Originally Posted by
Eric Schmid
John, there is an adapter that Dewalt makes for 18v to 20v conversion. I have one old style 18v tool left that I bought the adapter for. The tool, a rotary laser, uses so little power that I’ve not tried the adapter yet, but it sounded good in theory since I’ve got a bunch of their 20v batteries.
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The benefits of improved performance, lighter weight and smaller form need to be weighed against the cost of new tools. Might make sense in the short term to just buy batteries, which are ultimately a consumable item anyway. Actually, so are most job site tools. Eventually, the manufacturers stop making parts and the tool becomes obsolete. This is true for corded tools as well.