I recently brought a Dewalt drill and impact driver from the UK to the USA, and both tools are 18V with their respective UK chargers and 4Ah batteries. What would be the best way to get them working here? Do I just need to buy a USA 20V charger, or can I use the same chargers with a US adapter? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Your batteries should work fine with both UK and US chargers since the battery voltage is consistent worldwide. Just ensure you get a charger that runs on 110V, as the UK ones require 230V. Consider checking platforms like Facebook Marketplace, where you might snag a charger for about $20-30. It’s usually safer than trying to adapt your UK charger.
The voltage system is a bit tricky. In the UK, 18V is effectively 20V in the USA; this is just how they market it based on peak efficiency. What you need is a charger that works with 110V outlets, as your UK charger is likely built for 230V. You can find suitable adapters or chargers at pawn shops or thrift stores here at pretty good prices.
Just a heads up, the 18V and 20V description is mainly a marketing thing based on measurement methods. Make sure to check what voltage and frequency your current charger can handle if you're looking into using a step-down converter. If it states something like '100-240V, 50-60Hz', then it’ll work fine with an adapter. If it’s set just for 240V, you’ll need a compatible charger from the US. Since it sounds like you're doing DIY stuff, finding a cheap charger locally might be your best bet.