NEVER USE DEWALT FLEXVOLT BATTERIES ON 20V MAX TOOLS!
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- čas přidán 10. 05. 2019
- NEVER USE DEWALT FLEXVOLT BATTERIES ON 20V MAX TOOLS!
In this video I am going to show you why you should never use DeWALT FLEXVOLT batteries on DeWALT 20V Max tools! Only use FLEXVOLT batteries on FLEXVOLT tools, just a warning from me. Let me know what you think is really going on down in the comments section below! - Jak na to + styl
I’m a heavy duty mechanic and have been using my flexvolt batteries on my 20v tools since they came out. Never a problem!!!
Definitely a Red tool perspective!!!
yea this was 100% nonsense. i used a 12ah flexvolt on an atomic 1/4" impact and it was fine. still ticking years later
Or he's a ritard..........
@@TheRealCheckmate
It makes no sense because in a 20v tool its using different pins which flips some kinda switch inside the battery. It should be no different than a regular 20v. 20v is 20v and when a Flexvolt is used on a 20v tool its putting out the same voltage as a regular 20v battery.
I had this happen to three of my dewalt tools last year and just stopped using them on 20v tools. I recently noticed at least one Dewalt tool say specifically on the box that it was compatible with the 60v batteries so there is definitely trooth to this video and Dewalt knows it
NO, it does not "over-power" them in the sense you are thinking. A FlexVolt pack is merely THREE of the 20-volt packs in one case. Depending on the tool you insert it, it switches between all 3 of the 20-volt packs in parrellel or series. In parallel, you still only have 20 volts - just more AH. When in series, you have 60 volts. You may have issues when running a FlexVolt in your 20 volt tools if you are really pushing the tool to it's limits (or beyond). This has nothing to do with the battery over-powering the tool, just a simple matter of you taking advantage of the extra power reserve and pushing the tool harder than it should be pushed. Keep in mind: you can do the same thing with ANY CORDED tool, too. Take a DeWalt table saw and start ripping 2" thick oak non-stop for 10 minutes... you will likely smoke the 120 volt corded motor just the same.
I think what you describe "pushing the tool harder than it should be pushed" is exactly the same as "over-powering the tool." Without the high AH battery the tool will bog down and quit without as much damage. But if you have the high AH battery you can keep pushing it beyond the ability of the components and the tool is toasted and perhaps won't notice the problem in time since the tool won't necessarily run out of power.
@@gorkyd7912 Again... I recently just purchased the DCG413 (20V) Grinder and have been running it w/ the 60V FlexVolt batteries quite a bit. The reality is: YES, I can really mash down on that grinder and it will run like a corded tool. But reality is this: I really SHOULD NOT be doing that... EVEN WITH MY CORDED grinder - I would never apply that level of abuse to my tools.
This is sort of like individuals who put 24 inch cheater bars on a 3/8" ratchet and complain when it breaks.
Or those who put 5 foot cheater bars on a 1/2" breaker bar (hint: this is what 3/4" and 1" breaker bars are for).
Yes, my DeWalt 20v grinder can absolutely tear through 1/2" plate steel when I push into it hard. But should I? Not really. Not even with my corded DeWalt grinder do I do this.
Another example is my DCD996 hammer drill. I started to overheat that tool while attempting to drill a 3/8" hole into concrete that had cured since the 1970's. This happened with a 4ah 20v battery!! The problem is not a cheap tool, the problem is: I am pushing the tool too hard. My solution to that was simple: I purchased the DCh133 rotary hammer. Problem solved. No longer need to push as hard, and tool runs cool.
The nice thing about the FlexVolt packs is this: as long as you are not abusing your tool, the added capacity those packs provide can be priceless.
Finally, I stand firm by my original point regarding "over powering". Amp-hours is CAPACITY, it is NOT the same as "Amps". Technically speaking - a 1ah battery at 20 volts can have the EXACT SAME ABILITY to deliver 20 amps as a 6 or 8ah battery. From an electrical engineering point-of-view, batteries do not "push" current. Current is "drawn".
Case in point: your home likely has a standard 200-amp service feed from the power company. When you plug your phone charger into the outlet, it only "pulls" what it needs. This is why you have a breaker... if the device attempts to "pull" more than the circuit is rated for, the breaker trips - cutting power.
Now imagine you have a table saw and are cutting 2" thick oak planks. You start to cut the wood and the breaker pops. You are tired of popping the breaker to which the cord is plugged into, so you move it to another outlet that is on a 20-amp breaker instead of a 15 amp breaker. Now you keep cutting wood. But this time... instead of the breaker popping - you end up smoking the motor in your table saw.
Is this the breakers fault? Is it the power companies fault?
No - you should have known better.
I ALSO INVITE EVERYONE TO WATCH THE VIDEOS THESE IDIOTS ARE MAKING... Cutting a 6x6 pressure treated post as FAST AS THEY CAN (timing it!!!). Pushing the tool as hard as they can to "time it". The dude is easily putting putting upwards of 100 pounds into the tool itself. This is NOT how you use that tool. Ease up and let the blade to the work. By the way: this IS what they make small chain saws for.
Then they have these HUGE lag bolts that they are driving with a TINY 1/4" impact!!! WTF?!?!?! DeWalt makes larger impact guns EXACTLY FOR THIS PURPOSE. That is NOT what that tool is designed for. No wonder it was smoking. This is not the fault of the tool, or battery. It is called operator-error. Get a bigger impact.
I also stand firm in the saying: we should just take the warning labels off everything and let the problem solve itself.
@@deanrantala I know AH is not the same as amps but I also know if you take off the 4 or 5 AH battery and put on the 9 or 12 AH battery you will notice a difference in the immediate performance of the tool and not just how long it runs before recharging, so that's more than just the capacity of the battery that changes, it is delivering more juice somehow apparently based on results. If this CAN result in the tool getting toasted that's good to know regardless if you ever expect to encounter this level of abuse yourself, so props to these video makers for sacrificing their tools for our knowledge. Obviously I'm not going to refrain from using 60V batteries just for this reason but if I'm given the choice between a set of tools that will possibly self-destruct when abused versus a set of tools that can take that same abuse but require more frequent battery changes, I personally would go with the latter. I'm more likely to have a few extra batteries than a few extra tools. You can try to baby tools all you want but in my limited experience there is a 0% chance that I will have the right tool for every given job on hand, so some level of abuse is just inevitable and the ability to survive 5 minutes of unrealistic torture testing does indirectly translate into long-term durability.
@@gorkyd7912 Or you take out your flat 20v MAX battery and wop another one straight in and continue pushing the tool 🤷♂️ - outcomes no different to using a flexvolt.
@@gorkyd7912 Increased Ah in the way Dewalt does it with these Flexvolt batteries is also an increase in available amperage...or how many amps are being pulled from 3 cells vs 1 cell. When you parallel cells not only do they increase capacity (Ah) but they also increase discharge (Amps). 3 20V packs in parallel (not sure what cell they are using in these so going to give an average number) will give you 30A+30A+30A of available power. Now your tool might limit the max amperage so lets say the maximum amperage for your drill is 20A. Instead of pack putting out 20A which is 2/3 of its amperage, you have each pack putting out 6.67A.
If you look at lithium ion discharge graphs that have multiple discharge currents you'll see that discharging a cell near its maximum discharge current causes significant voltage sag. Discharging a cell (meant for power tools) at 1/5 of its max discharge current will not be that noticeable compared from pulling one amp. Minor minor voltage sag and it'll often spit out a milliampere hour capacity higher than its actual rating. Running a cell at 2/3 of its rated potential is usually where you start to see voltage sag so significant that it comes in short of its milliampere hour rating.
I've used flex volt on all of my 20v tools without any issue. Drywall guns, routers, saws, fans, radio, impacts, my hammer drill. Zero issues. And some of the tools are 4-5 years old with tons of abuse. In fact I've had zero issues from dewalt tools. It is convenient that they have a whole wall of Milwaukee tools setup in the background. Bias anyone?
Yup.... I did this by complete accident one day, and never realized they were all compatible. Which IMO is a good thing, because I've had issues with the 20v batteries going dead for no particular reason. Not sure what the hang-up is with this. I've never heard of anyone having an issue with it.
Same, several years old 20v tools, and i've used my 60v 9a.h on many of the tools, they all still work great !
Same
Yes I believe this video may be biased
What's the point in being "biased" when both tool companies are owned by the same Conglomerate? Don't come up here flexing that weak ish. These guys run their tools through the ropes hard. Check their videos. Yall are both shills tho. Now I'm buying a Hilti just cause
I literally laughed through this Milwaukee promotional video. I have crews out using these as we speak and have never seen the bs problem you imply.
Milwaukee is a cult
Funny...
I've literally started using all DeWalt Flex Volt batteries on all my 20v tools.... Never had any problems and doubt I will.
The best way to control the opposition is to be the opposition
deceitful 🙄 I have used DeWalt for many years NO PROBLEM your fake "advice" ain't working on me 🤣
Just so everyone knows who does not, Milwaukee is American in name only. Milwaukee is owned by a Hong Kong company. In other words, China. At least Dewalt is taking major steps to make more and more of there tools in the USA. That is most important to me!
Absolute joke. Been using flexvolt with all my tools since it came out. These guys are Milwaukee fan boys
the are not milwaukee fanboys. it's clear they are sponsored by Milwaukee. if they talk about any other tool than milwaukee, they are honest though. when it comes to M. or any comparison between Milwaukee and any other brand, just don't take a single word from them.
trustworthy people called flexvolt batteries " the worst batteries in the industry". I never tried them. I love Dewalt though. I just love makita more.
Ahmad you cannot even comment on the performance of the flex volt batts bc you have never tried them. Just like these idiots at vcg you are not an industry professional, just fake news
Ahmed Nabil you’ve never used it. Enough said
I use my flex volt on my 20 all day
I use my 6ah flex volts in all my dewalt 18v tools every day for almost 2 years with no problems at all
I've cooked 20v skill saws, drills and drivers using 20v batteries so I think it comes down to running them too long and pushing them to hard. Flexvolt batteries will give a longer run time but doesn't improve the tools ability to take on heavier work. Comes down to the user to watch what they are taking in with the tool.
I'm glad I read the comments before putting my flex volt batteries away lol. These guys almost had me!
that guys are idiots without basic technicall education
Me too!!😆😂😅 I’m glad there are fellow Dewalt users in here because I almost gave up on buying the flex volt! If y’all are saying y’all have no issues using them on 20v max tools then I trust your words. Thanks to my fellow Dewalt users.
@@uriel-heavensguardian8949 in this video it is very good explained: czcams.com/video/VAmghq7XadQ/video.html
Thanks to everyone who has shared their experiences. I'm not going to worry about my 20v devices using the big boy batteries any longer 😊😊😊👍
Absolutely nothing wrong with using flexvolt batteries on the 20v tools, ive ran flexvolt since release, been using them on all my 20 volts since day one, not one has suffered in any way. Video is pointless. The clickbait title doesnt help either.
Yup me too , 60 v to 20 v hasn't harmed my DeWalt tools in months , this video hasn't proved anything to me , so cut the bs mick , you're better than that
With a power source that can automatically supply more volts than the tool is designed for, it is possible that under extreme loads or high drain, the batter could be giving more than the tool can reliably handle. This guy isn't dissing dewalt, he's saying stick with the batteries originally designed for the specific tool.
@@wascallywabbit8940 If you understand Series Vs. Parallel, there are 3 rows of 20V and the Battery hooks into 20V tools where they can only be used as Parallel meaning 20V but 3x the amp hours therefore they cannot be hurt anymore than using a 20V battery.
I'm glad I read this comments I was getting nervous about buying the flex volt battery but it seems a lot of you guys have the same response I'm definitely buying the flex volt battery now thank you
@@billyredmon103 If the battery switches to (3) 20v stacks in parallel, the voltage droop of a 20v tool under max loading with be significantly less than a single stack. The result is a high voltage is maintained which would have been impossible than with a single battery. Also, drills and drivers are easy on batteries - saws are not. If you use a drill with a big paddle mixer of try to drill a 1" hole in steel, you are going to be loading the tool far beyond its design limit - especially if you do this with a 100% duty cycle. If you want to burn something up, see how long a tool lasts with a locked rotor @ 100% duty cycle.
Results are in, no one has the same problem as you guys VCG lol.
Yeah I’ve put some of my stuff three way worse punishment they their testing and my stuff still runs and runs and won’t die
@@shredder646 I've been a dewalt fanboy for years... I dropped my old 9.6v dewalt from inside the ceiling, it fell down and bounced down a long set of stairs... Worked for years after that, until I finally did it in when I welded a socket driver to chuck up a 5/8 thread lag bolt... Had 64 bolts to put in, I had like 3 left when it finally burnt out.. I got a milwaukee a few years back because it was a good price, I haven't looked back.. I love it.
@@shredder646 was just about to say that
See like to dislike ratio. Not trying to say it can't happen, but I've used one in my drills and grinder for a year now with no problems. ( But I know somebody who said their flex volt batteries didn't last. ) I just bought another flex volt battery for extra, so I guess we'll see in another year.
No I don't. :)
I have a plumbing company and use my DeWalt flexvolt batteries in 20 v tools all the time under harsh conditions, never an issue.
Here's what I'll say. Increased battery life means increased runtime. Increased runtime means increased heat which can correlate to increased stress on components. If you're not keen to heat and it's effects on your tools, your tools aren't going to last.
Excellent point!
@@samsamson3890 you don't stop and wait for the battery to be charged, if you're using the smaller batteries you just replace it with another one and keep going till you finish what you are doing, it makes no sense.
Or for morons like me, don’t run the damn tool till it’s too hot to hold and you won’t break it 😂 just because the battery lasts longer doesn’t mean you can run it that long.
Same with electric cars....coincidence? Nope.
Yeah because the two seconds it takes to swap out a battery and start up again cools the tool down LOL😂
Never had an issue using my flexvolt battery on a 20V tool
This video brought to you by Milwaukee. This guy either doesn't know what he's talking about or is blatantly lying.
Almost 2 years using flex volt in normal 18v tools daily. Not a single problem, just extended runtime all day long. I trust my hundreds of hours of use over this guys 1 day trial
@@cultusgti There are thousands of professional tradesmen and hobbyists who use flexvolt batts in 20v tools every day without issue and have been for several years. I'm one of them. Has nothing to do with the tripe you spouted. This guy is just wrong.
@@cultusgti Its not that complicated. You plug a flexvolt battery into a 20V tool you get a 20V battery. You plug it into a 60V tool you get a 60V battery. Put a meter on it, as I have done, and check it for yourself. Its simple. The advantage, if you want to call it that, of using a flexvolt battery in a non-flexvolt tool is more amp hours which equals longer run time. It's quite simple. It's not some big conspiracy by Black & Decker. You sound paranoid bro. Relax. The world is not out to get you.
@@cultusgti actually it is beyond the realm of possibility if you have the slightest understanding of electronics and batterys in series and parallel .
cultus gti shut up bum. These guys are sponsored by Milwaukee and it’s obvious they are up their ass.
Didnt bother watching this vid, just saw the title and wanted to say ive been using 60v batteries in 20v tools for probably a couple years now with no issues
Its totally fine. When run as 60V (through one set of contacts) it is the equivalent of 3 20v batteries in series (20*3 = 60v). When run as a 20v battery (through the second set of contacts) then the 20 v sets of batteries are in parallel adding current capacity at 20v. Simple and safe. No different than the higher capacity 20v batteries from a 20V tool perspective.
exactly, but that guy is too full to know that
Thank you for answering in a professional and scientific manner. Im now going to research how to do this 🤓
@@rozgniatacz_mend Or as I suspect, they post stupid 'bait titles' just to generate traffic which generates views which generates YT cash or maybe they like making people laugh at them for their ignorance. Then again, do stupid people even know they are stupid?
@@rozgniatacz_mend i mean he literally made the whole video as a question, he wasnt stating anything and asked for an explanation at the end. im glad the conversation was had so now i know for sure
If I were you guys, I'd delete this video before Dewalt sees it. Plus just finished filming a video showing why this is all bull.
Just finished watching your video on your other channel right before I saw this one. You provided some science behind your video on how the FV batteries cannot harm the tools. Your video makes much more sense in showing why it can't be because of the batteries.
I looked for your video but couldn't see it - have you deleted it ?
@@mordokch it's on my second channel. Search MrSubaru1387.
Gocha thanks :)
Got a link? I'd like to see it.
Should be titled never trust a video made by shills.
Or Yanks.
Average American watch there videos especially nicks he is actually a huge DW guy (he admits it all the time) has been since the beginning of this channel and if you want to say they are up milw ass then look at there videos about the milw collet problems Vince used to be a DW guy but flipped to milw guy about a year ago and he has several vids telling you not to buy certain milw tools as well as nick being a DW guy and he has several vids saying not to buy certain DW tools. you may be right about the battery thing because they do stress the hell outta the tools. (Which you are not. DEwalt came out just 3 weeks ago confirming that the 1st gen flex bats had a bug that would cause the bat to switch V while running during high load applications they haven't admitted to it burning them out but have said the bug has been worked on) But i have been watching these guys as well as other reviewers for a long time and VCG is about the closest to UNBIAS as i have seen. They really do seem to make the videos with viewers and contractors in mind. So before you say they are supporting one or the other do your research.
@@TheCreator-jh2ig Yank this...
What is a shill??
@@marinemikeusmc6529 A shill is someone who's faking it to fool people. It comes from the auction business, where they plant people in the crowd to place fake bids to jack up the price.
I’ve been using Dewalt tools for five years now. I switched over from Makita because I needed the cordless impact gun with the most torque and Dewalt had it. I haven’t looked back - now I have everything from their cordless string trimmer and hedge clipper tools to their cordless flexvolt table and miter saws. I have ten of the 6.0ah flexvolt batteries and I use them interchangeably with my fifteen or so XR batteries in everything except the two “flexvolt only” saws and I have never had a battery or tool problem under the most demanding conditions in terms of heat/dirt/duration doing demo, rehab and landscaping work.
Will the FLEXVOLT batteries hurt the XR tools
I don't get a Straight answer from dewalt
From my “hands on” experience of the last five to six years with multiple Flexvolt and XR batteries in a wide variety of Dewalt power products as mentioned above under every condition imaginable, I have had zero (0) problems with the Flexvolt batteries in XR tools.
Thank you
There's 5 minutes of my life I'll never get back. Valueless video.
Thank you for saving me the time 👍
Surprised this is still up after 2 years, they seem to have no shame spreading lies
Not sure what I think about this video... I’ve been using flexvolt batteries in my 20v tools since flexvolt came out... use them in jig saw, drill, impact, circular saw, receip saw, multi tool, lights , mower, etc etc... not one problem...been solid
Seriously. I use Milwaukee, but most of my coworkers use dewalt and all use the flexvolt. All day long in every tool on job sites. No issues.
I use my flex volt batts on all my 20v tools. Sawzall, 1/2 drill, 3/8 impact, & 1/2 impact. Never one issue.
Gotta use the right tool for the job. 🤷♂️ use 1/2" impact to drive those massive concrete lags and use a circ saw to start the 8"×8"
What proof do you have to back this statement up? This video was nothing but B.S.. Very disappointed, VCG......
Same
I have flexvolt and I have 20 volt never had a problem with each of any of them. Some people just don't like that DeWalt have the best batteries
Have watched a LOT of your videos, but having come across this one I am questioning your motivations and agendas moving forward. This is questionable content at best. Sure appears to be a weighted statement
Dewalt does make some lower quality tools sold in tool combos that appear to be the same 20V max tools. However, the performance of the tools depends if they are brushed, or brushless, and XR or not. This video shows the reciprocating saw from one of those combos not the best tool in the first place. Likewise, there is a massive wall of the high end Milwaukee tools. If you compare products at a different price point and stress test them, the cheaper ones burn out. They are also specified with different performance ranging depending on the price point.
Compare the battery types on tools being used for their specified purpose and there will be no effective difference in tool life by increasing the battery life. However, if the battery life is increased on a lower quality brushed tool variant it could lead to significant heat buildup. Obviously any brushed tool will heat up a lot, even a corded tool; a corded tool would burn out every time you push it that hard. Depends how many amps the tool is designed to handle.
The problem is not the battery; it's how the additional potential energy was used under high resistance loads for an extended duration on a brushed tool. Perform the test again with brushless tools or properly rated tools; Dewalt offers a range of different products at different price points. Or even set some kind of standard in the test, actually perform a test, and provide information about the products being tested!
I've never had a DeWalt tool let the smoke out.
Thanks for your information. It really helped me to understand more 👍
@@nickd6319 Glad it was useful. After reading it a second time it wasn't as clear as I had hoped.
This test still provides useful information for anyone hoping to save money and try different combinations. It just doesn't explain the reasoning very well.
In general brushed motors can't be operated for a long duration in compact form. They require large conductors to reduce resistance and robust air or liquid cooling. Hence why the bench and shop tools always have big motors even bigger than a cordless tool.
The flexvolt battery is designed to work with any 20V tool and increase the duration of the runtime. However, if used with a brushed variant the user should limit overall runtime and provide cooling breaks between operating intervals.
Further testing can confirm what performance impact, if any, is observed on 20V brushless tools.
In my opinion it would be unlikely that a person would buy a single brushless professional grade tool in the Flexvolt range and cheap out on the reciprocating saw without recognizing it is brushed. Likewise spend this much on tools without ever overheating a tool.
If anything the video should be titled be wary when buying Dewalt tool combos. Here's why! There's another good video on that topic. I do criticize Dewalt for slightly misleading advertising on the box. It is a bit deceptive to feature a limited production, low end copy of stand alone tools, specifically designed to bundle with other tools at a lower price point.
Dewalt tool bundles seem like a value bundle based on quantity and not quality. But in reality the price point is based on the quality of some of the tools in the bundle. It could easily be interpreted as a bundle of tools equivalent to the standalone XR 20V max brushless tools. The bundles are simply not the same tools; so they cost less money.
Exactly.
Hey man I appreciate the vid but you can’t tell us not to use something and not explain why.
Because they can't explain why. Because they're wrong.
Flex volt batteries can not be harming the 20 volt tools I will have to do a video showing how the dewalt flex volt batteries work
Let me know
I'd wager they can supply higher current longer than standard 20v battery packs, so it's easier to overdrive tools and burn them out. Where as with standard packs the battery lost power before the motor could burn up.
@@xephael3485 You could power a 20 volt tool with a 20 volt battery that had thousands of amps available, and the tool would still only use the amperage it was designed to use. That's why a tiny little light bulb doesn't burn out when you plug it into a 20 amp circuit.
We use Dewalt Flexvolt circular saws at work (which are pretty tired at this point they’re probably 3-4 years old and used for hours everyday in a shipyard) and we often switch the batteries into 20 volt max impacts and drills with no issues so far they haven’t killed any of our tools. One thing I will note is it does seem the 60 volt max batteries cause the drills and impacts to run a hotter though, but it could just be application based
The Flex Volt batteries have a mechanical switch inside of them that switches between running the internal battery banks in a series vs parallel. When connected to a 20v max tool, the battery will run the 3 separate banks in a series, providing longer runtime. When connected to a 60v/120v max tool, the battery banks will run in parallel. Is it possible that you guys modified, or damaged your own batteries before doing these tests? As others have stated, nobody is experiencing these issues except for you guys…
20v would be parallel and 60/120 would be series.
@@rogerhupp3115 no
jk yes
You've got it backwards, Sparky.
@@Thumbsdwn Electrical engineer here. You got series and parallel backwards. Series adds voltage, parallel adds Amp hours. But, other than that your explanation makes sense.
@@garrettg5130 I did, you're right lol
Fuuuck this. I made it to the 18th “flex flex flex flex volt” before I smashed the X
My family has been using dewalt tools at both home and work(custom home builders) for years. i grew up with dewalt. My brother and i own a lot of dewalt tools and have never had this problem.
And I've run a 18v(dc827) on flex(dcb606) ever sence they came out with the converter(dca1820) no problem 😎
I've been using a 60v max on a 20v impact and a 20v work light for YEARS. Kinda funny how I've never had an issue and these guys have problems with brand new stuff.... it's almost as if they rigged the equipment to fail....
I have been using DeWalt Flexvolt for several years now on my 20v tools and never a problem with my tools kicking the bucket. The main reason I first bought a 9ah Flexvolt was because of my DeWalt heatgun, which would not last very long with my 2ah batteries that came with my drill/driver. Shortly after, I upgraded to the 60v circular saw, but I do use the Flexvolt in all my other tools, too!
I just bought the dewalt impact drill and the battery it came w/ seems to not last very long or have much power and I was looking into the power stack what would you recommend
I just cannot believe the amount of uninformed comments on here from people who know nothing about DC electrics. First off, a battery cannot "push" too many amps or volts The tool motor draws what it needs. 18v (in the UK) tools will draw 18v. A 54v will draw 54v. The amperage is arbitrary as the motor has no idea what it's connected to it's just 18v or 54v. Ah rating is similar to a car battery. A 100Ah battery will still give 12v but you'll have more potential energy than in a 50Ah battery. And if you look at the electrical "triangle" volts, watts and amps are related. All DeWalt has done(!) is created a battery that is either in serial or parallel. 3x18=54. Divide 6 amp by 3 = 2 amp hour runtime. Do the MATHS with the 9 & 12Ah batteries. Don't really understand the confusion, I got it immediately, when Flexvolt was unveiled and I'm not the sharpest tool in the box. Also been running Flexvolt batteries for 2 1/2 years (in li'l ol' England)in my 18v tools with no issues at all. To me, Flexvolt is King and will be in my toolbox for the foreseeable future.
DeWaltaholic UK I agree. Ever word is how I explain it when asked. Nothing special here. I am cautious with my tools and I have yet to find the same issues as above. I run the original 18v for ni-cad on my 60v batteries with adapter. No issues yet. Adapter isn’t a dewalt product. Also has 5v USB charging option and works on Milwaukee batteries.
You are 100% correct. I wholeheartedly agree.
Research battery internal resistance. Paralleled cells will deliver more current under heavy loads because the voltage drop is reduced.
@@Andy-df5fj Only if the load demands it.
@@scottjohnson3226
Yes and when the tool is being pushed hard the load does demand it. That's the reason bigger batteries of the same voltage perform better when the tool is pushed hard. The down side is that in some cases, the tool can't handle it. Where it would otherwise bog down, it keeps chugging along until something gives.
Nope. Been running 60s in my 20s for months now. I’m commercial plumber, so I work them hard. Love the run time they give me. No problems here.
All I can say is I've been using flexvolt 6ah batteries on all my drills for years and they never caused an issue, I also have two DCF887 Impact Drivers one made in Mexico and the other made in America, they always been on 6ah flexvolt batteries and never once did I have a tool burn out because of this, idk what VCG has going on with there tools smoking, but all my tools work great and continue too.
i definitely notice a difference in power increase when i use my 9ah flexvolt battery in my DCS391 circular saw..but i have been using it with the flexvolt battery exclusively without issue..and i also use the flex 9ah with my 20v max impact and havent had any problems..however i havent pushed the impact nearly as hard as it appears yall have when testing so perhapse the extra amperage increases beyond the extra push im feeling when the impact is made to work at its peak level..i can picture the possible increase happening especially with an impact since the whole idea behind the mechanics of an impact are designed to increase as the tool recognizes the need to do so. So perhaps the fact that the newer cells inside the flexvolt battery packs have a slightly higher amperage rating than the older cells had..and maybe dewalt overlooked a threshold vs potential situation and the peak amperage of the new cells in series is just a bit too much..and then again maybe the average user is unlikely to take em to that point.. but this is all just theory based on my limited knowledge of how certain tools function and not so much a theory backed by the actual numbers as they relate to the tools vs battery.. has anyone gotten an update on this phenomenon as of yet? it would be interesting to know the batteryd full potential output as it compares to the tools maximum tolerance.
Been using this system since day one. Never ever had this problem ...neither has 19 other carpenters I work with. News to me.
Exactly carpenters cut wood { Especially that old growth rough dimension product , on remodels } and lay down mass impact driven screws , plumbers and electricians cut some plastic pipe and offset drill some holes in studs for romex ,most carpenters are running De Walt From What im Seeing Out Here.
The ONLY issue is that XR batteries have the capacity to get a Brushed tool to RUN past its Heat range in time. Heated up Stator and brushed failing tend to draw more current and make more heat. Heat kills tools ( operator making "Xtended" run times ), NOT Batteries.
I've been using flexvolt with my old tools every day for 2 years. They still work great.
A 60v battery ruined my
20v max drill
@@galvanizedgnome genuinely curious, were you pushing the drill very hard when it died, or using it for awhile with no breaks? i own a lot of 20v tools and was debating buying 60 batteries so i have the option to get 60v tools later.
I use flex bolts all the time. Tools still work perfectly fine!!
Good to hear!
Same here.
Same. When I originally saw this video it made me worried and I didn’t use my flex volt battery for a long time on anything except my tablesaw. But eventually because I see Richard from finish carpentry TVUsing them all the time on 20 V tools, I decided to just go ahead and start doing it. No issues.
@@christophercrawford2736 Never had a problem of any kind by using the FV on 20v tools. Video is complete BS imho.
I've been using the 6aH batteries on my hammerdrill for a long time now. I've drilled thousands of holes without even a hiccup.
I’ve been using my flex volt batteries with my 20v tools and have not had a single problem out of them.
I think I should be good because I don't try to push the limits of the tools. I know you guys are a review channel and you put these tools through a lot of testing. I respect that. But if flexvolt is about use in the long run, not under heavy load, then I'd assume that it would work as advertised.
toasted my screw gun firwt time i put it in it drivin one 3 inch screw, damn near lit the tool on fire bellowed black smoke even after i let go of the trigger. got so hot within 10 seconds i had to drop it. 3 speed drill same thing bit no black smoke it just stopped working 3/4 of the way through a 4" hole saw thru plywood. opened that one up it actually shattered the brush. never had a problem in the saws roto hammer or bug ½" impact. all my 6pv batteries burned up since. they do not like to be wet
I have been using flexvolt on both 18v/20v and 54v/60 from when they became available. Never had an issue (light use only)
Infact the only issue I've had since the xr range started is a faulty strimmer and an old 3.0ah + 4.0ah battery stopped working.
Never encountered this problem before, i run all of my Dewalt tools with flexvolt batteries. Unless you some how manage to short Circuit the pins, but that would short the battery not the tool..
I run exclusively DeWalt, and exclusively the 9AH FlexVolt batteries. I own most of the 20V Max line, and have never had anything even similar to this happen to any of my tools.
We have regular 20v batteries and they do the same thing when the batteries get hot in high amp situations like a saw or dill in a bind for an extended period of time. When the battery and drill cools off a little, it keeps going. Best thing is don't overwork your tools.
Glad I read the comments!
Looking to add to my DeWalt collection and this video gave me cause for concern… but no longer!
Thanks for the input!
Im a milwaukee fan, but my M18CHP FUEL 28mm SDS plus smoked up and died when i used the 12Ah battery on it
Use them all the time on my 20 volt drills, grinder and even my whipper snipper and have had zero issues since they came out. Haven’t overloaded any of my tools but one thing I’ve found is that the flexvolt don’t last any longer than my 5 amp hr 20 volt batteries.
*I have the Dewalt XR 899 impact and it struggles with stubborn rusty bolts with the 3ah battery that came with the impact so should I go with the 9ah battery for more power or what? Not sure if a bigger battery will give this impact the extra power to bust off the super tough bolts or if I should be considering the 20v milwaukee impact that's supposed to be more powerful than the dewalt 899. Please let me know and thanks in advance.*
I haven’t had any problems but now I will make sure I’m cautious about doing the same thing. Thank you for the video
This guy doesn't know what he's talking about. I use these batteries on the daily with my tools. You don't need to fear anything
No it’s not hurting the tools! I’ve using them with 60 volt since they came out, not even one has died on....and I use them hard every day.
I use these on every 20v tool daily except the drill and impact because it's too cumbersome. Never had a problem. I only run my recip and circular saws with flexvolt batteries nowadays
like many here, I've used FlexVolt in my 20V tools A LOT. I've not run into any issues. They do run longer, however. While I'm sure that some have had issues, I can't help but wonder whether their tool was compromised already. While I DO notice a slight increase in speed, that speed MATCHES the speed at which the PowerStack batteries drive the 20V tools too, and it's a 20V ONLY package. LOVE my FlexVolt on my 20V tools. Consider using the PowerStack batteries too. I can't afford the 5AH version of the PowerStack, but the smaller ones work VERY well. PowerStack and FlexVolt are the BEST!
The Flexvolt batteries have both 60V (series) contacts and 20V (parallel) contacts. When you use a Flexvolt battery in a Dewalt 20 Volt tool it uses the 20V contacts. No different than using a 20 Volt battery.
I burned both my 2ah batteries that came with my impact drill set when I used them on my little circular saw I replaced them with a flex volt 6ah and a 9ah batteries been going strong ever since I use them on all my 20v tools I basically have every 20v they make and haven't had any problems
These comments are true, not true and most of all very funny. I have had no issues with any of my Dewalt tools other than just a battery going bad. It is what it is gentleman. All my Dewalt tools have treated me very well. 👍💪👍💪
Damn, I used a Flexvolt on my 20V Dewalt string trimmer and it burned right out within a few minutes of trimming, had to junk it, you can't even find replacement motors for them. Didn't realize until this video what went wrong. Thanks for the user alert!
Very, very interesting. I have heard that many motors have burned out on the Dewalt Cordless weed Wacker, now we know why. There is a 20 volt and a 60 volt version. I didn’t know until now I read your comment. Thank you very much for your comment.
I have watched your videos before and you explained your testing much better. Perhaps a follow-up video with more testing. Thanks
IF that were true Dewalt would be getting calls left and right
I imagine the reciprocating saw died because you cut through a substantial piece of timber i bet the tool just overheated so down to the operator at least back up your claim with evidence
I have this mower for 2 years and it's worked great thus far. I recently had a problem with the mower and Dewalt sent me a new one. Which is why I own quite a bit of Dewalt equipment. They stand behind the short comings in their equipment.
My dad has a Dewalt drill older than me, and was passed down. Replaced cord 3x drill still strong on original brushes. My personal drill is going on 15 years might need a new cord in a few years but still great
Aside from the questionable content with complete lack of any proof the format and editing is just annoying
This is a great channel with useful info, however it’s difficult to see past the major preference for Milwaukee’s tools when looking at videos on other manufacturers in some cases. Not all, but sometime you do wonder. Just saying....
So I have a atomic brushless drill and a XR brushless reciprocating saw and only batteries of 2 20v with 1.5 ah. What battery do you recommend for me. Home use only. Thank you
I use flexvolt 6ah in my 18v tools all the time - absolutely zero problems, exactly as Dewalt claim. They act just like an 18v, 6ah battery.
I have put my skill saw and receip saw to the test with flex volts and have had zero issues. Heavy demo with the receip saw and it gets so hot you can barely touch it and its never quit on me. Keep a sharp blade and it will put in the work for you. Not much experience with the impacts/flex volts but I have thrown one on for running 3" deck screws on decking boards - run time is considerably longer.
In almost 20 years of using dewalt tools, I have had only one fail. 18V impact driver that got too hot (way overworked it - kinda my fault) had the metal casing near the bit holder bust open on the side. It was 5 years old, beat to hell and dewalt still replaced it even though it was outside the warranty. You can't get better service or a better tool elsewhere.
How did you do the return?
funny...when i clicked on this video there was a dewalt commercial saying the flexvolt battery gives the 20 volt max tools more power 🤣🤣
What's the biggest battery i can put in my De Walt 848 DA buffer, thank you 😊
What about using it with the saw mine came with a 9 amp hour flexvolt battery and works flawlessly. I've never really tried it in my 20 volt tools but I did run them for a couple seconds to see if the battery fit
I use flexvolt batteries in my 20v XR Oscillating tool on occasion. So far no issues but the tool itself is less than a year old and it's only had a flexvolt on it a handful of times
Thanks for letting us know AJ!
only way you're running 60v into a 20v tool is if the springs aren't pushing the switch back into 20v mode when the battery is taken off the Flexvolt tool.
Either you keep testing other tools (like the DCD996 or some cheapo brushed circular saws) to see if you get the same problems. Or you meter out the battery voltage each and every time you insert it onto a tool to show people it's not 60v.
And there's no way it goes into 60v mode on a 20v tool because there's no rails to push the springs in. So either the spring-loaded switch is faulty when coming off that 60v tool or you're just getting seriously unlucky.
There is an electronic switch that has to be tripped as well as the mechanical switch. I made a video showing why this is a bunch of crap.
Internally flexvolt batteries literally reconfigure themselves into two different configurations depending on how they're used. When they're configured as a 20 volt battery they are no different than just a traditional 20 volt battery. You can give me any product on the planet, give me the specs for it and I can build you a lithium battery for it. And I've rebuilt many flexvolt packs. What it comes down to is you have to understand your tools and understand that they give you enough power to force them to quit on you. It's no different than an old corded drill that you could keep the button down and see smoke coming out and if you didn't stop quick enough you'd ruin the tool. Understand the capabilities of your tools and you'll stop ruining them prematurely. And as convenient as battery powered tools are don't forget when you're standing next to an outlet there was a better tool to use.
This has not been my experience! I use 60v batteries exclusively in 20v circ saws. For over 2 years now. Use them in my 20v drill also. Never any issues.
you could idk look at the tool and see what went wrong...
Very untrue, used the 60 volt flex on all my 20 volt tools no issue except for bad ass run times and getting work done faster without having to stop and change batteries.
Hi , I just bought the 12inch Dewalt chainsaw what is the best battery to use for it ?
I deeply appreciate that I saw your flexvolt video just before I was going try using my flexvolt battery in my 20v max tools. Merry Christmas and happy new year ! From Ron Evans dewalt is my favorite tool you saved me from disaster.
I build houses for a living, i use flexvolt on all my 20v tools allll dayyy longgggg, never had a problem. Impact driver gearbox gets hot to the touch after hundreds of screws in plywood with a Flexvolt on it but Never burns out
I was laying plywood last week and after around 250 screws with a 5ah battery my impact was hot to touch so the heat is a workload issue not a flex volt one
Same here, I've done over 2000 sqft setting plywood for subfloor with my 996 never an issue!
Send these broken tools to AvE for teardown!
Questchaun- would be awesome to see AvE and Vinny do a video!
Questchaun I agree with you I wanted to like this comment but VCG already loved it therefore they understand that any collaboration with AVE would promote their channel and be good for them. My guess is AVE would not want anything to do with them because they take money to support a certain product
Dew claw would slip some TNT into the jeesless thing and send it back to em
First video I've ever watched from these guys... and wow. He claims to not know what is going on, asks CZcams commenters if they know, and then goes on to suggest you never use Flexvolt batteries with 20v Max tools. Love the integrity, bro.
I can’t say conclusively yet if my impact driver, impact wrench, reciprocating saw, my circular saw, my Radom orbital sander, my hammer drill, or my regular drills have been adversely affected by using the 60v batteries. But then I’ve only used them so far last year to convert my garage into a bedroom suite, build a new 35x25’ wood shop, renovated old bathroom, build a coffee table, two dressers, a bookcase, and do some minor repairs around the property.
I guess I will wait to pass judgement until the end of this year after I finish helping my son build his addition on the back of his house.
I was thinking about getting the new 20v compact router, but according to you guys I shouldn’t waste my money?
I had a 20v 6 1/2” circular saw and two 20v drills that got toasted on Flexvolt batteries.
Only use flexvolt on Flexvolt tools!
VCG Construction I def agree now, when I first used the batteries in the 20v tools they had more “zip” to them which I thought was awesome until tools started burning up. I think the batteries are putting more than 20v through the tools which burns them up
@@JaketheRake16 they aren't. Flexvolt only runs 20V at max, after that they settle in to around 18-19V.
No you didnt
I'm no expert but I've been using flexvolt batteries on my 20v lineup without issue. Most xr series but no issues. Sawzall, small impact, 1/2" impact, grinder, etc And I'm very hard on my tools in terms of timespan of use.
Been using the 60v flex volt batteries on my 20v tools for like 2 years now. Not one issue. I freaking love dewalt 60volt batteries I wish I had 10 more of the 6amp hour and 9 amp hours. I own the 60v circular saw and the 60v sawzall both are powerhouses. I don’t ever use my corded circular saw anymore even cutting stair stringers the 60v circular saw powers through everytime.
I've been using my 60 volts 6 Amp for 5 years all weather's conditions from -30°C up to 45°C on my drills and I've been using my drill and my 60volts as trolling motor for my kayak for the whole summer. Never had any problems whatsoever but maybe you're right
I've had at 8874 approximately 4 years I run a 6 amp XR battery and I've never had any problems with any of my XR tools with the xr6 amp battery bleeding yellow in Detroit
I'm a contractor, they work just fine. More power longer life. 4 years since I switched to dewalt and at this point if any break I'll just buy another set.
I have De Walt 18v tools, I bought adapter dcb115 charger and 2. 20v 2ah batteries. Can I use this charger to charge a 20v 5ah battery?
I was just trying to figure out if they overcharge or not. Most things are programmed to cut off charging when it's full. Can I leave a flexvolt charging all night or what?
Never tried the flex volt but I did notice one other common denominator... Jimmy was running the tools... Don’t say nothin to him tho he might hulk smash my windshield! 😳😁
😂😂😂👍
I cut a 6 5/8 chain link s40 post in half with my brushless recip saw earlier today and it was loaded with a 9ah flex. That was a beast to cut but the saw ran fine after.
This is a common cut we make all the time. The saw will get warm but it keeps running. I'm happy with it so far.
I don't run them on my impacts or drums only because they throw off the balance. I prefer 5ah on those. But for my recip or my 60v skil saw they are hard to beat imo
I’ve been using my flexvolt on a 20v max drill and it’s been throwing some sparks out of the motor and seemed to be running faster. I’d been wondering if it’s really meant to be used on them. Maybe not, thanks DeWalt marketing (drill still works FOR NOW)
Love the channel, it is very helpful when I talk to my customers,
I have a question will the new DCB104 charging station charge the flex batteries.
And will the flex 20v 60v flex work in the DCH273B
This was one of my customer questions.
One thing I noticed running a flex volt battery on my 12” chainsaw; it doesn’t bog down at all deep into a cut like the 20v batteries do. I could see this relentless delivery of current pushing the tools past their 20v limits.
I’d try not to push the tools to the max with the flex volt batteries and I’d think you’d be fine.
I have a few older 18V DeWalt tools like their Impacts and Drivers and still work great. The down side is when their batteries finally give out it costs more than it would if you just replace the tool and step up to a newer platform . That goes for any cordless tools when they start improving them and change directions. Since I don't use mine regularly on a daily basis like contractors so they do last longer. Cheers!
You can get adaptors for the older tools to accept newer battery platforms. I use the adaptors with no issues.
The batteries have a warranty on them
Never had any trouble other then the 6amp flex volt wore me out on my impact driver because battery wouldn’t die and also flex volt in 1/2 impact makes it more of a beast
Thats crazy i use my 6.amp flex and my nines on all my 20 bolt tools sawsall impack 20 v circularand i dont suggest to but i dremelled off the tabs on my adapter and use them on my 18 volt tools i do concrete and my crew is horrible on tools we beat on everything we have and ive never had a problem wonder what the difference is