Thoughts on compatible power tool batteries?

[Gavin John Hyde]

Just been looking at some cordless SDS drills, need one for a job with no power on site.opted for the DCH253 SDS+, only £128 for the drill on its own.
so get to the batteries.
The Dewalt branded 18v 4.0Ah battery is around £48.00, the 5.0Ah Dewalt battery is £68.00
Looking online(amazon) you can get a 2 pack of compatible 5.0Ah batteries for £60, which is quite a saving.
There cant be a huge difference in the power. whether they hold 5.0Ah long term or not is to be seen.
Have people used the compatibles and what did they think on how long the batteries lasted verses the branded ones and the life span?
I am tempted to get the one 4.0Ah dewalt battery then get the 2 pack to compare.

 

[Octopus]

I've had that Dewalt SDS for a few years now ........... IMHO 1 battery won't be enough (I've got the 4 ah versions)

All my batteries are dewalt .....

 

[Midwest]

I had a horrible experience with compatible ink cartridges, so don't do anything like that anymore

 

[rapparee]

What batteries do you use for your combo drill

I had a Hitachi combo drill so when I needed an sds I stuck with Hitachi

 

[Rpa07]

I’ve bought two compatible batteries for my Hilti TE6A and they’ve done the job at half the price. I think the only change and detrimental issue is the durability of the plastics used to house the batteries. I feel that they are more brittle than the big brands batteries so suffer if dropped.
Worth the savings in my opinion but don’t be kicking them around (not that you should anyway)
Obviously there will be nay sayers regarding aftermarket batteries but £100 a throw for a 36v 4.0 amp/hr battery is rediculous especially when you need two for a good day out.

 

[-Matt]

I took a punt on one of these a month ago for my Dewalt kit.
With the view of getting a few more.

So far all good, charges fine, hasn't exploded and lasts longer than my tired Dewalt batteries.

Only down side is other trades think I'm a tight arse for using fake batteries, maybe they are right.......

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B074P1NGDT/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[MJPD29]

My apprentice has just got some compatible milwaukee batteries around 2 weeks ago, obviously 2 weeks doesn't prove how long they last but so far they've been the exact same as my milwaukee branded 5ah

 

[123]

I've had that Dewalt SDS for a few years now ........... IMHO 1 battery won't be enough (I've got the 4 ah versions)

All my batteries are dewalt .....

Well Makita batteries for Dewalt tools won't work too well

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

Well Makita batteries for Dewalt tools won't work too well

you can get a conversion adaptor kit for makita > dewalt and vice versa. seen it online, some nerd in the states has made it. can ruin the batteries though

 

[123]

I'd keep all my cordless kit (or as much as I can) to the same brand. Be it Dewalt, Milwaukee, Hitachi, Makita or others. Then I'd stick with the manufacturers batteries. Some of the fake batteries are good, some are terrible. One terrible fake battery could wreck all your kit for the saving of very litte.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

I am going to get one branded 4.0Ah dewalt battery with the sds then get the 2 pack non branded compatible 5.0Ah for £60.
If the cheaper ones prove themselves I will in all likelihood buy more.
Chances are inside the lithium cells are made by the same company. At one point samsung made the cells in both makita and dewalt batteries, price difference was nearly £20, all that was different was a small circuit board and the plastic casing.