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 links to buy from UK retailers.
We focus on Makita 18V LXT, DeWalt 20V MAX, DeWalt FLEXVOLT, and Milwaukee M18 batteries. 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 | 6 models listed (3.0Ah – 6.0Ah) | Makita 18V LXT Compatibility |
| DeWalt 20V MAX | 3 models listed (4.0Ah – 6.0Ah) | DeWalt 20V MAX Compatibility |
| DeWalt FLEXVOLT | 3 models listed (2.0/6.0Ah – 4.0/12.0Ah) | DeWalt FLEXVOLT Compatibility |
| Milwaukee M18 | 5 models listed (2.0Ah – 6.0Ah; see note on 48-11-1830) | Milwaukee M18 Compatibility |
Starter packs by platform
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Genuine packs only; check the listing matches your platform before buying (affiliate links).
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.
Makita 18V LXT Batteries
Makita says its 18V LXT system has over 325 tools powered by the same battery, from the compact BL1830 up to the BL1860B and beyond (Makita UK also lists 9.0Ah and 12.0Ah LXT packs). See the full compatibility breakdown on our Makita 18V LXT Battery Compatibility page.
| Model | Capacity | Best For | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| BL1830 | 3.0Ah | Lighter-duty tasks | Buy on Amazon |
| BL1840 | 4.0Ah | General-purpose, good balance | Buy on Amazon |
| BL1840B | 4.0Ah | 4.0Ah with charge level indicator (Makita UK) | Buy on Amazon |
| BL1850 | 5.0Ah | Best all-rounder for most tools | Buy on Amazon |
| BL1850B | 5.0Ah | Best all-rounder; charge level indicator (Makita UK) | 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. DeWalt says they are backwards compatible with its 18V XR (US: 20V MAX) tools, and they give full power in 54V XR FLEXVOLT tools. Full compatibility details on our DeWalt FLEXVOLT Battery Compatibility page.
| Model | Capacity (54V / 18V) | Best For | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCB546 | 2.0Ah / 6.0Ah | UK 54V/18V 6.0Ah pack (DeWalt UK) | Buy on Amazon |
| DCB606 | 2.0Ah / 6.0Ah | US 60V MAX equivalent (6.0Ah at 20V / 2.0Ah at 60V) | Buy on Amazon |
| DCB612 | 4.0Ah / 12.0Ah | Maximum runtime for demanding 54V tools | Buy on Amazon |
Milwaukee M18 Batteries
Milwaukee UK says its M18 system has over 325 solutions. Milwaukee says M18 batteries are compatible with M18 tools and chargers, and M12 batteries with M12 tools, so do not use an M12 pack in an M18 tool. 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 (V18) | Milwaukee lists this part as a V18 battery, not M18 — check before buying | 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. Its big advantage is click-and-collect from its UK branches, useful when a battery dies on site and you need a replacement today. Check its website or app for current twin-pack deals before ordering elsewhere.
Toolstation
Toolstation carries batteries from major brands, with click-and-collect from its UK branches. It sometimes has tool, battery and charger kits that work out cheaper than buying the battery alone.
Power Tool World
Power Tool World is an online specialist worth checking for individual batteries and harder-to-find models, especially if you’re buying several 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 to ask about trade pricing.
How to Avoid Counterfeit Batteries
Fake batteries are a genuine problem, particularly on online marketplaces. Counterfeit packs may use cheaper components and lack proper protection, which can damage your tools or, in extreme cases, cause a 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 the maker’s branded packaging. If the box looks flimsy, the print quality is poor, or the model number format doesn’t match the manufacturer’s website, return it.
Buy from established retailers. Buying from the maker’s authorised dealers lowers the risk of counterfeits; check that the seller is a listed dealer if you are unsure.
Check with the maker. If you doubt a battery, contact the maker’s UK service centre with its model and serial number before relying on it.
Watch: Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest place to buy Makita batteries in the UK?
Prices vary week to week, so compare Amazon, Screwfix, Toolstation and specialists such as Power Tool World before you buy; twin-pack deals can bring the per-battery price down.
Are batteries on Amazon genuine?
Buying from the brand’s own storefront or an authorised dealer lowers the risk of fakes. We have no data on how common counterfeits are on Amazon; check the “Sold by” field and recent reviews before you buy.
Can I use a DeWalt FLEXVOLT battery in a 20V MAX tool?
Yes. DeWalt says its XR FLEXVOLT batteries are backwards compatible with its 18V XR (US: 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’s ADP10 is a charging adapter for charging LXT batteries on compatible XGT chargers; Makita does not describe it as running XGT tools. See our Makita 18V LXT Compatibility page for details.
Is it worth buying third-party replacement batteries?
We generally recommend genuine manufacturer batteries. Third-party packs vary in quality and protection, and damage they cause may not be covered by the tool maker’s guarantee (Makita and Milwaukee exclude non-approved parts and accessories). 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, take old lithium-ion power tool batteries to your local household waste recycling centre (HWRC), or ask the retailer you bought from about battery take-back. Never put lithium-ion batteries in your household bin, as they can start fires in waste collection.
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 →



