If you’ve invested in a collection of Makita 18V LXT batteries but inherited or borrowed a DeWalt 20V MAX tool, an adapter could save you from buying a whole new battery system. Battery adapters are simple mechanical clips that convert from one brand’s platform to another—allowing you to use your existing batteries in tools from a different manufacturer.
This guide covers the best Makita to DeWalt adapters currently available in the UK, how they work, which batteries are compatible, and the important limitations you need to know before buying one.
How Makita to DeWalt Adapters Work
DEWALT gives 18V as the nominal voltage of its 20V MAX batteries, which matches the 18V in Makita’s LXT name. The mounting contacts and battery shape differ, and we have no maker source saying the batteries behave identically. A Makita to DeWalt adapter solves this by clipping onto your Makita battery and presenting the DeWalt mounting interface to any 20V MAX tool.
Adapters are tool-use only. Do not charge a battery through a third-party cross-brand tool-use adapter. Always charge your Makita batteries in a Makita charger.
An adapter adds a substantial amount of stack height — published dimensions for the common generic adapters put the added depth at roughly 40–90mm, which can occasionally affect tool balance or fit in tight spaces. Always do a quick test fit before committing to a job on a ladder or in a confined space.
Best Makita to DeWalt Adapters
Badaptor MAK-DEW (Discontinued)
Update: Badaptor has announced that it is discontinuing the range and taking down its website; it has not said what happens to warranty support for existing units. UK retailer Tooled-Up lists the Badaptor models as delisted and no longer available.
The Badaptor MAK-DEW was sold as a Makita-battery-to-DeWalt-tool adapter. With the maker’s site closing, we could not check its construction or warranty terms.
Badaptor adapters are priced at approximately £23–29 on Amazon.
Buy Badaptor MAK-DEW on Amazon
MT20DL Adapter (Best Value)
The MT20DL is a generic Makita-battery-to-DeWalt-tool adapter, typically priced at £16–20, with no USB port. We have not tested this adapter and cannot verify its safety. It is not approved by Makita or DeWalt and it bypasses the protection and communication between battery and tool; use at your own risk.
The MT20DL works in one direction only: Makita batteries in DeWalt tools. For DeWalt batteries in Makita tools you need a different adapter. We found no warranty terms we could check.
Comparison Table
| Adapter | Design Type | Price Range | USB Port | Warranty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badaptor MAK-DEW | Not confirmed (discontinued) | £23–29 | No | Not confirmed | Discontinued; remaining stock only |
| MT20DL | Makita battery to DeWalt tool | £16–20 | No | Not stated | Occasional use, budget-conscious |
Recommended Batteries
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Before you buy: check that the size, fitting/bore and maximum-rated speed marked on the accessory match what your tool’s manual specifies. We have not physically tested these products; listings are compiled from published specifications. These are affiliate links.
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Which batteries fit which tools — cross-brand, adapters & Ah, decoded.
Compatible Makita 18V LXT Batteries
Makita 18V LXT battery models that adapter listings commonly name are listed below; check the listing for the exact models it covers, as we have not verified them:
- BL1860B — 6.0Ah
- BL1850B — 5.0Ah
- BL1840 — 4.0Ah
- BL1830B — 3.0Ah
- BL1820B — 2.0Ah
- BL1815N — 1.5Ah
Not for these adapters: Makita’s 40V max XGT batteries and its G-Series 18V batteries are separate systems from LXT (Makita says G-Series is not compatible with LXT tools or chargers). Use only the LXT batteries the adapter listing names.
Important Limitations
No charging through the adapter: do not charge a battery through a third-party cross-brand tool-use adapter. Always use a Makita charger for Makita batteries.
Not for every DeWalt tool: use these adapters only on DeWalt 20V MAX (UK: 18V XR) tools. DeWalt’s FLEXVOLT tools (UK: 54V XR; US: 60V MAX) are built for FLEXVOLT batteries, so never use an 18V adapter on one.
Height and fit: The adapter adds roughly 40–90mm of height on the generic adapters whose dimensions are published. Test fit your tool before working overhead or in confined spaces. Some cordless tool trays and battery chargers may not accommodate the extra height.
Wear and tear: Repeated insertion and removal gradually wears the adapter’s contacts. Inspect regularly for cracks or loose clips, especially if your tool gets dropped or knocked around.
Watch: Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any Makita 18V battery in a DeWalt tool with an adapter?
Adapter listings name the Makita 18V LXT batteries they take; check the listing for your exact battery, as we have not verified any combination. Older or non-LXT Makita 18V batteries, such as G-Series packs, are a separate system.
Will the adapter damage my battery or tool?
We can’t say it is risk-free. DEWALT gives 18V as the nominal voltage of its 20V MAX batteries, the same as Makita LXT, but similar voltage does not establish compatibility or that the protection functions between battery and tool still work through an adapter. We have not verified tool- and battery-maker approval for these adapters. Inspect the adapter for visible damage before use.
Can I charge my Makita battery in a DeWalt charger with the adapter?
No. Do not charge a battery through a third-party cross-brand tool-use adapter. Use a charger expressly specified by the battery maker — for a Makita battery, a Makita charger.
Does the adapter work with DeWalt FLEXVOLT tools?
No. DeWalt’s FLEXVOLT tools (UK: 54V XR; US: 60V MAX) are built for FLEXVOLT batteries. Do not use a Makita battery or an 18V adapter on one.
Which adapter should I buy?
If you use the adapter a few times a year, the MT20DL offers the best value.
Can I use this adapter in both directions (Makita to DeWalt and DeWalt to Makita)?
No. A Makita-to-DeWalt adapter is specifically designed for Makita batteries in DeWalt tools. You would need a separate DeWalt-to-Makita adapter for the reverse. Adapters are one-way by design: the MT20DL takes a Makita battery and presents a DeWalt tool interface, and nothing about it works in reverse. For DeWalt batteries in Makita tools you need a different part (the DM18M).
More on battery platforms: Makita 18V LXT Battery Compatibility | DeWalt 20V MAX Battery Compatibility
How we compile this guide
We cross-reference compatibility details against manufacturer specifications where available, official tool manuals, and the physical standards that govern fitment (bore sizes, arbor diameters, voltage platforms, connector types). We prioritise primary sources over retailer listings, flag anything we can’t confirm, and re-verify the data on a regular cycle. Where we give a buying recommendation, we tell you the reasoning — not just the link. More on our method →
