If you’ve ever wondered whether your DeWalt, Black+Decker, Stanley FatMax, Craftsman, or Porter-Cable batteries are interchangeable, you’re not alone. They’re all owned by the same parent company, Stanley Black & Decker. Surely the batteries fit in each other’s tools, right?
The short answer: no. Each brand sells its own battery platform, and each maker lists compatibility only within that platform. This guide explains what is and is not compatible, and which systems matter for UK users.
The Short Answer: No Cross-Compatibility
No. Each Stanley Black & Decker brand has its own battery platform, and the makers list compatibility only within it: DeWalt within 20V MAX (18V XR in the UK) and FLEXVOLT, BLACK+DECKER within its 18V POWERCONNECT range in the UK, and Stanley FatMax and Craftsman within their V20 ranges. We have not found a maker statement that any two of these brands’ batteries are interchangeable.
Stanley Black & Decker has not published a reason for keeping the platforms separate.
The Brands Under Stanley Black & Decker
Here is each brand’s 18V/20V platform as the makers describe it:
| Brand | Platform | Voltage | Compatibility (maker statement) | UK note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt | 20V MAX (US) / 18V XR (UK); FLEXVOLT | 18V nominal | DeWalt lists its chargers and packs for its own 20V MAX / FLEXVOLT tools | Sold in the UK as 18V XR |
| BLACK+DECKER | 18V POWERCONNECT (UK); 20V MAX (US) | 18V nominal (US: 20V max initial) | UK: works with all BLACK+DECKER 18V cordless products | Sold in the UK as 18V |
| Stanley FatMax | V20 | 18V (Stanley lists V20 packs at 18V) | Interchangeable with other V20 products; SFMCB100 adapter for older 18V FatMax tools | UK part numbers end -XJ |
| Craftsman | V20 | 20V max initial, 18V nominal | Compatible with the Craftsman V20 lineup | US range; no official UK distribution found |
| Porter-Cable | 20V MAX | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | US range; no official UK distribution found |
Recommended Batteries
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Why They’re Not Compatible
We have not found a maker explanation for the separate platforms. Here is what the makers do publish, and what follows from it:
Different Connector Designs
Each maker lists its batteries and chargers only for its own system: DeWalt’s charger tables list DeWalt packs, Stanley says V20 packs are interchangeable with other V20 products, and BLACK+DECKER says its 18V packs work with BLACK+DECKER 18V products. The packs are physically different; do not try to force one into another brand’s tool.
Incompatible Battery Management Systems
Batteries and tools work together through their own electronics, and each maker tests only its own combinations. A battery from one brand is not listed for another brand’s tools.
Craftsman V20
Craftsman V20 is a US range. Craftsman defines V20 as 20V maximum initial voltage, 18V nominal, and lists its V20 batteries as compatible with the Craftsman V20 tool lineup. We have not found a maker statement on fitting Craftsman V20 batteries to other SBD brands.
Market Segmentation
Some commentators attribute the separate platforms to market segmentation between the professional DeWalt brand and the DIY-focused brands. That is an inference; Stanley Black & Decker has not published a reason.
Third-Party Adapters
Adapters exist that claim to bridge these gaps—for example, adapters that allow a DeWalt battery to physically connect to a Black+Decker tool. However, we do not recommend using them for several reasons:
- Warranty cover: Damage linked to an adapter may not be covered by the tool maker’s guarantee.
- BMS incompatibility: The tool’s electronics may not communicate correctly with the battery’s management system, risking overcharge or complete failure.
- Safety risk: Mismatched power delivery can damage cell chemistry or cause the battery to fail unexpectedly during use.
- Poor runtime: Adapters may reduce output voltage or current, resulting in weak performance.
If you own tools from different Stanley Black & Decker brands, you’ll need to maintain separate battery inventory for each platform. It’s frustrating, but it’s the safe and reliable approach.
What About Stanley FatMax V20 in the UK?
Stanley FatMax V20 is Stanley’s 18V cordless system: Stanley lists its V20 packs at 18V (for example the SFMCB204 4.0Ah, 72Wh). Stanley says V20 packs are interchangeable with other V20 products, and its SFMCB100 adapter lets V20 1.5Ah and 2.0Ah packs run older 18V FatMax tools. V20 packs are not listed for DeWalt tools.
Stanley lists V20 packs including 2.0Ah, 4.0Ah and 6.0Ah (SFMCB202, SFMCB204, SFMCB206), and a 4A fast charger (SFMCB14) that it says charges a 2.0Ah pack in 30 minutes and a 4.0Ah pack in 60 minutes.
If you’re building a cordless kit from scratch in the UK and DeWalt is outside your budget, Stanley FatMax V20 is a viable alternative—just commit to that system rather than trying to mix and match.
DeWalt 20V MAX in the UK
In the UK, DeWalt sells this platform as 18V XR (20V MAX in the US), and FLEXVOLT packs also work in these tools.
For a detailed breakdown of DeWalt’s ecosystem, battery options, and tool compatibility, see our dedicated DeWalt 20V MAX platform page.
Representative Tools by Brand
Each Stanley Black & Decker brand has its own 18V/20V battery system. Below are representative tools from the brands most relevant to UK buyers. Remember: batteries are NOT interchangeable between these brands despite all being owned by the same parent company.
DeWalt 18V XR — Professional Trade Tools
| Tool | Model Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Combi Drill | DCD796N | Brushless, 13mm chuck |
| Combi Drill (Heavy Duty) | DCD996N | Brushless, 3-speed, 38,250 bpm |
| Impact Driver | DCF887N | Brushless, 205 Nm |
| Impact Driver (Compact) | DCF840N | Brushless, compact body |
| Circular Saw | DCS391N | 165mm blade, 3,700 rpm |
| Reciprocating Saw | DCS367N | Brushless, compact |
| Angle Grinder | DCG406N | Brushless, 125mm disc |
| SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer | DCH273N | Brushless, 2.1J impact energy |
| Jigsaw | DCS334N | Brushless, T-shank |
DeWalt’s tool range is covered separately. See our DeWalt 20V MAX / 18V XR Battery Compatibility Guide for full details.
Stanley FatMax V20 — Serious DIY & Light Trade
| Tool | Model Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushless Combi Drill | SFMCD715 | Brushless, 60 Nm, 13mm chuck |
| Combi Drill | SFMCD711 | Brushed motor, budget option |
| Circular Saw | SFMCS500 | 165mm blade, 4,000 rpm |
| Reciprocating Saw | SFMCS300 | Compact, lightweight |
| Angle Grinder | SFMCG400 | 125mm disc |
| Chainsaw | SFMCCS630 | Brushless, 300mm bar |
| Hedge Trimmer | SFMCHT855 | 55cm blade, 35mm max cut |
| Multi-Tool | SFMCE500 | Variable speed oscillating |
Stanley FatMax V20 tools are sold by UK retailers; check current availability before buying. We have not verified the size of the V20 range.
Black+Decker 18V — DIY & Garden
| Tool | Model Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Combi Drill | BCD700S | 2-gear, hammer action, 10mm chuck |
| Drill/Driver | BCD001 | 37 Nm torque, 10mm chuck |
| Impact Driver | BDCIM18N | 155 Nm torque |
| Strimmer | STC1820PC | 28cm cut, POWERCONNECT |
| Hedge Trimmer | GTC1845L20 | 45cm blade |
| Chainsaw | GKC1825L20 | 25cm bar |
BLACK+DECKER UK says its 18V POWERCONNECT batteries work with all BLACK+DECKER 18V cordless products.
Craftsman V20 & Porter-Cable 20V MAX — Limited UK Availability
| Brand | Tool | Model Number | UK Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craftsman | Drill/Driver | CMCD700 | Import only |
| Craftsman | Brushless Drill | CMCD710 | Import only |
| Craftsman | Oscillating Multi-Tool | CMCE500 | Amazon (import) |
| Porter-Cable | Drill/Driver | PCCK607 | Not officially sold in UK |
| Porter-Cable | Combo Kit | PCCK602L2 | Not officially sold in UK |
We have not found official UK distribution for Craftsman V20 or Porter-Cable 20V MAX; in the UK they are mainly sold as imports, and US-market chargers are designed for US mains. For UK use, DeWalt, Stanley FatMax V20 or BLACK+DECKER are easier to support.
Where to Buy Stanley Black & Decker Batteries
You can find the full range of Stanley Black & Decker batteries, tools, and chargers on Amazon UK:
Buy DeWalt 20V MAX Batteries on Amazon
Buy Black+Decker 20V Batteries on Amazon
Buy Stanley FatMax V20 on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use DeWalt batteries in Black+Decker tools?
No. DeWalt lists its chargers and packs for DeWalt 20V MAX (18V XR in the UK) and FLEXVOLT tools, and BLACK+DECKER UK says its 18V POWERCONNECT batteries work with BLACK+DECKER 18V cordless products. Neither maker lists the other brand’s batteries, so do not force or adapt them.
Are Stanley FatMax V20 and DeWalt 20V MAX batteries the same?
No. Despite both being marketed as 20V systems, they are entirely separate platforms with different connectors and electronics. Stanley FatMax V20 is actually 18V nominal, not 20V. Do not attempt to use FatMax batteries in DeWalt tools or vice versa.
Can I use a battery adapter between SBD brands?
Adapters exist, but we strongly advise against using them. Damage linked to one may not be covered by the tool maker’s guarantee; they also create battery management system incompatibility risks, may reduce power output, and pose a safety hazard. It is better to maintain separate batteries for each system.
Why doesn’t Stanley Black & Decker make one universal battery?
Stanley Black & Decker has not published a reason. Some commentators put it down to market segmentation between the professional DeWalt range and the DIY-focused brands, but that is an inference, not a company statement.
Which SBD brand should I buy in the UK?
Choose the system whose tools you need. In the UK, DeWalt is sold as 18V XR (20V MAX in the US) with FLEXVOLT; Stanley FatMax V20 and BLACK+DECKER 18V POWERCONNECT are the other SBD systems on sale here. Craftsman V20 and Porter-Cable 20V MAX are US ranges, and we have not found official UK distribution for them.
Is Stanley FatMax V20 actually 20 volts?
Stanley lists its V20 packs at 18V (for example the SFMCB204 4.0Ah, 72Wh). Its sister brands Craftsman and BLACK+DECKER define 20V MAX as the maximum initial voltage without a load, with 18V nominal.