave me before he past. The batteries will not charge. This seems fairly easy. Ty

[@Makebuildmodify]

It's pretty straight forward. Glad to have helped. Good luck!

[@wolfmaan]

Freaking great mate! Thanks for making!

[@Makebuildmodify]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@WorksbySolo]

Great tip Justin! Now I'll be able to get a little more life from my old drill motor.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks Bernie!

[@daniell.5654]

I really appreciate the content. I did this same process to connect Ridgid batteries to my Graco Paint Sprayer. With caution and common sense I think I will be fine. Thank you so much!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Interesting combination. Good luck!

[@Riverman4429]

I made a similar adapter , instead of the milwaukee USB . I used the Mikita USB adapter to use the 18v Mikita batteries with the old style milwaukee tools.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Blasphemy! Mixing tool brands! ;)

[@916hayabusa]

Loving the saftey footware 😂. Great diy video, ill be making an adaptor for my old pbs3000 battery system, to use with my new type batteries 👍.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@nickstoolsmedia3732]

This is sick. I don't have v18 but I've got the old 18v DeWalt stuff

[@Makebuildmodify]

It works but you gotta be careful not to drain the new type of batteries too low or they will not charge again. The new batteries have a chip that communicates with the new tools to stop the battery from being drained too low. If you use an old tool with a new battery the tool will drain it to the point where the the charger "thinks" that the battery is bad and will not charge it.

[@dido1803]

Great presentation and useful!!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@stefanmeyers2808]

Good job, you are knowledgeable and articulate, thanks for the video. The audio was great also, I'm hard of hearing and I could turn you down to half volume and still hear.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks Stefan! Glad you could hear me. I never really no how the videos sound on other people's computers.

[@butchharget890]

popoaaaa

[@vinofarm]

Thanks for the video! FYI, since your last video on this I found that Dewalt makes a product specifically to run old 18v tools with new 20v batteries. It's a handy little adapter. You should add that to your amazon links!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks! I will.

[@jackjill3205]

what is the link to obtain the product details? Thanks

[@vinofarm]

Jack Jill He put the Dewalt link in the description of the video.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Hi, all of the links are in the description. Thanks!

[@chipshot442]

Enjoyed the video. I have an original 12volt Milwaukee drill that I replaced the batteries 3 times. I just use it as a back up tool now. I wonder if you can make an adapter for that?

[@Makebuildmodify]

I'm not sure. It's took a few hours of playing around with the parts and pieces before I managed to make my first prototype.

[@oby-1607]

Excellent tip on keeping the older tools alive. Biggest problem on any battery driven tool is the life of the battery. Looks like you have a good solution. And its Milwaukee, why run anything else?

[@Makebuildmodify]

I know, right? Milwaukee is the best!

[@gedgetips]

I didn't notice what you did to allow the old battery top to LOCK into the tool. My old 18V sawsall can jump around a fair amount and a few times the original battery would come off. Do you just have to be extra careful not to do things like work on ladders with such an adapter, or do you have a way to lock the adapter onto the tool that I just missed?

[@Makebuildmodify]

You're correct. The positive lock is lost when you make this adapter. I use a rubber strap when I need the battery to stay put. But it's not necessary for most for the drill use. The reciprocating saw is the worst though. the battery rattles off if the battery is under mounted. But with these old Milwaukee tools the battery can slide on both ways. So I put it on in the direction that allows gravity to help. Thanks for asking!

[@brianmaynard4836]

Great video. Thank you!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thank you!

[@jimk4vw138]

Very well done video. I have a set of Skil tools I would like to use my Makita batteries on. You could use a bigger iron or soldering gun. Thanks!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Yeah, it's the only soldering iron I have. Maybe it's time to get a larger one.

[@eddiebaba]

Can you tell me if this adapter with a smaller Milwaukee battery fits in the older Milwaukee radio you have in your shop. I have the same radio and I'm interested in this adapter. Thx

[@Makebuildmodify]

Sadly, this configuration won't fit in the radio. But you could keep the two plates separated by adding longer wires between them. Then it would work for a radio.

[@tonyc.5924]

fantastic,just what I needed

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks for watching! Also, if you didn't see it, read the first comment in the video. It's about protecting the newer batteries while using them with older tools.

[@emmanuelmata]

this is awesome thank you very much for showing how to. I will be doing this for my snapon now I don't have to throw away my 800 dollar 1/2 impact thanks again.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Nice! Good luck! One warning, I don't let my lithium ion batteries go below one bar while using old tools. This is because the new tools will shut off before the battery is completely depleted and the old tools will run the battery all the way down. One of the guys on my jobsite used my old tool/new battery setup and completely depleted the battery and now it won't charge. :(

[@emmanuelmata]

Make Build Modify that’s exactly what I was thinking about and was actually going to ask you about because I did notice the new batteries themselves say smart circuitry build into them but I guess I still have to pay attention to that detail thanks again

[@justinchard7303]

Awesome video!!!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks Justin!

[@patrickfleischmann8207]

I was all set to do this after getting my first M18 tool and wishing I could still use my drill, saw, sawzall and job site radio from the 2000 NiCAD set of tools. I had 5 of the NiCAD batteries but hadn't used them in a few years at all and not 1 of them would accept a charge. And I bet on average not one of those NiCADs was charged more than 50 times in the 20 years since I bought them all. That's a LOT of $$$$$ in batteries. But then I found all the demonstrations of using a car charger to revive these NiCADs. So I figured I'd try that and certainly at least one wouldn't come back and it would be my donor for the top to use with your project here. EVERY SINGLE ONE of those 5 old NiCADs came back to life. So now I'm wondering if I use a battery conditioner on them to charge and deplete each a dozen times to recondition them if they might still have years of life in them with my limited use. Or do NiCADs also just die based on age rather than number of charge cycles?

[@Makebuildmodify]

Glad to hear you recovered the use of your batteries. I had no such luck.

[@hdman97]

What about using the "M" batteries on the "V" tools? Will this also work on them? Both being lithium ion. Nice video!

[@Makebuildmodify]

I'm not sure. Testing would be in order.

[@zenzen9131]

Excellent idea :)

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thank you! 😊

[@ChimeraActual]

Good work! I have a couple of Milwaukee V18 (NiCad) saws that I wanted to convert to Li-ion and use the Milwaukee M18 batteries of my newer tools. I was thinking along your lines, but I didn't know about the power adapter and got cold feet. Then I discovered that Milwaukee has come out with Li-ion V18 connector style batteries. The catch (there's always a catch) is that you have to buy a Li-ion charger that is meant for those batteries, expensive as I recall. To get a little back, I bought third party V18 Li-ion batteries from Amazon. They seem to work fine, and are much better that than the NiCads.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Interesting. I didn't know there was a battery created for this. I checked some of the product reviews and there seem to be mixed feelings about their performance. I would have at least tried them I had known. Thanks!

[@kimchee94112]

I have a set of original Milwaukee V18 tools with NiCad and another original Milwaukee tools V18 with Li-Ion. Those tools are interchangeable with either batteries but the chargers are not interchangeable. The original Milwaukee Li-Ions were garbage with run time 30% less than the NiCad and trips a lot with SDS drill bit stuck in the concrete. No reason to change battery form factor other than sell new tools. The original V18 NiCads were pretty bad too. I buy the 18V DeWalt NiCad batteries (much better) and transplant it to the Milwaukee battery shell. Lots of work to reconfigure but much better too. I was thinking about making an adaptor with a 3D printer but this video is much better and less work.

[@rmark1083]

That's what you call genius!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks Mark!

[@douglewis5710]

This is a very informative and well documented video. Since it's making in 2017 have you discovered any negative effects on the M18 batteries or older Milwaukee tools? Have you made any improvements to the original conversion worth mentioning? I'm about to try this for my older ni-cad Milwaukee tools. Thank you very much.

[@Makebuildmodify]

I haven't made any improvements since the video. I've been using the tools (the circular saw quite a bit) with no side effects so far. Good luck and be safe.

[@TWX1138]

I'm considering trying something like this now that the new owners of the Craftsman brand have decided to discontinue the old 19.2V C3/EX series. In the past it was a kludge to do it because so many of the various brands had a stalk that sticks up into the tool, but with many modern battery systems being much flatter on top where they mate to the tools this might work. I'm assuming that since you're just robbing current off of the new battery through that adapter, it should be brand-agnostic. Any concerns otherwise?

[@Makebuildmodify]

voltage and polarity are the big ones. Of course there's alway a chance that you'll ruin your good tools too. But in my case I had nothing to lose.

[@jeremypestle4338]

How much is the battery lowered on the circular saw with the high capacity battery. It was hard to tell in the video but it looked close to the same level as saw base. Great method and great video, Thanks!

[@Makebuildmodify]

It is pretty close to the saw base. But you can still make a full depth cut.

[@qdfqdf9720]

Jeremy Pestle I converted my battery and I have plenty of clearance on my radial saw.

[@jamescor1491]

excellent video thanks.

[@Makebuildmodify]

You are welcome!

[@charleskwakye2137]

I have old festool drills and battery, l wonder if could do one with Festtool 12v

[@Makebuildmodify]

It's worth a try.

[@thomasglass2408]

You mention at the end of the video not to use your old battery charger with this adapter. So taking 1 step forward, How do you charge this setup?

[@Makebuildmodify]

The new batteries are charged with the new charger.

[@SteifWood]

Great idea ,,, one dummy question though (since I'm an electrical dummy): will 10 or 14 V NiCd tools burn out if hot wired like this with a 18 V Li battery?

[@Makebuildmodify]

I'm not sure. I would only try it if I was willing to lose the use of the tool.

[@kimchee94112]

Haha, that would be very exciting with those tools running fast as hell and once you let out the magic smoke out, it would not want to run again. If you must, use a power resistor for the proper voltage drop, then it should run fine. The downside is you waste power in form of heat dissipation in the resistor. For the 10V, I would think it should be ok if you could find an adaptor using 12V Milwaukee battery. BTW the new Milwaukee 12V system is pretty good and should be more powerful than the old 14.4V system. I mean you could find on sale a 12V Milwaukee kit including drill, impact, two batteries and charger for around $100.

[@jimmytate7587]

i have 2 14.4 Dewalt cobbled to run on 18v batteries. they have worked well for years. I had to open up an 18v and a14.4 drill and the motors appear to be identical.

[@kimchee94112]

The equivalence of voltage is pressure. That is, if your air tank is design for 100 psi, and if you pump it up to 150 psi it may hold but you're taking a chance. Cool if the 14.4 DeWalt runs on 18V.

[@BreatheHydrogen]

Love the vid, the audio is choppy in talking, are those intentional cuts?

[@Makebuildmodify]

Yeah, I had to cut down a little. It was getting a little bit longer than I wanted it to be. 15 minutes is tough for some viewers to commit to.

[@eddiemortontapman7252]

Rather clever indeed!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks Eddie!

[@shawnpa]

I had no idea this could be done. Li has longer life so that is sure to benefit Ni users.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks for watching!

[@dl4201]

Can you do a video where you make the old tool adapt, mode fying the tool

[@Makebuildmodify]

:)

[@ronmullard5718]

I have a number of the "post" type nicads that don't hold charge for long(when using) is there anyway of making something similar to convert to lithium (all the drills work fine just below par batteries) batteries only have 2 connections pos and neg....

[@Makebuildmodify]

I don't know. There might be an aftermarket adapter available though. Since I made this videos there have been a few adapters made by the tool companies.

[@deerolim7998]

I bought the adapter and did this modification. My sawzall worked great the first time. But the Lithium-Ion battery did not shut itself off on the normal low voltage cutoff. I used the sawzall until it started slowing down. Measuring the voltage it had left showed 16.4 vdc. I put it on the charger and after about 5 minutes I got blinking red/green lights. After removing and installing it back into the charger a few times, I got the same results. So I tried bringing up the voltage from a good NiCad 18 volter...(I didn't have another Li-Ion). That didn't work. So I tried a 19 vdc wall charger....didn't work. So I hooked a couple of 12 vdc lead acid batteries hooked in series (24 vdc)...didn't work. The Li-Ion battery still had only 16.4 vdc. I fly model aircraft, so I tried that charger which charges LIPo, NiCad, and MetalHydride batteries. That charger wouldn't even see the Li-Ion. MY GOOD Li-Ion IS NOW TRASH.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Sorry to hear that. I've only been allowing my batteries to discharge to the last bar. But I had someone use my sawzall and run one of my bigger batteries all the way down and it too has lost it's ability to charge. That's why I put the warning and disclaimer at the end of the video. This kind of modification is experimental at best.

[@jjock3239]

How are you locking the old top plate into the nicad tool, now that the locking mechanism is removed. I have everything done, using a Dewalt adapter, and haven't figured out a way to lock the new combination battery pack into the old tool.

[@Makebuildmodify]

I didn't. most of mine are so old that they would stay on their own. Now that I think about it, I use a large rubber band to hold the battery to my sawzall

[@jjock3239]

@@Makebuildmodify Thanks for getting back to me. The only way I could see of keeping the locks, would have been to put the new batteries in the old case, which is not what I wanted. I will go ahead without the locks, knowing that I will probably have to use a Rube Goldberg solution to secure the adapter. The only two older Milwaukee tools I am wanting to use, is the hammer drill and the sawzall, so I will have to do something.

[@robertlarkham2428]

I’m all for building cool stuff but I just bought an adapter on Amazon that does this same thing for $25. I resurrected three great old tools to use the 8 M18 batteries I have.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Yeah, Those adapters weren't available when I first posted the video.

[@TheGbab]

I was trying to revive two V18 Milwaukee batteries today. These are the older style. (Why does eveything always change) anyway, there are three conections on these batteries. Looking at the battery spade tabs, left is positive, right is negative, and middle is the monitoring one. These things were DEAD. I put my ancient power supply on then and they drew 2 amps at 19 volts. Left them for 15 minutes and then put them on the Milwaukee charger. They charged up well. Yaaay!! You can fool the built in undervoltage system this way.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Interesting.

[@WIZARDWERX]

My Milwaukee likes this.

[@Makebuildmodify]

This is a good thing.

[@pJokse]

I would epoxy the s... out of that just for some more mechanical stability...

[@Makebuildmodify]

Jørgen Asmussen good idea.

[@danthemakerman]

Nice hack!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks Dan!

[@spawn1437]

What about using the old batteries on the new tools? Or using the new chargers to charge old batteries!

[@Makebuildmodify]

The new chargers will not work with the old batteries. Old chargers will not work with new batteries. New tools are "smart", they have chips that prevent other batteries from being uses.

[@spawn1437]

@@Makebuildmodify thank you for the response...I'm now modifying an Old Milwaukee Nicd battery to the new battery, making my own adapter. I had a new Milwaukee skil saw that took a crap because it got too wet and fried the whole motor so I I'm taking the old battery receptacle from the skill saw and using that as my base to plug the new batteries into. I was given a bunch of old Milwaukee Tools with one battery and no charger. The cells in the old battery are so bad I didn't think that they were actually battery cells ... LOL! The top of the old battery, receptacle, is what I will be using to plug my old tools into. Thank you for your video, and the explicitness of which wire where to put them and so on it was very descriptive and the best video I've seen on this topic. Thanks again! As soon as I get them up and going, or not, I will inform you of the outcome.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Nice! Good luck! One warning, I don't let my lithium ion batteries go below one bar while using old tools. This is because the new tools will shut off before the battery is completely depleted and the old tools will run the battery all the way down. One of the guys on my jobsite used my old tool/new battery setup and completely depleted the battery and now it won't charge. :(

[@spawn1437]

@@Makebuildmodify okie dokie ... thanks for the tip!

[@PBS-nm1uu]

nice like this video keep them coming

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks, will do!

[@cesarcelestino1098]

Genius!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@timmcwilliams2891]

Is there an already made adapter from Milwaukee?

[@Makebuildmodify]

I think there are some third party adapters available on eBay or Amazon. But I don't think milwaukee makes them.

[@LINDORO2010]

Can use the old charger for new battery?

[@Makebuildmodify]

No, that would be dangerous!!

[@tomturon4504]

Is there a way to do the opposite of this video? To use the old batteries on the new tools?

[@Makebuildmodify]

I think the new tools have limiter circuits that would keep the old batteries from working.

[@corin164]

I like the sandals you're wearing, where did you get them? Oh yes, great video, very informative.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Ha! Thanks, I wish I could remember where I got them.

[@andypullen8616]

Very cool, and I'm all about this helping guys put theie tools back into action. Just seems like a waste of money and effort though, when you should be able to EASILY just remove the cells from inside the newer LI battery pack and install them in place ot the ni-Cad cells in the case of the old battery... Why not do that?

[@Makebuildmodify]

The old charger doesn't work with the new cells.

[@moparlover1968rr]

Great idea, but they now have finally came out with an adapter. I’m not as good at soldering as you

[@Makebuildmodify]

Yup, you can buy them now.

[@cheeseburger9232]

Do you have a part number or link?

[@Makebuildmodify]

@@cheeseburger9232 Yup, Here's one, it's not made by Milwaukee but it looks good. amzn.to/38vqD90 (Affiliate link so you can help support the channel at no cost to you)

[@cheeseburger9232]

@@Makebuildmodify this adapter will let me use the new 18 volt lithium ion batteries?

[@Makebuildmodify]

@@cheeseburger9232 I believe it will. You can ask the seller questions on Amazon. Also remember to take a look at the reviews. This is not a Milwaukee brand tool so I'm not sure on the quality. There are also sellers that have lithium-ion batteries that will fit the older drills, but they are expensive. Link to battery: amzn.to/38wQfSZ (Affiliate link so you can help support the channel at no cost to you)

[@adamclifford4314]

Would this work for the radio?

[@Makebuildmodify]

If you made one for the radio you would have to pull the batteries out of the old housing and somehow run a cable between the new battery and the old housing. This is because the radio doesn't have enough space to receive the new batteries.

[@adamclifford4314]

Make Build Modify ....I was thinking about that...I'm going to try and figure it out...might even go sideways...

[@adamclifford4314]

I used jumper wires ...the small " modern" batteries work and fit the radio...

[@nickkavalchuck5223]

Great idea I guess, a little wonky with all that extra just for the outcome you get. You can go to home depo and but the 18v nicad for the old tools still for 40 bucks.....

[@Makebuildmodify]

Good point. But with this solution you get the use of the USB and the old tools. Plus all of the antiquated charging gear can go. I like to use one type of battery for all of my cordless tools. Thanks for watching.

[@kimchee94112]

Milwaukee has not made those 18V batteries for years and if you could find some, most lightly dead. BTW the original NiCads were not good. The 40 bucks one is third party, cheap Chinese knock offs. Many of them don't fit required force into the tool then a mallet to knock it out and the plastic shell could crack.

[@pasqualeparente9776]

Although you are right that the price of Ni Cad batteries have come down, the fact that you always have to remember to charge more than one type or brand of battery is quite annoying. If we were talking 30 yrs ago when there was very few battery tools, I can understand that it would be easier to control the battery situation. But we are referring to today's situation and will all the platforms available , I personally prefer have one battery platform and multiple adapters. If you ask why not stick to one brand ,well because some brands are more expensive or don't have a battery tool on the market yet or one brand is better performance than your preferred brand. If brands different brands had interchangeable batteries , I believe the sales would increase and less pollution....

[@sajidmalik5269]

which model is that drill?

[@Makebuildmodify]

Not sure. But it used to use the ni-cad batteries.

[@MaxGoddur]

Please! If you could make one for the Dewalt 20V to Ryobi 18V it would be awesome. So far to have this built by a third party they want a ridiculous $60.00 plus $29.00 shipping. If you can it would be great otherwise a recommendation, someone that will build this for a more reasonable price. If dewalt made a battery powered glue gun this would be a done deal but they don't.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Wow, $60.00 plus $29.00 for a manufactured parts is a bit steep. Unfortunately, It would cost a lot more for me to make one because just the parts would be more than that. It's only really worth it if you have the parts already.

[@arto6277]

How about using a 3d printer to make the adapter?

[@Makebuildmodify]

Good idea.

[@gospos1]

Was curious if you are selling these?....Paul

[@Makebuildmodify]

Not right now. They would be too expensive to make and sell.

[@jackjill3205]

What is the cost of the Milwaukee usb power adapter?

[@Makebuildmodify]

▶ Milwaukee usb power adapter amzn.to/2vV7Lex

[@drew7977]

Something similar is sold on ebay Completed working adapter

[@vernonlong4936]

bestbuystreets on eBay -$20.00

[@user-uu3hq1tz7w]

Красавец!!!!

[@Makebuildmodify]

благодаря

[@thomasz4981]

Milwaukee actuall had a recall on the Ni Cad batteries & will replace them for free. The tools were great but the batteries sucked.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Do they replace them with lithium batteries?

[@thomasz4981]

@@Makebuildmodify They replaced mine with Ni Cad, might have changed by now. Google Milwaukee Battery Recall

[@Makebuildmodify]

@@thomasz4981 thanks!

[@pauldharmer]

I think I'd use some epoxy along with those screws

[@Makebuildmodify]

Not a bad idea.

[@Alanthe918mobilemechanic]

That drill is bad ass I still have the 18volt it’s a knock off brand

[@Makebuildmodify]

Yup, They're pretty good.

[@countryside8122]

You can also rebuild those nicad into lion...

[@Makebuildmodify]

Interesting idea.

[@countryside8122]

@@Makebuildmodify You need a BMS board you can find on Amazon and many other places.

[@ariip]

It is a shame that you had to waste a more expensive m18 usb adapter to get your m18 battery receptacle. I originally thought of doing that, but now there are sellers on ebay who have 3d printed m18 battery sockets with leads. One seller is selling them for 15.00 shipped which is a lot less than gutting a usb adapter which costs 30 or more. Just go on ebay and type "milwaukee battery dock" or "milwaukee battery adapter" the sellers user name is msburko so you can just look for him that way.

[@Makebuildmodify]

15 less or about 50%...;)

[@rogerlangreck2071]

link?

[@UpInYourFeelings]

Where's the link? I found one 3d printed but it's $35 so I was going to order the knock off (red) power source for about $20 & do what he did in this video.

[@ariip]

Just go on ebay and type "milwaukee battery dock" or "milwaukee battery adapter" the sellers user name is msburko so you can just look for him that way.

[@ariip]

Just go on ebay and type "milwaukee battery dock" or "milwaukee battery adapter" the sellers user name is msburko so you can just look for him that way.

[@uncemt]

I buy the lithium battery and charger that replaces the NiCad battery.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Good idea.

[@carolekelley5485]

I did this with a new dewalt lithium……. For my old Milwaukee tools. All my tools are now dewalt because Milwaukee would not make an adapter after 30 years of Milwaukee, I now use only dewalt

[@Makebuildmodify]

Yeah, that can be a deal breaker. Milwaukee did make a lithium battery for the old tools at one point.

[@carolekelley5485]

Yes and I was excited to be able to go lithium with my old tools. Alas, never available, now Milwaukee joins Levi’s, converse,Tropicana etc. products I used for years and would still to this day if they had not screwed them up. Voted with my dollar

[@bizibuzi8777]

Good work but no nice battery adaptor..

[@Makebuildmodify]

Why not?

[@michaelstephen86]

This can't be cost/time effective, especially for drills with old brushes and triggers...

[@Makebuildmodify]

Depends on how much you get paid at your day job.

[@Makebuildmodify]

FIRST!!

[@jackjill3205]

Cannot find Milwaukee usb power adapter on amazon, canadvice? Thanks

[@Makebuildmodify]

▶ Milwaukee usb power adapter amzn.to/2vV7Lex

[@jessepremo7398]

You can put lithium batteries in your old battery case with PCM board to control Charging shut off and still be able to use The old charger. Very cheap too if you do the research. Great video!

[@ClaudeSac]

Јоhn Daniel Nobody likes a beggar for views. Piss off.

[@jeremye5714]

I didn’t read the title well and thought it said how to make it work, and then realized it says “with adapter” but I still think it’s kinda redundant and dumb to offer a hack that isn’t a hack, it’s just a purchase of another tool. I thought diy was not purchasing more stuff

[@Makebuildmodify]

It can be done with the lower part of a flashlight that receives the new batteries. If you look near the beginning of the video, you can see that I cut off the lower part of the flashlight. You can also see in the same shot that I use this part on one of the adapters. So, it can be done without a purchase of another tool if you already have the newer flashlight. But, it's been a while since I made this video, and now there are aftermarket adapters and 3D printed versions.

[@sylvaingagnon3211]

Lessons learned: a) solder the wired to the board terminals first before running through the holes, then solder to the blade terminals for the older battery holder; b) use a 100w + iron otherwise, you won’t have enough heat; c) make much bigger holes to pass the wires to give some clearance, there’s no reason to keep them so small; d) use hot glue to stabilize the two parts together.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Good ideas!

[@DivineMisterAdVentures]

It's a great idea, but I'm frustrated watching .. bc 90% is wasted effort. You don't need two adapters - just run the leads from the tool directly into the power supply, and - - and glue the power supply directly onto the tool's base with a PU cement (maybe Loctite Premium 3X will do - or a plastic epoxy.) You might want to preserve the battery readout - I would cut the top off and replace it with something to make a better fit. Stick the readout on the side. But that's it - DONE!

[@Makebuildmodify]

What about recharging the battery?

[@mikeokizichy]

Milwaukee will replace these NiCad batteries for free, even shipping as there is there is a safety recall. I still have my old tools & then some, people are practically giving them away because of the batteries. Great tools garbage battery.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Interesting. I didn't know that.

[@Joe-nv6ge]

Or spend 3 more dollars and buy an adapter already to go.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Dude, really? The adapters were made after this video was published.

[@Joe-nv6ge]

@@Makebuildmodify Meant no offense.

[@Makebuildmodify]

@@Joe-nv6ge sorry if I sounded irritated.