In the ever-evolving realm of power tools, Milwaukee stands as an unparalleled powerhouse. Being a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast, you would love to seek the perfect combination of performance and efficiency in your tools. And if this outstanding blend is cost-effective, it can prove to be an icing on the cake.

If you want to replace Dewalt or other tools’ jaw-dropping costly batteries with budget-friendly Milwaukee batteries, you should check their compatibility first. To avoid any expected risk, you should be careful to replace the batteries, both brand-specific and off-brand tools.

Let’s make things easier for you!

For your convenience, we have conducted extensive research and made a precise guide to explain the thorough Milwaukee battery compatibility chart.

Let’s dig deeper to explore!

Explanation of Battery Compatibility

Whether it is brand-specific or off-brand compatibility, you should consider diversified factors that are most important. To analyze whether your Milwaukee battery is compatible with Milwaukee tools or other brand tools, look for these specs of your Milwaukee batteries.

1- Design & Building Structure

The building structure and design of the battery matter to a greater extent when you want to use it with another tool. The secret of compatibility lies behind the connectors, latches, and cavities of your tool.

a- Latches

Latches are specifically engineered to fit perfectly with specific tools. There is a secure system that fits your battery well and prevents it from rumbling or shaking while using the tool.

b- Connectors

Connectors are seemingly simple yet crucial factors in powering your tool and transferring the power juice accurately from battery to tool. These connectors ensure a secure connection with a tool while working on longer tasks and prevent the tool from disconnected at any staggering and shaking situation.

c- Cavity

Your tool cavity is specifically designed to insert a particular battery that is fully compatible with the tool and fixed properly. In this regard, the battery size and shape should be proper and according to the tool’s cavity. So, choose the battery for your tool that fits into the cavity of your tool and works perfectly.

2- Chemistry

The 2nd important factor is the chemistry of the battery. The batteries are of 3 types. The main types used in power tools are Nickel-cadmium (Ni-cd) and Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.

a- Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd)

NI-CD batteries are older versions previously used in power tools. Although these batteries are still applicable, their efficiency has some loopholes; they discharge very soon after fully charged, and relatively, they frequently need a high number of charge-discharge cycles. It also loses its capacity over time due to frequent use.

b- Lithium-ion (Li-ion)

On the other hand, Li-ion batteries are engineered with innovative technology. These batteries have no memory effect and can be charged at any stage of discharging. When it comes to longer lifespan, higher energy levels, and superb performance compared to standard batteries, lithium-ion batteries stand out from the crowd.

3- Mechanical Harmony

The mechanical harmony of the battery ensures compatibility with your power tool. In mechanism, you should analyze the voltage and amperage rating requirements of your power tool and choose a battery accordingly.

If you insert a battery of low voltage and Amps, your tool can’t give optimal performance, or if you use high voltage and Amps battery with a lower requiring tool, it may damage your tool and battery as well. So, choose wisely and save yourself as well as your wallet.

Types of Milwaukee batteries available

Milwaukee is an outstanding brand that is well known for its innovative power tools and batteries. Milwaukee batteries come in two variations, M12 and M18. these two versions of batteries are divided into the next subcategories based on their power and amp rating. Let’s break down them to inform you.

1- CP Batteries

The Milwaukee CP batteries are lightweight and compact batteries that consist of 5 li-ion cells. These are available for both M12 and M18 tools. These batteries are particularly designed to manage light-demanding applications and repetitive tasks.

These batteries boost faster charge time with less discharge. These are usually used for small tools.

2- XC Batteries

Milwaukee XC batteries (AKA extended capacity) batteries consist of 10 Li-ion cells. They are also compatible with M12 and M18 tools. These batteries are capable of handling demanding applications and projects. This battery pack is engineered to provide longer run time and optimal performance.

3- HD Batteries

The Milwaukee HD battery is also known as a high-demand battery. These batteries included 15 Li-ion cells. These battery packs are exclusively used for the M18 tool catalog. You can opt for these HD batteries to perform best in highly demanding projects. The power precision and run time of these batteries are outstanding. You can use them with large tools to work on large workpieces.

Milwaukee – Milwaukee Compatibility

Milwaukee batteries’ compatibility with brand-specific tools is more important than off-brand compatibility. The Milwaukee M12 batteries are compatible with the M12 whole tool line, similarly, M18 batteries are compatible with the M18 tools whole catalog.

Milwaukee Batteries	Milwaukee Tools
REDLITHIUM CP 1.5 Ah 12V	12V tools
REDLITHIUM CP 2.0 Ah 12V	12V tools
REDLITHIUM CP 3.0 Ah 12V	12V tools
REDLITHIUM High Capacity 3.0 Ah 12V	12V tools
REDLITHIUM Extended Capacity 4.0 Ah 12V	12V tools
REDLITHIUM Extended Capacity 6.0 Ah 12V	12V tools
REDLITHIUM CP 1.5 Ah 18V	18V tools
REDLITHIUM CP 2.0 Ah 18V	18V tools
REDLITHIUM CP 3.0 Ah 18V	18V tools
REDLITHIUM XC 3.0 Ah 18V	18V tools
REDLITHIUM XC 4.0 Ah 18V	18V tools
REDLITHIUM XC 5.0 Ah 18V	18V tools
REDLITHIUM XC 6.0 Ah 18V	18V tools
REDLITHIUM XC 8.0 Ah 18V	18V tools
REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT 9.0 Ah 18V	18V tools
REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT 12.0 Ah 18V	18V tools

Milwaukee – Other Brand Compatibility

Milwaukee batteries are specifically designed and structured to be used with the Milwaukee power tools. However, cross-brand compatibility seems a cost-effective and easy-to-handle method for professionals as well as newcomers. Let’s analyze whether Milwaukee batteries can be used interchangeably with other brands or not in this detailed compatibility chart.

Compatibility with Brands	Milwaukee 12V CP Batteries	Milwaukee 12V XC Batteries	Milwaukee 12V HD Batteries	Milwaukee 18V CP Batteries	Milwaukee 18V XC Batteries	Milwaukee 18V HD Batteries
DeWalt	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Milwaukee	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Makita	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Black & Decker	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Ryobi	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Bosch	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Craftsman	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌

Pro Tip: The Milwaukee batteries are incompatible with other tool brands. To make them interchangeable with cross-brands, use Milwaukee-compatible adapters.

The solution to Battery Compatibility

(Cross Brand Battery Adapter)

If you want to expand your tool kit by breaking the boundaries of incompatibility of diversified brand battery replacements, here is a kicker for you. The amazing solution is a compatible adapter. This cross-brand battery adapter can revolutionize the game of compatibility to the next level. You can use your Milwaukee batteries with different tools and saves your time and budget as well.

This innovative accessory can bridge the gap and facilitate you to use the different tools with a single battery and save you from messing up with a diversified range of batteries and chargers. Now, you can leverage the costly tools without worrying about battery costs if they need to be changed. Opt for these adapters to use the Milwaukee batteries with Makita, Dewalt, Ryobi, Craftsman, Black & Decker, and other brand tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1- Can Milwaukee and Makita batteries be interchangeable?

Milwaukee and Makita batteries can’t be interchanged directly. You can change their versatility by using the cross-brand compatible adapter.

2- What batteries are compatible with Milwaukee?

Milwaukee power tools are specifically engineered to be used with Milwaukee’s M18 and M12 battery platforms. These specific batteries come with a particular voltage and Amp rating used only with Milwaukee tools.

It’s not recommended to use other brand batteries directly; instead, you can use compatible adapters with various brands such as Makita, Dewalt, Craftsman, Ryobi, Black & Decker, and Hart.

3- Are Ryobi and Milwaukee batteries interchangeable?

Ryobi and Milwaukee batteries can be interchanged with the help of a compatible battery adapter. It’s a fabulous solution to provide you with a seamless experience within your budget.

Conclusion

The proprietary battery system, where you are limited to brand-specific tools and batteries, looks pretty costly, especially for DIY enthusiasts and weekend warriors. In this realm, the cross-brand battery adapter is considered a game changer that not only provides you versatility but also offers economic sustainability and extended possibilities.

Use these adapters for seamless performance and surpass brand-specific accessories’ limitations. But be careful while choosing and using them. For your convenience, we have explained every aspect and factor of Milwaukee battery compatibility with a diversified range of brand tools. Explore this ultimate guide, which will enable you to use your Milwaukee batteries with brand-specific and off-brand tools as well.