You’ve built your cordless arsenal around Makita 18V LXT — possibly because of their excellent runtime, their reliable Li-ion cells, or simply because you prefer their ergonomics. But now you’ve spotted a specific Milwaukee M18 tool that would fill a gap in your collection, and buying an entire new battery set feels wasteful. A Makita to Milwaukee adapter lets you mount your existing LXT batteries into M18 tools, effectively giving you access to Milwaukee’s specialist tool range without the investment.
The reality is that Makita and Milwaukee tools serve almost identical trades — both platforms have drills, impact drivers, grinders, and saws. But they each have niche tools the other doesn’t. An adapter is a pragmatic way to borrow from the other ecosystem without committing to it. This guide covers the adapters available in the UK, their real-world performance, and whether this makes financial sense for your situation.
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How the Adapter Interface Works
Makita LXT and Milwaukee M18 batteries are both 18V nominal, but their battery shapes and contacts are different. An adapter accepts a Makita battery on one side and presents a Milwaukee M18-style connector on the other. We have not verified what circuitry a given adapter contains.
Adapters add height to the battery, which can be noticeable on compact drills and impact drivers and in tight holsters or ceiling work, so check the fit. Use adapters for tool use only: do not charge a battery through one, and charge Makita batteries in a Makita charger.
Best Makita to Milwaukee Adapters
Badaptor MAK-MIL (Discontinued)
Update: Badaptor has announced that it is discontinuing the range and taking down its website; it has not said what happens to warranty support for existing units. UK retailer Tooled-Up lists the Badaptor models as delisted and no longer available.
The Badaptor MAK-MIL was sold for the Makita-to-Milwaukee direction; the range is now discontinued.
It was priced at £23–29; we could not check its warranty terms or durability.
Buy Badaptor MAK-MIL on Amazon
MT20ML Reverse Variant — Budget Option
Generic adapters marketed as “MT20ML” in reverse configuration (accepting Makita, outputting Milwaukee) are sold on Amazon for £17–22.
The MT20ML reverse is sensible if you’re using the adapter infrequently — maybe you’ve bought one Milwaukee specialist tool and will use the adapter only a handful of times before setting it aside. For light, occasional use, the budget option works.
Buy MT20ML Reverse Adapter on Amazon
Adapter Comparison Table
| Adapter | Input Battery | Price Range | Profile | Warranty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badaptor MAK-MIL | Makita 18V LXT | £23–29 | Not stated | Not confirmed | Discontinued; remaining stock only |
| MT20ML Reverse | Makita 18V LXT | £17–22 | Not stated | None stated | Occasional use, budget-conscious |
Recommended Batteries
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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.
Get the free Power-Tool Battery Compatibility Handbook (PDF)
Which batteries fit which tools — cross-brand, adapters & Ah, decoded.
Compatible Makita 18V LXT Batteries
Makita 18V LXT battery models that adapter listings commonly name are listed below; check the listing for the exact models it covers, as we have not verified them:
- BL1860B — 6.0Ah
- BL1850B — 5.0Ah
- BL1840 — 4.0Ah
- BL1830B — 3.0Ah
- BL1820B — 2.0Ah
Important limitation: do not use Makita’s 40V max XGT batteries or its G-Series 18V batteries with these adapters. Both are separate systems from LXT (Makita says G-Series is not compatible with LXT tools or chargers). Stick to the LXT batteries the adapter listing names.
Larger packs such as the 6.0Ah BL1860B hold more charge, but we have no data comparing their runtime with Milwaukee’s own batteries. On weight, Makita UK lists the BL1860B at 0.66 kg and Milwaukee UK lists its 5.0Ah M18 B5 at 0.7 kg, so the Makita pack is not heavier than a 5.0Ah M18 pack.
Key Limitations You Should Know
You cannot charge through the adapter. Do not charge a battery through a third-party cross-brand tool-use adapter. Remove the battery, take off the adapter and charge it in a Makita charger, so on a mixed-platform site you cannot top up on Milwaukee chargers.
Heavy-duty tools. We have not verified how any high-draw Milwaukee tool, such as an impact wrench or a rotary hammer, performs on an adapted Makita battery, or tool- and battery-maker approval for these adapters. For professional heavy-duty work, use the tool maker’s own batteries.
Connector wear is cumulative. Every insertion and removal wears the adapter’s contacts and your battery’s terminals. We have no tested data on how fast. Inspect the adapter regularly and replace it if the fit loosens or the contacts look damaged.
The extra depth matters in confined spaces. The adapter’s extra depth can be noticeable when working in wall cavities, roof voids, or between joists. Measure twice, buy once — and test-fit the tool in the tightest position you actually work in before committing to a job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Milwaukee charger to recharge a Makita battery inside a Milwaukee tool?
No. Do not charge a battery through a third-party cross-brand tool-use adapter. Remove the battery from the Milwaukee tool, take off the adapter, and charge it in a Makita charger.
Will the adapter damage my Makita battery?
We can’t say it is risk-free. Both are 18V-nominal systems, but similar voltage does not establish compatibility or that the protection functions between battery and tool still work through an adapter. We have not verified tool- and battery-maker approval for these adapters. Repeated insertion also wears the contacts; we have no tested data on how fast.
How long do these adapters last?
We have no tested data on how long these adapters last, and the makers do not publish a lifespan. Inspect the adapter regularly for cracks, loose clips or damaged contacts, and replace it if you find any.
Why would I choose this over just buying Milwaukee batteries?
Cost. A single Makita-to-Milwaukee adapter costs £16–29. A new Milwaukee battery (5.0Ah) costs £60–80. If you’re buying one specific Milwaukee tool to fill a gap in your Makita collection, an adapter is a fraction of the price of adopting a new platform.
Related Guides
For the complete Makita 18V LXT tool and battery compatibility database, see our Makita 18V LXT Battery Compatibility guide. To understand the Milwaukee M18 platform in full, read our Milwaukee M18 Battery Compatibility reference. For other cross-brand adapter options, visit our power tool battery adapter hub.
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 →
