Your primary toolkit is Milwaukee M18, but a DeWalt 20V MAX tool would solve a specific problem—and renting or buying a whole new battery system isn’t practical. A Milwaukee to DeWalt adapter lets you use your existing Milwaukee batteries in DeWalt tools. Both are 18V-nominal systems, but we have not verified tool- and battery-maker approval for these adapters, or that a battery’s protection functions still work through one.
This guide reviews the best Milwaukee to DeWalt adapters available in the UK, explains how they work, covers battery compatibility, and outlines key practical considerations.
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How Milwaukee to DeWalt Adapters Work
DEWALT gives 18V as the nominal voltage of its 20V MAX batteries (20V is the maximum initial voltage), matching the 18 in Milwaukee’s M18 name. We have no maker source saying the batteries behave identically. The only difference is the physical shape and contact geometry of the battery and tool mounting interface.
A Milwaukee to DeWalt adapter fits onto your Milwaukee M18 battery and presents a DeWalt-style interface to a 20V MAX tool. We have not verified what circuitry a given adapter contains. Use adapters for tool use only: do not charge a battery through one.
An adapter adds a substantial amount of stack height — published dimensions for the common generic adapters put the added depth at roughly 40–90mm. This is usually unnoticed, but always test fit before working overhead, in confined spaces, or placing the battery in tight compartments.
Best Milwaukee to DeWalt Adapters
POWHAZY MWK005A (Budget Option)
The POWHAZY MWK005A is a budget-focused Milwaukee-to-DeWalt adapter, typically priced at £17–22. We have not tested it and have no maker data on its build or protection features.
The POWHAZY is sensible if you need an adapter for rare, one-off use and are budget-conscious. Always check current Amazon reviews before ordering, as batch quality can vary with budget imports.
Comparison Table
| Adapter | Design Type | Price Range | Build Quality | Warranty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWHAZY MWK005A | Clip-on plastic | £17–22 | Basic | Not 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 Milwaukee M18 Batteries
M18 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:
- 48-11-1860 — 6.0Ah M18 REDLITHIUM XC6.0 (an XC pack, not HIGH OUTPUT)
- 48-11-1850 — 5.0Ah, versatile and widely available
- 48-11-1840 — 4.0Ah, compact option
- 48-11-1830 — note: Milwaukee lists this part as a V18 battery, not an M18 pack
- 48-11-1820 — 2.0Ah, rarely used but fully compatible
- 48-11-1815 — 1.5Ah, older generation still compatible
Not compatible: Milwaukee M12 batteries are a different platform. Milwaukee’s MX FUEL batteries are a separate system too. Stick to M18 batteries, and check the adapter listing for the models it names.
Compatible DeWalt 20V MAX Tools
Listings for these adapters say they fit DeWalt 20V MAX tools such as the following; we have not verified any combination:
- Cordless drills and drivers
- Impact drivers and impact wrenches
- Circular saws and reciprocating saws
- Angle grinders
- Nailers (finish and brad)
- Rotary hammers and SDS drills
- Blowers and vacuums
Not compatible: DeWalt 60V MAX and higher-voltage tools require different electronics and cannot be powered by an 18V adapter. Milwaukee’s M12 tools (if you have any borrowed tools) use a different platform. Always verify the DeWalt tool is marked “20V MAX” on the case.
Important Limitations
No charging through the adapter: do not charge a battery through a third-party cross-brand tool-use adapter. Always use a Milwaukee charger for Milwaukee batteries.
Height and fit: The extra height (roughly 40–90mm on the generic adapters whose dimensions are published) can be problematic in tight spaces—narrow tool bags, van shelving, or scaffold-mounted tool trays. Test fit before committing to a job where space is confined.
Use 20V MAX tools only: Do not attempt to use these adapters on DeWalt 60V MAX tools or older cordless models. The adapter delivers 18V nominal, which is insufficient and unsafe for higher-voltage tools. Always check that your DeWalt tool is marked “20V MAX” on the case.
Contact wear and maintenance: Every connection and disconnection slightly wears the internal contacts on the adapter and the spring terminals on the battery. Periodically inspect for black oxidation on the contact points or visible cracks on the plastic body. Replace the adapter if contacts become heavily corroded or the clip mechanism loosens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Milwaukee M18 battery work in a DeWalt 20V MAX tool with this adapter?
Adapter listings say so, but we have not verified any combination or tool- and battery-maker approval for these adapters. DEWALT gives 18V as the nominal voltage of its 20V MAX batteries, matching the 18 in Milwaukee’s M18 name, but similar voltage does not establish compatibility or that the protection functions between battery and tool still work.
Can I charge my Milwaukee battery in a DeWalt charger with the adapter?
No. Do not charge a battery through a third-party cross-brand tool-use adapter. Use a charger expressly specified by the battery maker — for a Milwaukee battery, a Milwaukee charger.
Do these adapters work with DeWalt 60V MAX tools?
No. DeWalt 60V MAX tools are designed for much higher voltage and amperage. An 18V adapter will not safely power a 60V tool. Do not attempt this—it’s a safety risk to both the tool and yourself. Use these adapters only on standard 20V MAX tools.
Will the adapter work with all Milwaukee M18 batteries, including older ones?
Milwaukee says all M18 batteries are compatible with M18 tools and chargers, but that does not tell you how a third-party adapter behaves; check the adapter listing for the battery models it names. M12 batteries are a different platform and do not fit.
Which adapter should I choose for professional daily use?
This is the thinnest of the cross-brand directions: there is no Badaptor for Milwaukee–to–DeWalt, and the widely sold generic parts (POWHAZY MWK005A and equivalents) are commodity imports with variable batch quality. If you need this conversion daily, buy two and keep a spare, and check current reviews before ordering rather than relying on a model number alone.
Can I leave the adapter on my battery when it’s in storage?
Not recommended. Leaving the adapter attached exposes the tool’s contact points to dust, moisture, and corrosion. Remove the adapter after use and store it separately in a clean, dry place. This also reduces unnecessary wear on the adapter’s clips and the battery’s spring terminals, extending both components’ lifespan.
How much extra height does the adapter add?
Roughly 40–90mm, based on published adapter dimensions — more than most people expect. This is rarely problematic, but it can affect fit in tight spaces, narrow tool bags, or when placing the battery in restrictive compartments. Always test fit your specific tool before committing to overhead work.
Related battery platforms: Milwaukee M18 Battery Compatibility | DeWalt 20V MAX Battery Compatibility
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 →
