Third Party Batteries for DeWalt?

[Ben]

Does anyone use any of the third party batteries for DeWalt cordless tools? The last two batteries I bought, 18v XRPs (both in FEB13) have just now both pretty much failed and are good for about 5 minutes after a charge. Interestingly one of the original batteries that came with one of my tools is still going strong and is two years older.

I use the tools a decent bit, so maybe I'm griping about a lifespan that's perfectly reasonable, but I was thinking of trying some of the cheaper third party batteries and wondered if anyone has had luck with them.

Additionally, we may have had this conversation before, but is it safe to use the L-ion batteries in tools that were sold with the NiCads? That might be another route I'd take, even for the extra expense.

[Hawkmoon]

Additionally, we may have had this conversation before, but is it safe to use the L-ion batteries in tools that were sold with the NiCads? That might be another route I'd take, even for the extra expense.

As long as the voltage is the same the tool doesn't care. What I would worry about is trying to charge a Li-Ion battery in a NiCad or NiMH charger ...

[Ben]

As long as the voltage is the same the tool doesn't care.

I was more concerned with the quality and longevity. I have pretty good luck with third party batteries for my ups units, but was unsure how reliable this form factor is from one manufacturer to the next.

[RocketMan]

As Hawkmoon says, the key is the charger type.  NiMH and NiCad chargers are seldom compatible with Li-Ion batteries.  You would likely have to purchase a Li-Ion specific charger.

[Ben]

As Hawkmoon says, the key is the charger type.  NiMH and NiCad chargers are seldom compatible with Li-Ion batteries.  You would likely have to purchase a Li-Ion specific charger.

I actually own this charger, which says it's compatible with all the battery types:

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DC9320BP-18-Volt-Charger-18-Volt/dp/B0019Z43J4/ref=sr_1_14?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484444213&sr=1-14&keywords=dewalt+charger