MAKITA CORDLESS TOOL COMPATIBILITY
Makita Cordless Tools are fairly easy to figure out when it comes to compatibility. Makita makes THREE types of batteries:
- NICKEL CADMIUM: This battery is usually an orange color(black if it's the 9.6v) and less than 2.0ah(amp hour: this is the amount of time the battery will last per charge).
- NICKEL METAL HYDRIDE: This battery is the newer battery from MAKITA and is usually black in color (grey if it's the 9.6v) and more than 2.0ah. NICKEL METAL HYDRIDE batteries are compatible with ALL MAKITA TOOLS of the same voltage(except lithium ion tools). These batteries charge differently than other batteries. They need to be charged on average 4 to 6 times before reaching their maximum charge. This 'conditioning' will give you maximum run time after the conditioning period. If you purchase new NIMH batteries and they don't seem to last as long per charge as your older NIMH batteries, this is why. They need to be 'broken in' before holding the maximum charge.
- LITHIUM ION. This is the newest battery from makita. Makita makes two types of lithium ion batteries. the compact line which is white and the LXT line which is the normal makita teal color. the batteries are available in 1.5ah and 3.0ah, The batteries and tools are interchangeable however the 1.5ah bats are best used for the white compact tools and the 3.0ah seems to work best for the teal colored tools which are designed for more power
Both NIMH AND NICD batteries will work in any tool of the same voltage. The NIMH batteries last longer per charge and ideal for those who need longer run times. For smaller jobs and around the home, the NICD battery is usually sufficient. The LITHIUM ION batteries are brand new and have the added advantage of packing more power per weight than the other two types. An 18v Lithium Ion battery weighs about the same as a 12v nimh battery but has the 18v power so a great advantage for anyone planning to work all day with a tool.
The charger is the only accessory you need to consider when upgrading to new NIMH batteries. You will need a NIMH charger to charge the newer NIMH batteries. The good thing is the newer NIMH chargers also charge the older NICD batteries as well. For LXT or compact lithium ion batteries, you will have to use the LXT CHARGER (DC18SC OR DC18RA) ONLY. unfortunately the LXT won't charge the NICD or NIMH without an adapter.
If you are unsure about compatibility, you can email us with model numbers and we can tell you if they will work for your application.
ps - Please be sure to have a valid return email address if you're asking a question. I find this to be a common problem. People sign up with an email address they later change but never change it on their ebay account or paypal account and sometimes their mail manager.
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