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.
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Warranty Comparison at a Glance
| Brand (UK terms) | Battery Warranty | Tool Warranty | Registration Required? | Third-Party Battery Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita | 2 years (Li-ion batteries and chargers bought from 1 April 2025) | 1 year; 3 years if registered within 30 days | Yes, for the tool extension (batteries are not eligible) | Excludes non-Makita parts or accessories |
| DeWalt | 1 year (batteries are excluded from the 3-year extension except POWERSTACK; POWERSHIFT batteries 2 years) | 1 year; 3 years if registered within 4 weeks | Yes, for the extension | “Not covered” list includes incorrect accessories or attachments; full terms not retrievable |
| Milwaukee | 1 year; eligible REDLITHIUM batteries 2 years if registered | 1 year; up to 3 years if registered within 30 days (MX FUEL tools 2 years) | Yes, within 30 days, via an authorised distributor | Excludes non-approved accessories or parts |
| Ryobi | No separate battery term stated | 2 years; 3 years for battery and electric tools registered within 30 days | Yes, for the extension | No third-party battery or adapter exclusion stated on the guarantee page |
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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.
Makita Battery Warranty
What’s Covered
Makita UK’s 2025 terms give UK consumers 2 years on lithium-ion batteries and chargers (other products get 1 year, extendable to 3 years by registering within 30 days; batteries and chargers are not eligible for that extension). Makita U.S.A. gives a 3-year limited warranty on its lithium-ion batteries, chargers and tools.
What’s NOT Covered
- Use of non-Makita parts or accessories fitted to the product (Makita UK 2025 terms)
- Use other than in accordance with good practice and Makita’s instructions or recommendations (Makita UK 2025 terms)
- Gradual capacity loss with normal use, which is expected for lithium-ion batteries
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’s North American battery pages state a 3 Year Limited Warranty, 1 Year Free Service and 90 Days Satisfaction Guaranteed. In the UK, DeWalt’s standard guarantee is 1 year; batteries (except POWERSTACK) and chargers are excluded from its 3-year registered extension, and POWERSHIFT batteries and chargers extend to 2 years.
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
In the UK, Milwaukee’s standard guarantee is 1 year, and eligible REDLITHIUM batteries can be extended to 2 years by registering online within 30 days of purchase from an authorised distributor. In the US and Canada, Milwaukee’s charger manuals list 3 years for most XC and HD packs (for example 48-11-1850 and 48-11-1880) and 2 years for compact packs such as 48-11-1820 and 48-11-1835.
Milwaukee UK’s tool guarantee can be extended to a maximum of 3 years by registration (2 years for MX FUEL tools).
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 UK’s guarantee is 2 years, extended to 3 years for battery-powered and electric tools if you register within 30 days. The Ryobi UK page we checked gives no separate battery term, and excludes accessories and wear components.
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 a manufacturer’s guarantee applies on the conditions it sets out, and it does not affect your statutory rights against the retailer. Those conditions can exclude damage from parts or accessories the maker did not approve, as Makita’s and Milwaukee’s do.
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 — Milwaukee and DEWALT both list modification among their UK exclusions.
- Service through authorised centres — Milwaukee excludes repairs by non-qualified people or without its authorisation, and DEWALT excludes tools not repaired with genuine DEWALT parts.
- 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?
It depends on where you buy and which pack. In the UK, Makita gives 2 years on lithium-ion batteries, Milwaukee 1 year extendable to 2 by registration, Ryobi 2 years extendable to 3 for battery-powered tools by registration, and DeWalt 1 year (batteries other than POWERSTACK are excluded from its 3-year extension). In the US and Canada, Makita states 3 years on lithium-ion batteries, DeWalt’s battery pages state a 3 Year Limited Warranty, and Milwaukee’s manuals list 2 or 3 years depending on the pack.
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. Warranties cover defects, and gradual capacity loss with use is normal for lithium-ion batteries, so it is not usually treated as a defect. Check your maker’s terms if a pack loses capacity unusually quickly.
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.
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 and country. In the UK: Makita 2 years on lithium-ion batteries; Milwaukee 1 year, extendable to 2 years for eligible REDLITHIUM batteries by registration; DeWalt 1 year (POWERSTACK batteries can be included in its 3-year registered extension; POWERSHIFT batteries 2 years); Ryobi 2 years, or 3 years for battery-powered tools registered within 30 days. In the US and Canada, Makita states 3 years and DeWalt’s battery pages a 3 Year Limited Warranty, and Milwaukee lists 2 or 3 years depending on the pack.
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.
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 →
