Your cordless drill is only as good as the battery powering it. Knowing which battery fits your tool is only half the battle — you also need to know where to buy it at a fair price without getting stung by fakes. This page brings together every battery model we cover on the site, with direct links to buy from trusted UK retailers.
We focus on Makita 18V LXT, DeWalt 20V MAX, DeWalt FLEXVOLT, and Milwaukee M18 batteries — the four platforms most widely used by UK tradespeople. Each section below lists every battery in the range with links to Amazon and notes on where else to find them.
Quick Links by Brand
| Brand & Platform | Battery Range | Platform Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Makita 18V LXT | 3.0Ah – 6.0Ah (6 models) | Makita 18V LXT Compatibility |
| DeWalt 20V MAX | 4.0Ah – 6.0Ah (3 models) | DeWalt 20V MAX Compatibility |
| DeWalt FLEXVOLT | 5.0Ah – 12.0Ah (3 models) | DeWalt FLEXVOLT Compatibility |
| Milwaukee M18 | 2.0Ah – 6.0Ah (5 models) | Milwaukee M18 Compatibility |
Makita 18V LXT Batteries
Makita’s 18V LXT range is the most popular cordless platform among UK trades. Every battery below fits every LXT tool — from the compact BL1830 right up to the flagship BL1860B. See the full compatibility breakdown on our Makita 18V LXT Battery Compatibility page.
| Model | Capacity | Best For | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| BL1830 | 3.0Ah | Lightweight tasks, overhead work | Buy on Amazon |
| BL1840 | 4.0Ah | General-purpose, good balance | Buy on Amazon |
| BL1840B | 4.0Ah | Same as BL1840 with fuel gauge | Buy on Amazon |
| BL1850 | 5.0Ah | Best all-rounder for most tools | Buy on Amazon |
| BL1850B | 5.0Ah | Same as BL1850 with fuel gauge | Buy on Amazon |
| BL1860B | 6.0Ah | Heavy-duty — saws, grinders, hammer drills | Buy on Amazon |
DeWalt 20V MAX Batteries
DeWalt’s 20V MAX system (marketed as 18V in the UK) is cross-compatible with FLEXVOLT batteries — meaning you can run a FLEXVOLT 54V battery in a 20V MAX tool and it will operate at 18V. The standard 20V MAX batteries below cover the majority of DeWalt cordless tools. See our DeWalt 20V MAX Battery Compatibility page for full details.
| Model | Capacity | Best For | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCB204 | 4.0Ah | Lighter tasks, screw driving, trim work | Buy on Amazon |
| DCB205 | 5.0Ah | Best all-rounder for most 20V MAX tools | Buy on Amazon |
| DCB206 | 6.0Ah | Heavy-duty drilling, sustained use | Buy on Amazon |
DeWalt FLEXVOLT Batteries
FLEXVOLT batteries automatically switch between 18V and 54V depending on the tool. They work in all 20V MAX tools (at 18V) and unlock full power in 54V XR tools like the DCS578 circular saw. Full compatibility details on our DeWalt FLEXVOLT Battery Compatibility page.
| Model | Capacity (54V / 18V) | Best For | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCB546 | 2.0Ah / 6.0Ah | Compact FLEXVOLT option | Buy on Amazon |
| DCB606 | 2.0Ah / 6.0Ah | Standard FLEXVOLT for saws and grinders | Buy on Amazon |
| DCB612 | 4.0Ah / 12.0Ah | Maximum runtime for demanding 54V tools | Buy on Amazon |
Milwaukee M18 Batteries
Milwaukee’s M18 REDLITHIUM range powers over 250 tools worldwide. Note that M12 batteries do not fit M18 tools — they are entirely separate platforms. See our Milwaukee M18 Battery Compatibility page for the full tool and battery matrix.
| Model | Capacity | Best For | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48-11-1820 | 2.0Ah | Ultra-compact, light-duty tasks | Buy on Amazon |
| 48-11-1830 | 3.0Ah | Balanced weight for overhead work | Buy on Amazon |
| 48-11-1840 | 4.0Ah | Good mid-range option | Buy on Amazon |
| 48-11-1850 | 5.0Ah | Best all-rounder for most M18 tools | Buy on Amazon |
| 48-11-1860 | 6.0Ah | Heavy-duty — impact wrenches, grinders | Buy on Amazon |
UK Retailers Beyond Amazon
Amazon is the quickest option for most battery purchases, but it’s not the only game in town. Several UK tool specialists carry genuine batteries — often with trade account pricing or bundle deals that beat Amazon on value.
Screwfix
Screwfix stocks Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee batteries across their full range. The big advantage is same-day collection from over 890 UK branches — useful when a battery dies on site and you need a replacement today. Screwfix frequently runs promotional pricing on twin-pack battery bundles, so check their website or app before ordering elsewhere.
Toolstation
Toolstation carries a strong selection of Makita and DeWalt batteries, with growing Milwaukee stock. Like Screwfix, they offer click-and-collect from over 600 branches. Toolstation occasionally has exclusive bundle deals (tool + battery + charger kits) that work out cheaper than buying the battery alone.
Power Tool World
Power Tool World is an online specialist that tends to have competitive prices on individual batteries and often stocks harder-to-find models. They carry the full Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee ranges. Delivery is UK-wide and they run frequent discount codes. Worth checking if you’re buying multiple batteries at once.
Other Options
B&Q stocks a limited selection of Makita and DeWalt batteries in-store. Travis Perkins and Jewson can order in batteries through trade accounts. For bulk purchases, consider contacting your local tool distributor directly — trade pricing on a case of batteries can save 15–20% over retail.
How to Avoid Counterfeit Batteries
Fake batteries are a genuine problem, particularly on online marketplaces. Counterfeit cells use cheaper internal components, often lack proper overcharge and thermal protection, and can damage your tools or — in extreme cases — catch fire. Here’s how to stay safe:
Buy from authorised sellers. On Amazon, check the “Sold by” field — look for the brand’s own Amazon storefront (e.g. “Makita UK” or “DeWalt Official”) or a well-known retailer. Third-party sellers with rock-bottom prices are a red flag.
Check the packaging. Genuine batteries come in branded retail packaging with holograms, serial numbers, and correct UK plugs on chargers. If the box looks flimsy, the print quality is poor, or the model number format doesn’t match the manufacturer’s website, return it.
Use bricks-and-mortar retailers. Screwfix, Toolstation, and Power Tool World source directly from UK distributors. Buying in-store or through their websites effectively eliminates the counterfeit risk.
Register your battery. Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee all offer warranty registration. If the serial number on your battery isn’t recognised by the manufacturer’s warranty system, it’s likely not genuine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest place to buy Makita batteries in the UK?
Prices vary week to week. Amazon often has the lowest prices on individual batteries, but Screwfix and Toolstation frequently run twin-pack deals that bring the per-battery price below Amazon’s single-unit price. It’s worth checking all three before you buy. Power Tool World occasionally beats them all with discount codes.
Are batteries on Amazon genuine?
Batteries sold directly by the brand’s own Amazon storefront (e.g. “Makita UK”) are genuine. Third-party marketplace sellers are riskier — some sell legitimate stock, but counterfeits are common on popular models like the BL1860B and DCB206. Always check the “Sold by” field and read recent reviews for mentions of fakes.
Can I use a DeWalt FLEXVOLT battery in a 20V MAX tool?
Yes. FLEXVOLT batteries are backward-compatible with all DeWalt 20V MAX tools. The battery automatically steps down to 18V when slotted into a 20V MAX tool. See our DeWalt FLEXVOLT Battery Compatibility page for more detail.
Do Makita 18V LXT batteries fit Makita 40V XGT tools?
No. The 18V LXT and 40V XGT systems use different battery mounts and are not interchangeable. Makita does sell an adaptor (ADP10) that lets you use two LXT batteries to power an XGT tool, but performance is reduced. See our Makita 18V LXT Compatibility page for details.
Is it worth buying third-party replacement batteries?
We generally recommend sticking with genuine manufacturer batteries. Third-party cells are cheaper upfront but often use lower-grade cells, may lack proper protection circuits, and will void your tool’s warranty if they cause damage. If you do go third-party, look for brands that publish independent safety certifications and offer their own warranty.
Where can I recycle old power tool batteries?
In the UK, you can recycle lithium-ion power tool batteries at most Screwfix and Toolstation branches, your local household waste recycling centre (HWRC), or any retailer that sells batteries (they’re legally required to accept them). Never put lithium-ion batteries in your household bin — they are a fire risk in waste collection vehicles.
