Power tool batteries are expensive, and knowing what your warranty covers — and what voids it — can save you hundreds of pounds over the life of your tool collection. Every major brand handles battery warranties differently, and the fine print matters.
This guide covers the warranty terms for Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Ryobi batteries, including what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to make a claim.
Warranty Comparison at a Glance
| Brand | Battery Warranty | Tool Warranty | Registration Required? | Third-Party Battery Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita | 2 years (UK) / 3 years (limited, US) | 1 year | No (UK) / No (US) | May void tool warranty if damage results |
| DeWalt | 3 years (free replacement) | 1 year free service + 3 year repair | No | May void warranty if damage results |
| Milwaukee | 2 years (M18/M12) | 5 years | No | Tool warranty voided if third-party battery causes damage |
| Ryobi | 3 years | 3 years | No | Voids tool warranty if third-party battery causes damage |
Makita Battery Warranty
What’s Covered
In the UK, Makita offers a 2-year warranty on all LXT and XGT lithium-ion batteries against defects in materials and workmanship. In the US, the warranty extends to 3 years with a limited replacement policy. The warranty covers batteries that fail to charge, hold a charge, or develop faults under normal use.
What’s NOT Covered
- Normal wear and degradation (gradual capacity loss over time is expected)
- Damage from drops, impacts, water exposure, or misuse
- Batteries used in non-Makita tools or with non-Makita chargers
- Batteries modified, opened, or repaired by non-authorised service centres
- Consumable items (battery is considered consumable after the warranty period)
How to Claim
Take the battery and proof of purchase to an authorised Makita service centre or the retailer where you purchased it. Makita will test the battery and either repair, replace, or reject the claim. Keep your receipts — no receipt, no warranty.
DeWalt Battery Warranty
What’s Covered
DeWalt offers one of the strongest battery warranties in the industry: a 3-year free replacement warranty on all 20V MAX, FLEXVOLT, and 12V MAX batteries. During the first three years, if a battery fails due to defects, DeWalt will replace it with a new or refurbished unit at no cost. This is separate from and in addition to the tool warranty.
What’s NOT Covered
- Batteries damaged by abuse, neglect, or accident
- Normal capacity degradation (DeWalt defines this as retaining less than 80% of original capacity)
- Use with non-DeWalt tools or chargers
- Commercial or rental use may have different terms in some regions
- Counterfeit or grey-market batteries
How to Claim
DeWalt warranty claims can be processed through authorised service centres or by contacting DeWalt directly. You’ll need proof of purchase and the battery itself. DeWalt’s customer service is generally regarded as responsive, and turnaround times are typically 1-2 weeks.
Milwaukee Battery Warranty
What’s Covered
Milwaukee provides a 2-year warranty on all M18, M12, and MX FUEL REDLITHIUM battery packs. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship that result in the battery failing to charge or operate correctly.
Notably, Milwaukee’s tool warranty is 5 years — one of the longest in the industry — which makes their overall warranty package very competitive even though the battery warranty is shorter than DeWalt’s.
What’s NOT Covered
- Wear and tear from normal use
- Damage from abuse, neglect, unauthorised modifications, or accidents
- Use with non-Milwaukee tools, chargers, or accessories
- Batteries that have been serviced by non-authorised repair centres
- Normal capacity degradation over time
How to Claim
Milwaukee claims go through authorised service centres. Bring the battery and proof of purchase. Milwaukee’s ONE-KEY registered tools have digital purchase records, but battery claims still typically require a paper receipt. Milwaukee is known for being fair with warranty claims, and professional users report good experiences with their trade-in programme.
Ryobi Battery Warranty
What’s Covered
Ryobi offers a 3-year warranty on all ONE+ and 36V/40V lithium-ion batteries. This covers manufacturing defects and premature failure under normal household use. Ryobi is positioned as a consumer brand, and their warranty terms reflect residential, non-commercial use.
What’s NOT Covered
- Commercial or professional use
- Normal battery wear and capacity degradation
- Physical damage, water damage, or misuse
- Use with non-Ryobi chargers
- Batteries purchased from unauthorised sellers
How to Claim
Ryobi warranty claims in the UK and Australia are typically handled through the retailer (Bunnings in AU, various in UK). In the US, contact Ryobi’s customer service line or visit their website to initiate a claim. Proof of purchase is required.
Does Using Third-Party Batteries Void Your Tool Warranty?
This is one of the most common warranty questions we get. The short answer: it depends on your jurisdiction.
In the United States, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act generally prevents manufacturers from voiding a warranty simply because you used a third-party accessory — unless that accessory directly caused the damage being claimed.
In the UK and EU, consumer protection regulations are similar. A manufacturer cannot automatically void a warranty because of third-party battery use, but they can deny a specific claim if they can demonstrate the third-party battery caused the fault.
In practice, all four brands state that damage caused by non-OEM batteries is not covered. If your tool’s motor burns out and you were using a third-party battery, the manufacturer will likely attribute the damage to the battery and deny the claim.
Our advice: Use OEM batteries for tools still under warranty. The cost difference between OEM and third-party is small compared to replacing a tool out of warranty. Read our full guide on third-party battery safety for more information.
Tips for Protecting Your Warranty
- Keep all receipts — digital and physical. Take photos of receipts on your phone as backup, since thermal paper fades over time.
- Register your tools — even when not required, registration creates an additional proof of purchase record.
- Use OEM batteries and chargers during the warranty period.
- Don’t modify batteries or tools — any modifications void the warranty universally.
- Service through authorised centres only — unauthorised repairs void warranties across all brands.
- Document issues — if a battery fails, take photos and note the circumstances before contacting the manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand has the best battery warranty?
DeWalt offers the best standalone battery warranty at 3 years with free replacement. However, Milwaukee’s combination of 2-year battery warranty plus 5-year tool warranty is the strongest overall package for professionals who value long-term tool protection.
Do I need to register my battery for warranty?
None of the four major brands (Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi) require battery registration for warranty coverage. However, keeping your proof of purchase is essential — all brands require it for claims.
Is normal battery degradation covered by warranty?
No. All manufacturers exclude normal capacity loss from warranty coverage. Lithium-ion batteries naturally lose capacity over hundreds of charge cycles. A battery that has gradually lost runtime over 2-3 years of regular use is performing as expected, not defective.
Can I get a warranty replacement for a battery bought online?
Yes, as long as the battery was purchased from an authorised retailer. Batteries from unauthorised third-party sellers on Amazon Marketplace or eBay may not be covered, especially if they turn out to be counterfeit. Buy from the official brand store or authorised dealers to ensure full warranty coverage.
Video Guide
Register your batteries with the manufacturer as soon as you buy them. This makes warranty claims much smoother and some brands extend coverage for registered products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
- Power Tool Battery Recycling: How and Where
- Which Ryobi ONE+ Battery Should You Buy?
- Power Tool Battery Glossary: Ah, V, Wh Explained
- Are Third-Party Power Tool Batteries Safe?
Does using a third-party battery void my power tool warranty?
In most cases, yes. Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Ryobi all state that damage caused by non-OEM batteries is not covered under their tool warranties. However, normal tool wear unrelated to battery use should still be covered.
How long is the warranty on power tool batteries?
Warranty periods vary by brand: DeWalt offers 3 years on most batteries, Milwaukee offers 2-3 years depending on the battery, Makita offers 1-3 years, and Ryobi offers 3 years. POWERSTACK and FORGE premium batteries may have different terms.
What should I do if my battery fails under warranty?
Contact the manufacturer directly or take the battery to an authorised service centre. Keep your proof of purchase as most brands require it. Many brands now offer online warranty claim processes through their websites.
