Your toolbox is DeWalt 20V MAX, but a mate’s Milwaukee M18 cordless nailer or rotary hammer would make quick work of a job. Rather than renting or buying a whole new battery platform, a DeWalt to Milwaukee adapter bridges the gap. Both platforms operate at 18V nominal—they’re electrically equivalent—so an adapter lets you use your existing DeWalt batteries in Milwaukee M18 tools.
This guide reviews the best DeWalt to Milwaukee adapters available in the UK, explains the mechanics, covers which batteries work, and outlines important practical considerations.
How DeWalt to Milwaukee Adapters Work
The DeWalt 20V MAX and Milwaukee M18 platforms deliver identical voltage—both are 18V nominal. DeWalt markets theirs as 20V to emphasise the premium over older 18V tools, but electrically they’re the same system. The difference is purely mechanical: different contact geometry and battery shapes.
A DeWalt to Milwaukee adapter is a passive mechanical clip that connects onto your DeWalt battery and presents the Milwaukee M18 contact interface to any M18 tool. The adapter contains no active electronics—it’s simply a bridge. Because of this, adapters work for tool use only. You cannot use one to charge a DeWalt battery in a Milwaukee charger (Milwaukee chargers won’t recognise the DeWalt battery without the proper electronics).
The adapter adds approximately 12–15mm of height to your battery pack. This is rarely problematic, but always check fit before committing to tight spaces, ladder work, or placing the battery in restrictive storage locations like van shelving or tool bags.
Best DeWalt to Milwaukee Adapters
Badaptor DEW-MIL (Premium Pick)
The Badaptor DEW-MIL is a UK-designed, purpose-built adapter for DeWalt-to-Milwaukee conversion. It features a robust snap-fit mechanism and is constructed from rigid ABS plastic engineered to tight tolerances. Every Badaptor carries a lifetime warranty, which is meaningful assurance if you’re planning to rely on it across multiple jobs or trades.
Priced at approximately £23–29, the Badaptor is the premium option. The warranty and UK support justify the extra cost for professionals who use adapters regularly. Many UK electricians and scaffolders who work across multiple brands keep a Badaptor in their kit as a permanent investment.
Buy Badaptor DEW-MIL on Amazon
DL18ML Adapter (Best Value)
The DL18ML is a straightforward, no-frills adapter that works reliably with all DeWalt 20V MAX batteries. Priced at £18–24, it sits between the premium Badaptor and ultra-budget options. It’s a clip-on design—simple, durable, and proven through hundreds of user reviews. The DL18ML has become a popular choice for builders, electricians, and maintenance teams who occasionally need to cross brands.
Warranty is typically 12 months. The lack of brand marketing means you’re not paying for packaging or warranty extension; the cost savings go into your pocket. If you need a reliable adapter without the lifetime-warranty premium, this is the practical middle ground.
POWHAZY MWK005A (Budget Option)
The POWHAZY MWK005A is a budget-focused clip adapter, typically priced at £17–22. It’s a basic design with minimal frills—it clips onto your DeWalt battery and presents the Milwaukee interface. POWHAZY is a Chinese brand with a growing UK presence on Amazon, and the MWK005A has accumulated solid user reviews from tradespeople who don’t need premium features.
The DL18ML is marginally more polished, but the POWHAZY is acceptable if you’re on a tight budget and don’t expect heavy daily use. Warranty is typically 12 months. Read the Amazon reviews carefully before ordering, as batch quality can vary slightly with budget imports.
Comparison Table
| Adapter | Design Type | Price Range | Build Quality | Warranty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badaptor DEW-MIL | Snap-fit rigid ABS | £23–29 | Premium | Lifetime | Professional, daily use |
| DL18ML | Clip-on plastic | £18–24 | Solid | 12 months | Regular trades use, good value |
| POWHAZY MWK005A | Clip-on plastic | £17–22 | Basic | 12 months | Occasional use, budget-conscious |
Compatible DeWalt 20V MAX Batteries
All current DeWalt 20V MAX batteries work with these adapters. The most common are:
- DCB206 — 6.0Ah, the industry-standard workhorse
- DCB205 — 5.0Ah, versatile mid-capacity option
- DCB204 — 4.0Ah, compact and lightweight
- DCB203 — 3.0Ah, minimal weight for low-draw tools
- DCB201 — 2.0Ah, rarely used but fully compatible
FLEXVOLT compatibility: DeWalt’s 54V FLEXVOLT batteries automatically detect the tool voltage and step down to 20V in a 20V MAX tool. With an adapter in a Milwaukee M18 tool, a FLEXVOLT battery will operate at full 18V and deliver exceptional runtime compared to standard 20V MAX packs—a significant advantage on long production jobs.
Compatible Milwaukee M18 Tools
These adapters work with any Milwaukee M18 tool, including:
- Cordless drills and drivers (standard M18 CompactDrill, M18 XC)
- Impact drivers and wrenches
- Circular saws and reciprocating saws
- Angle grinders
- Nailers (friction-ring and straight-finish models)
- Rotary hammers and SDS drills
- Blowers and fans
Not compatible: Milwaukee M12 tools require a different adapter (M12 batteries are smaller and lower voltage). Milwaukee 54V HIGH OUTPUT batteries require different contact geometry and cannot be bridged with a simple 18V adapter. Stick to standard M18 tools.
Important Limitations
No reverse charging: Adapters work for tool use only. You cannot charge a DeWalt battery in a Milwaukee charger with an adapter attached. Milwaukee chargers are programmed for Milwaukee battery electronics and will not recognise a DeWalt battery. Always use your DeWalt charger for DeWalt batteries.
Height adds up: The 15mm extra height is usually unnoticed but can be problematic in scaffold tool bags, tight van compartments, or when securing the battery in a power tool trays. Test fit before committing to a job where space is tight.
Use on M18 tools only: Do not use a DeWalt-to-Milwaukee adapter on Milwaukee’s M12 tools (compact platform, different voltage), M28 tools (28V, old platform), or the new 54V HIGH OUTPUT system. Stick to standard M18 tools marked “M18” on the case.
Contact degradation: Every connection and disconnection slightly wears the adapter’s internal contacts and the battery’s spring terminals. Periodically inspect for black corrosion on the contacts or visible cracks on the adapter body. Replace the adapter if contacts become heavily oxidised or if the clip loosens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my DeWalt battery work in a Milwaukee M18 tool with this adapter?
Yes. The voltage is identical (both 18V nominal). The adapter simply provides the correct mechanical interface. As long as the adapter is in good condition and contacts are clean, your DeWalt battery will function as reliably in the M18 tool as a Milwaukee battery would.
Can I charge my DeWalt battery in a Milwaukee charger with the adapter?
No. Milwaukee chargers are specifically programmed for Milwaukee battery packs and will not recognise a DeWalt battery, even with an adapter. Charging requires the correct charger for your battery brand. Using an adapter for charging will damage both the charger and the battery.
Do these adapters work with Milwaukee M12 tools?
No. M12 tools are a completely different platform (smaller battery, lower voltage system). You would need a separate M12 adapter, and many M12 tools won’t accept an 18V adapter anyway due to internal design constraints. Stick to standard M18 tools only.
Will a DeWalt FLEXVOLT battery work in a Milwaukee M18 tool with an adapter?
Yes. FLEXVOLT batteries automatically sense the tool voltage and step down to 20V in a 20V MAX tool. In an M18 tool with an adapter, the FLEXVOLT operates at 18V and delivers extended runtime because FLEXVOLT packs are physically larger and have significantly more capacity than standard DeWalt batteries.
Which adapter is best for occasional use?
The DL18ML at £18–24 is the best balance of reliability and cost for occasional use. If you use the adapter more than once a month, consider the Badaptor‘s lifetime warranty. For one-off use, the POWHAZY is acceptable if budget is the primary concern.
Can I use the adapter with Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL tools?
Yes. M18 FUEL tools are standard M18 platform tools—they use the same battery interface as non-FUEL M18 tools. An adapter will work, though FUEL tools are typically higher-draw, so using a smaller DeWalt battery (DCB201 or DCB203) is not recommended. Use a larger capacity battery (DCB206) for best performance.
Related battery platforms: DeWalt 20V MAX Battery Compatibility | Milwaukee M18 Battery Compatibility
