Black+Decker Battery Compatibility: Complete Guide & Compatibility Chart

Black & Decker Cordless Battery Voltages (All Generations)

Black & Decker cordless tools have used a few core battery voltage families over the years, often reflecting broader industry shifts from Ni-Cd to lithium-ion:

• 18 V (Firestorm® / early Li-ion) – legacy platform
• 20 V MAX Powerconnect™ – current *primary* platform (nominally ~18 V)
• 40 V MAX – higher-power outdoor equipment platform

Importantly, even when voltages look similar (e.g., 18 V vs 20 V MAX), the platforms can be physically and electronically incompatible without adapters.

Black & Decker 18 V Battery Compatibility (Legacy / Firestorm®)

Earlier Black & Decker cordless tools — often marketed under the Firestorm® name — used 18 V battery packs. Some of these were Ni-Cd or early lithium-ion designs.

Key facts:

• Designed exclusively for Black & Decker 18 V tools
• Platform is largely considered legacy/discontinued in favor of 20 V MAX
• Batteries are not compatible with the modern 20 V MAX platform without an adapter
• No official Black & Decker upgrade exists to make 18 V packs work directly on newer tools

If you own Black & Decker 18 V tools today:

• Replacement battery availability is mostly third-party
• Cross-voltage use is not possible without an adapter
• Adapters (third-party) exist to allow 20 V packs to power 18 V tools, but this is at your own risk
  

Black & Decker 20 V MAX Powerconnect™ Battery Compatibility (Current Platform)

Today’s mainstream Black & Decker cordless tools use the 20 V MAX Powerconnect™ battery system. Although marketed at “20 V MAX,” the nominal rated voltage reflects a typical ~18 V lithium-ion pack — a common industry marketing standard.

Key facts:

• 20 V MAX batteries are designed to fit Black & Decker tools labeled for 20 V MAX
• Batteries are typically lithium-ion chemistry with internal protection circuitry
• Within the 20 V MAX ecosystem, batteries are interchangeable across tools
• Black & Decker states that within the same voltage range, batteries work across compatible tools — reducing the need for multiple packs and chargers
  

This is the primary actively supported Black & Decker cordless platform for drills, drivers, saws, vacuums, outdoor tools, and more.

Black & Decker 40 V MAX Battery Compatibility (Outdoor Equipment)

For larger outdoor equipment like cordless lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, and larger blowers, Black & Decker uses a 40 V MAX battery system. These packs are not cross-compatible with the 20 V MAX line due to different voltage and connector designs.

• 40 V MAX = higher power capacity for demanding outdoor tools
• Not compatible with 20 V MAX or legacy 18 V tools/li-ion packs
• Chargers and batteries are designed specific to 40 V MAX tools

Battery Compatibility Chart

Using Battery Adapters With Black & Decker Tools

By default, Black & Decker batteries are not compatible with other brands, and most brands’ batteries won’t fit Black & Decker tools directly. However, battery adapters can allow a battery from one Black & Decker platform to power a tool from another platform (for example, powering older 18 V Firestorm tools with modern 20 V MAX batteries).

Adapters work by:

• Physically mating a newer battery to an older tool interface
• Aligning positive/negative terminals and sometimes bypassing recessed locking tabs
• Regulating current — but quality varies by adapter

Note: Adapters do not change the nominal voltage of the battery — if you step down voltage, it’s through electronic regulation, not inherent battery voltage change.

Important Disclaimer (Non-Official Product)

Battery adapters are third-party accessories. They are not manufactured, licensed, or endorsed by Black & Decker. Using an adapter may void the tool or battery warranty and may fall outside manufacturer specifications. Always ensure the adapter is designed for your exact pairing.

Black & Decker Battery Adapter Options

If you want to power legacy Black & Decker tools with newer batteries, adapters exist for select pairings, such as adapters enabling 20 V MAX to 18 V Firestorm cross-use.
View Black & Decker Battery Adapters

Summary: Black & Decker Battery Compatibility

• Black & Decker has used 18 V Firestorm®, 20 V MAX Powerconnect™, and 40 V MAX platforms
• 18 V legacy tools and batteries are largely discontinued
• Platforms are not cross-compatible without adapters
• Batteries are typically interchangeable within the same voltage platform
• Battery adapters can enable cross-platform use when properly designed