Best Batteries for Makita Nail Guns
Makita BL1830 (3.0Ah) — Smaller Pack
The BL1830 is a 3.0Ah pack for lighter nailing jobs. It does not save weight, though: Makita UK lists the BL1830B at 0.64 kg, about the same as the 5.0Ah BL1850B. The makers do not publish nail counts per charge for these battery and nailer pairs, and we have not tested them, so we do not estimate them.
Model: BL1830
Makita BL1850B (5.0Ah) — Best All-Round
The BL1850B is our all-round pick for frame and trim nailing. Makita UK lists it at 0.63 kg, about the same as the 3.0Ah BL1830B, so the extra capacity costs little in weight.
Model: BL1850B
Makita BL1860B (6.0Ah) — Best Extended Capacity
The BL1860B has 20% more capacity than the BL1850B and is only 30 g heavier (Makita UK: 0.66 kg vs 0.63 kg). It is more than most nailing work needs, but suits long bench or bulk assembly sessions.
Model: BL1860B
For more on all Makita 18V LXT batteries, see our Makita 18V LXT Battery Compatibility guide.
Best Batteries for DeWalt Nail Guns
DeWalt DCB204 (4.0Ah) — Best Lightweight
The DCB204 is a 4.0Ah pack, slightly lighter than the 5.0Ah DCB205 (DeWalt US: 1.4 lb vs 1.54 lb), so it is a reasonable choice for overhead work such as architrave. DeWalt does not publish nail counts per charge for these pairs, and we have not tested them.
Model: DCB204
DeWalt DCB205 (5.0Ah) — Best All-Round
The DCB205 is DeWalt’s 5.0Ah 20V MAX pack (US part number; DeWalt’s UK 5.0Ah 18V XR pack is the DCB184) and our all-round pick for hanging frames, fitting skirting and mixed nailing work.
Model: DCB205
DeWalt DCB206 (6.0Ah) — Best Extended Capacity
The DCB206 has 20% more capacity than the DCB205, for production nailing where battery swaps break your rhythm. DeWalt US lists it at 2.25 lb against 1.54 lb for the DCB205, so expect a little more weight overhead.
Model: DCB206
Explore all DeWalt 20V MAX options in our DeWalt 20V MAX Battery Compatibility guide.
Best Batteries for Milwaukee Nail Guns
Milwaukee 48-11-1840 (4.0Ah) — Smaller Pack
The 48-11-1840 is Milwaukee’s US M18 REDLITHIUM XC 4.0 pack. It may not save much weight: Milwaukee UK lists its 4.0Ah and 5.0Ah M18 packs (M18 B4, M18 B5) at the same 0.7 kg. Milwaukee does not publish nail counts per charge for these pairs, and we have not tested them.
Buy Milwaukee 48-11-1840 on Amazon
Model: 48-11-1840
Milwaukee 48-11-1850 (5.0Ah) — Best All-Round
The 48-11-1850 is Milwaukee’s US M18 REDLITHIUM XC5.0 pack (Milwaukee’s UK 5.0Ah M18 pack is the M18 B5) and the versatile option for general nailing tasks.
Buy Milwaukee 48-11-1850 on Amazon
Model: 48-11-1850
Milwaukee 48-11-1860 (6.0Ah) — Best Extended Capacity
The 48-11-1860 is Milwaukee’s US M18 REDLITHIUM XC6.0 pack (an XC pack, not a HIGH OUTPUT one), with 20% more capacity than a 5.0Ah pack, for high-volume nailing or bulk frame assembly.
Buy Milwaukee 48-11-1860 on Amazon
Model: 48-11-1860
See our complete Milwaukee M18 Battery Compatibility guide for all available options.
Full Comparison Table
| Battery | Platform | Capacity | Best For | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BL1830 | Makita 18V LXT | 3.0Ah | Overhead work | Amazon |
| BL1850B | Makita 18V LXT | 5.0Ah | General frame & trim nailing | Amazon |
| BL1860B | Makita 18V LXT | 6.0Ah | Bulk frame assembly | Amazon |
| DCB204 | DeWalt 20V MAX | 4.0Ah | Overhead work | Amazon |
| DCB205 | DeWalt 20V MAX | 5.0Ah | General frame & trim nailing | Amazon |
| DCB206 | DeWalt 20V MAX | 6.0Ah | Bulk frame assembly | Amazon |
| 48-11-1840 | Milwaukee M18 | 4.0Ah | Overhead work | Amazon |
| 48-11-1850 | Milwaukee M18 | 5.0Ah | General frame & trim nailing | Amazon |
| 48-11-1860 | Milwaukee M18 | 6.0Ah | Bulk frame assembly | Amazon |
Starter packs by platform
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many nails can one battery drive?
The makers do not publish nail counts per charge for these battery and nailer pairs, and we have not tested them, so we do not estimate them. Check your nailer’s manual for any figure its maker gives.
Do nailers really need big batteries?
Nailers fire in short bursts rather than running continuously, so many users find smaller packs enough. The real question is comfort and how often you want to swap; we have no maker data on nailer power draw.
What’s better for overhead work — lightweight or high capacity?
It depends on the brand. A smaller pack is not always lighter: Makita UK lists its 3.0Ah and 5.0Ah LXT packs at about the same weight, and Milwaukee UK lists its 4.0Ah and 5.0Ah M18 packs at the same 0.7 kg, while DeWalt’s 4.0Ah DCB204 is slightly lighter than its 5.0Ah DCB205 (DEWALT US: 1.4 lb vs 1.54 lb). Check pack weights before choosing.
How long will a nail gun battery last?
The makers do not publish runtimes for these battery and nailer pairs, and we have not tested them, so we do not estimate them. Runtime depends on how many nails you fire and how often.
Can I use Makita batteries in DeWalt or Milwaukee nailers?
No. Makita 18V LXT, DeWalt 20V MAX (UK: 18V XR) and Milwaukee M18 are separate battery systems. You must use Makita 18V LXT batteries for Makita tools, DeWalt 20V MAX for DeWalt tools, and Milwaukee M18 for Milwaukee tools. See our cross-compatibility FAQ for more details on adapters and workarounds.
What’s the difference between gas and battery nailers?
Gas nailers need fuel cartridges; battery-only nailers do not, so they avoid that running cost. We have not compared their power or reliability. Whichever you choose, pick a battery size for comfort and how often you want to swap.
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 →
