Upgrading From the Dewalt 18V Platform

rScotty · Jun 13, 2022

I've got an old DC500 2 gallon portable vacuum I love but the batteries are all dead. It works on 110V fine, but I'd like to put modern batteries - and maybe a charger - together for it.
What would you do?

I do have some M18 Miwwaukee batts and charger - but have never used their vacuum. I could go that way.
rScotty

Sodo · Dec 9, 2024

WranglerX said:
Ands so it begins....

Sodo said:
I switched over to Makita but still have a lot of DeWalt 18v tools. That all work well but as you know the batteries are gone.

View attachment 737992
I made this adapter so I could use my DeWalt jigsaw, which is an awesome machine.

I used a Makita “USB Adapter” that cost about $16.

It’s possible that you can get these adapters on eBay by now but there was nothing back when I made this one.

Now you can buy Makita LXT to Dewalt 18v adapters on eBay.
Why did it take so long?

3 Horse Ranch · Dec 13, 2024

I couldn't see spending the money to upgrade to 20v tools, so as I started buying new tools, I just bought the 20v to 18v adaptors and kept my old ones. I followed Project Farm's recommendations regarding after-market batteries, and the results have been pretty satisfying and not terribly expensive. The after-market battery I buy was tested to be about 80% as good as DeWalt branded batteries, but at half or less price.

Grumpycat · Dec 13, 2024

I put a Dewalt 1.5Ah battery on a Dewalt light a couple years ago and only just now had need to charge. Am impressed and don’t miss my 18v Dewalt tools whose batteries always seemed to be dead after sitting a few months.

Still have the 18v tools laying around.

BlueKnife · Dec 15, 2024

3 Horse Ranch said:
I couldn't see spending the money to upgrade to 20v tools, so as I started buying new tools, I just bought the 20v to 18v adaptors and kept my old ones. I followed Project Farm's recommendations regarding after-market batteries, and the results have been pretty satisfying and not terribly expensive. The after-market battery I buy was tested to be about 80% as good as DeWalt branded batteries, but at half or less price.

What brand is that?