What's The Average Lifespan Of A DeWalt Battery, And Are There Ways To Extend It?

If you have had to buy power tools for various woodworking or metalwork projects, you've probably come across the DeWalt brand. For over 100 years, this brand has held a well-established reputation for offering quality hand tools, indoor and outdoor power tools, safety equipment, and more, for both DIYers and contractors. 

However, as convenient as DeWalt cordless power tools can be, they always depend on a DeWalt battery, which, like any piece of technology, isn't designed to last forever. There'll inevitably come a day when the batteries will experience some of the most common problems with lithium-ion power tool batteries. Think of issues like struggling to charge, failing to hold charge as they did when they were brand-new, or overheating. 

How long your DeWalt batteries will last depends on several factors, including how well you maintain them, how you use them, how often you charge them, and sometimes, how lucky you are. According to DeWalt, you can expect a well-cared-for battery pack to function for at least two to three years (or 300 to 500 charge cycles) before it starts to act up. Unfortunately, that's not always guaranteed, and some everyday actions significantly degrade the quality of your battery.

Some daily habits seem harmless at first, but their compounding effects can damage your batteries and charger. For instance, using DeWalt power tool batteries on Black & Decker or other brands' tools via an adapter. Even when two brands use the same type of battery packs, snapping and locking a 20V DeWalt battery into, say, a Black & Decker drill will likely damage your tools and batteries. And if this happens, you won't get any kind of replacement or service because you'll have violated both warranties.

Another mistake that will quietly kill your DeWalt batteries is poor storage habits. If you're not planning to use your power tool for a while, you might toss the batteries in the back of a hot truck or leave them somewhere that gets freezing cold. It might not seem like a big deal, but it will affect the charge cycles of your battery.

You might also be using your tools until the batteries are completely out of juice. While this might feel like you're taking full advantage of every cycle, in reality, it puts unnecessary strain on the cells, causing them to lose capacity faster than normal. There's also the issue of overcharging. It's safe to leave your DeWalt batteries on the charger for a few days, but leaving the pack on the charger for a lengthy period can create unnecessary heat. And heat is one of the biggest enemies of lithium-ion batteries.

Your Dewalt batteries can last several years, and there are steps you can take to maximize the time before you need a replacement. Probably one of the biggest things you should do is watch how you charge the battery. After you complete a DIY project, remove the battery and let it cool down for two hours before plugging it into a charger. You also want to be mindful of the charging environment. Hot temperatures (above 105°F) and cold temperatures (below 40°F) will likely damage the batteries.

Charge your battery pack with DeWalt-approved chargers only. They will ensure that your batteries get the precise voltage and are safe against overheating. After you've charged them, avoid storing your batteries in a hot garage or car. It's best to keep them in a cool, dry location. And if you're using your tools for an extended period or on particularly demanding tasks, try rotating between two batteries and letting them cool to room temperature before recharging or using them again.