Are you facing any issues while using the Dewalt 18v to 20V adapter? No worries, it’s not a big deal. These manageable hurdles can save you from spending more dollars to buy a new tool. You can get the Dewalt adapter at a minimal price and still enjoy using your old Dewalt 18V tools with a power efficiency of 20V battery. So, bear less and save much!

As far as the problems are concerned, we have practically used the Dewalt adapter with various Dewalt tools to check its credibility. Finally, we have enlisted the common issues we had to face while using it. To help you to resolve these issues, in this ultimate guide, we’ll explain the Dewalt 18V to 20V adapter problems and their quick solutions that work.

Let’s dive deeper!

Dewalt 18V to 20V Adapter Problems

The 18V battery design is entirely different from the 20V battery design. Therefore, when you want to use a 20V battery in your 18V tool, you have to use a specific adapter attachment. It enables your power tool to extract power from a 20v battery. For utilizing this Dewalt 18v to 20V, you face various problems.

To make the long story short, here is a quick overview for those who want a quick solution to their problems rather than go for the lengthy details. Have a look to resolve the issue in a matter of seconds:

Problems	Causes	Solution
Tight Adapter Clips	Tight grip or dirty holders	Use a tool to disconnect or clean regularly
Responsible for the Bulkiness of tools	Addition of adapter with 20V battery	Use 18V instead of 20V battery
Battery Insertion Issue	More than 5ah batteries don’t fit properly	Use appropriate batteries
Difficult to Remove Battery	Due to improper size	Use the exact size battery
Battery Doesn’t Hold Charge with the Adapter	The adapter is an output device that doesn’t accept input	Remove the battery from the adapter
Bit Expensive	Has to spend extra on adapter attachment	Bit investment saves you from buying a new tool

Problem # 1: Tight Adapter Clips

The adapter is designed according to the framework of the old 18V battery so that the adapter fits properly in the tool, and the 20V battery perfectly fits in the adapter. The adapter connects to the tool with two clips that hold the tool tightly. The users frequently complain about tight holder issues when they disconnect the adapter from the tool.   

Causes

• Maybe dust and debris accumulated around the ridge, clips, and other portions.
• The clips are too tight to open hardly.
• It’s difficult to remove the adapter from the tool along with the battery.

Solution

The continuous usage of tools without cleaning them may lead to dust piling up. Sometimes the build-up of dust and debris becomes a hindrance to connecting and disconnecting the adapter. Therefore, keep your tools clean to make them accurate. It’s recommended to clean them after every use.

Sometimes the clips are too tight when the adapter is new. Gradually after frequent use, it loses its hardness. So, no worries, tackle them with care and gentle pressure. A bit of jiggling and shaking the adapter may work well.

If you are trying to remove the adapter along with the battery, it may be hard to disconnect. You should remove the battery first and then try to remove the adapter from the tool. This trick can be beneficial.

In case when all tricks are useless, don’t remove the adapter forcefully; it may damage your tool or adapter. If you have a single tool with an old-designed battery, leave the adapter tool, don’t remove it after any use. On the other hand, if you have various tools, you can buy a bunch of adapters if you can afford them.

Problem # 2: Responsible for the Bulkiness of tools

With the 18V to 20V attachment, the tools seem too bulky and heavy compared to a 20V tool with a 20V battery. The adapter and battery seem like two batteries are connected with a single tool. It looks a bit awkward as well. 

Cause

• The handheld tools should be lightweight and easy to handle. The bulky power tools make you tired in extended working sessions.
• The bulkiness hinders working effectively for large power tools like table saws. With the adapter, it looks like the double-size battery is attached to the tool, and the tool is difficult to move while working on a large workpiece. 

Solution

If you don’t need high torque, such as drills, sanders, or screwdrivers, you can go with your Dewalt 18V tool paired with the 18V battery. Contrarily, if you require high torque, you should opt for an 18V to 20V adapter to use the 20V battery.

If you want to work on large workpieces with specific tools like saws, and table saws, this task doesn’t require high torque. Therefore, you can go with an 18V battery.

Problem # 3: Battery Insertion Issue

Occasionally, some users experience battery insertion issues while using an 18V to 20V adapter. 

Causes

• Some users try to insert above 5ah 20V batteries.
• A 6 ah 20V battery is designed a bit differently than a 5 ah battery.

Solution

The Dewalt adapter is engineered to use only 5ah 20V batteries. So, save your adapter from any potential damage don’t try to insert the wrong size battery.

The 6 ah or up to 6 ah 20V batteries not only consist of high power but are also designed a bit differently. That’s why to avoid any inconvenience, always choose the right battery size according to the adapter compatibility. 

Make sure not to do anything forcefully, as the plastic-made parts can be broken.

Problem # 4: Difficult to Remove Battery 

Another crucial issue the users encounter is a stuck battery. You may feel difficulty disconnecting the battery from the adapter.

Causes

• The battery is not fixed properly.
• May build up dust and debris in the internal components where the battery is placed.

Solution

First of all, chooses the same size of battery as required by the adapter. Don’t insert a different battery. You can use the battery of any brand other than Dewalt but make sure, it would be a 5 ah 20V battery.

Insert and place the battery properly till you can listen to an audible click of fixing. When the battery is inserted correctly, it can be disconnected easily.

Sometimes, dust and debris build up in the internal parts where the battery is going to be fixed. You should clean them with ant rubbing alcohol and cleaning chemicals. Especially, the areas of interlocking rails.

Pro Tip: Don’t use tap water to clean or rinse the internal components of the battery, adapter, and tool. Use high-quality cleaning alcohol or ensure to dry them before assembling and using.

Problem # 5: Battery Doesn’t Hold Charge with an Adapter

When it’s hard to insert and replace the battery, the users leave them both together and want to charge the battery as it is. But it doesn’t hold a charge. 

Causes

The adapter is an output device and doesn’t design to accept inputs.

Solution

The root cause is the battery from the adapter is hard to disconnect. First of all, clear that issue. These problems are co-related to each other. You try to charge the battery along with the charger when you are unable to remove the battery.

The adapter can’t be made for any input, so the battery can’t be charged in the presence of the adapter. Try to give gentle jerks to remove the battery, or try the tips mentioned above and tricks for quick battery removal. This solution makes you feel relief.

Problem # 6: Bit Expensive

Adapters seem a bit expensive, especially for DIYers, hobbyists, and beginners.

Causes

This 18v to 20v adapter attachment required to spend more as compared to those tools that simply and straightly have direct battery insertion.

Solution

The solution to this problem is so simple and quick. If you don’t require high power or don’t have to accomplish high-torque applications, stay away from these adapters. Contrarily, if you’re a professional and using the 18V tools for commercial intent, then an 18V to 20V adapter for old 18V tools is the need of the hour for you. 

Whether you have a single 18V tool or multiple 18V tools, you just have to buy an adapter for all of your tools. So, spending a bit to purchase an adapter can save you from buying an expensive new tool. With this tiny partner, you can utilize all your old tools that seem useless without them.

This guy from youtube explained how to use the adapter in detail.

Conclusion

For utilizing and getting the best out of your old 18V tools, the Dewalt 18V to 20V adapter is a must-have essential for your workshop. We have covered all the Dewalt adapter problems, their root causes, and possible quick solutions. To save you from any hassle, we have explained the step-by-step process to resolve the issues. You just go through this ultimate guide keenly and follow the procedures efficiently. You will feel these minor problems are the game of seconds.