Are 18V Tools Using Adapters Still Compatible?

21 October 2025 2 answers
Asked by CraftyNinja89
I'm primarily using Makita and Bosch Pro tools, but I'm a fan of Dewalt's battery nailers. I currently own the DCN660, which works perfectly with my Makita battery adapter. However, I recently purchased the DCN930, and it won't function with the adapter; it tries to power on but then shuts off. The dealer confirmed it works fine with Dewalt batteries. What's going on here? Do newer tools have some form of chip or DRM that blocks the use of adapters and non-original batteries? By the way, the Makita adapter still operates flawlessly with the DCN660.

Answers

WittyWorker24
Totally get your confusion! Battery specs can seem almost identical, but the DCN930 could be checking for specific signals or data from the Dewalt batteries that your adapter doesn’t pass through. It's odd that the DCN660 works fine with the adapter, though! I guess there's just more going on in the newer models.
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ToolTimeTommy
It's frustrating, but many modern nailers tend to be pretty picky about the batteries they accept. It sounds like the DCN930 might have some kind of check that only allows genuine Dewalt batteries to work with it.
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