DeWalt offers a range of chargers for their 20V MAX and 12V MAX battery systems. The good news: every DeWalt charger works with every DeWalt 20V MAX battery, including FLEXVOLT and POWERSTACK packs. The only difference between chargers is how fast they charge. This guide covers every current DeWalt charger, which batteries each one supports, and how to pick the right charger for your setup.
Quick Compatibility Rule
All DeWalt 20V MAX chargers charge all 20V MAX batteries. This includes standard 20V MAX, XR, POWERSTACK, and FLEXVOLT batteries. DeWalt’s 12V/20V dual-voltage chargers also charge 12V MAX batteries. You cannot damage a battery by using a “slower” or “faster” charger — the charger and battery communicate to manage the charge rate safely.
DeWalt Charger Comparison
| Charger Model | Type | Charge Rate | Batteries Supported | Approx. Time (5 Ah) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCB107 | Standard | 1.25A | 12V MAX, 20V MAX | ~180 min | Budget option, included with many kits |
| DCB112 | Standard | 2A | 12V MAX, 20V MAX | ~120 min | Compact, affordable, most common kit charger |
| DCB115 | Fast | 4A | 12V MAX, 20V MAX | ~60 min | Fan-cooled, charges at roughly 2× the DCB112 |
| DCB118 | Fan-Cooled Fast | 8A | 20V MAX, FLEXVOLT | ~35 min | Fastest single-bay — ideal for FLEXVOLT |
| DCB102 | Dual-Port | 2A per port | 12V MAX, 20V MAX | ~120 min each | Charges two batteries simultaneously |
| DCB104 | 4-Port | 3A per port | 12V MAX, 20V MAX, FLEXVOLT | ~75 min each | Four bays — ideal for crews or large kits |
| DCB1104 | 6-Port | Varies | 12V MAX, 20V MAX, FLEXVOLT | Varies | Highest capacity charging station |
Which Batteries Work With Which Chargers?
| Battery Type | DCB107 | DCB112 | DCB115 | DCB118 | DCB102 | DCB104 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20V MAX Standard (DCB201–DCB203) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 20V MAX XR (DCB204–DCB208) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| POWERSTACK (DCBP034, DCBP520) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| FLEXVOLT (DCB606, DCB609, DCB612, DCB615) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 12V MAX (DCB120–DCB127) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Which Charger Should You Buy?
| Situation | Recommended Charger | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Casual DIY, 1–2 batteries | DCB112 | Cheap, compact, charges overnight — good enough |
| Regular use, want faster charging | DCB115 | 4A charging cuts wait times in half |
| Professional, FLEXVOLT user | DCB118 | 8A fan-cooled charging gets you back to work fastest |
| Team or large kit (4+ batteries) | DCB104 | Four bays keep all batteries topped up |
| Truck or van-based work | DCB119 | Vehicle charger — charges from 12V DC outlet |
Common Questions
Can I use a FLEXVOLT charger for regular 20V MAX batteries?
Yes. The DCB118 (FLEXVOLT charger) charges all 20V MAX batteries. It will charge them faster than the standard DCB112.
Will a fast charger damage my battery?
No. DeWalt chargers communicate with the battery’s onboard chip to manage charge rate, voltage, and temperature automatically. The battery will accept the maximum safe charge rate regardless of which charger you use.
Can I charge POWERSTACK batteries with my old charger?
Yes. POWERSTACK batteries use the same connector and are compatible with all existing 20V MAX chargers. Faster chargers will charge them quicker, but any DeWalt charger works.
Related Guides
- Every DeWalt 20V MAX Battery Compared
- Every DeWalt 20V MAX Tool and Which Batteries Fit
- DeWalt POWERSTACK vs Standard Battery
- How Long Do Power Tool Batteries Last?
Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Charging Best Practices
How you charge your DeWalt batteries directly affects their longevity and performance. Follow these guidelines to maximise the lifespan of your battery collection.
Temperature matters: Charge your batteries at room temperature whenever possible. DeWalt chargers include thermal sensors that delay charging if the battery is too hot or too cold. If your battery was recently used in a demanding application and feels warm, let it cool for 10-15 minutes before placing it on the charger. Charging warm batteries accelerates cell degradation.
Remove promptly after charging: While DeWalt chargers switch to maintenance mode after reaching full charge, removing the battery promptly is still best practice. Continuous charger connection is safe short-term but adds unnecessary minor stress over months and years.
Charge before storage: If you are storing batteries for an extended period, charge them to approximately 50% first. A fully charged battery stored for months experiences faster capacity fade than one stored at half charge.
Troubleshooting Charger Issues
Charger blinks red: The battery is too hot or too cold to charge. Wait for the battery to reach room temperature, then retry. If the issue persists, the battery may have a fault.
Charger does not respond: Check the power connection and ensure the battery is properly seated. Clean the battery contacts with a dry cloth if they appear dirty or corroded.
Battery charges but drains immediately: This typically indicates end-of-life for the battery cells. No amount of charging will restore a battery whose cells have degraded beyond their useful capacity. Replace the battery.
Can I use any DeWalt charger with any 20V MAX battery?
Yes. All DeWalt 20V MAX chargers are compatible with all 20V MAX and FLEXVOLT batteries. The main difference between chargers is speed — the DCB107 takes about 90 minutes, while the DCB112 fast charger completes in approximately 60 minutes for a 5.0Ah battery.
Is it bad to leave a DeWalt battery on the charger overnight?
Modern DeWalt chargers include automatic shutoff that stops charging when the battery reaches full capacity, so occasional overnight charging is fine. However, as a best practice, remove batteries once fully charged and store them at room temperature. Prolonged time on the charger generates unnecessary heat cycles that can gradually reduce battery lifespan.
Can I charge DeWalt 12V MAX batteries on a 20V MAX charger?
No. DeWalt 12V MAX and 20V MAX chargers are not cross-compatible. Each requires its own dedicated charger. However, DeWalt offers combination chargers like the DCB132 that can charge both 12V and 20V batteries in a single unit.
Which DeWalt charger is best for a job site?
For job sites, the DCB102 dual-port charger is the top choice — it charges two batteries simultaneously, keeping you working without downtime. If you have many batteries to cycle, the DCB104 quad-port charger is worth the investment. Pair either with a fan to keep batteries cool in hot conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Always use the charger specified for your battery platform. Using incorrect chargers can damage cells, void warranties, and create safety hazards.
Do all DeWalt 20V MAX chargers work with FLEXVOLT batteries?
Yes. All DeWalt 20V MAX chargers can charge FLEXVOLT batteries. The battery charges at 20V regardless, and the charger treats it like any other 20V MAX pack.
What is the fastest DeWalt 20V charger?
The DCB1104 fast charger can charge a 5.0Ah battery in approximately 45 minutes, compared to 60+ minutes on the standard DCB115.
Can I use an old DeWalt charger with new batteries?
As long as both are 20V MAX compatible, yes. DeWalt maintains backward compatibility across the 20V MAX charging system.
