AK TOOLS Frequently Asked Questions

No — Makita’s 18 V (LXT) and 40 V (XGT/40V Max) systems are not compatible with each other. The batteries and tools are designed with different voltage requirements, connections, and control electronics. An 18 V battery will not fit or power a 40 V tool and using a higher-voltage battery in a lower-rated tool can cause damage or safety issues. Always use batteries designed for the same voltage system as the tool.

No — Milwaukee’s 12 V (M12) and 18 V (M18) platforms are separate and not cross-compatible. Each system has its own battery design, electrical contacts, and management system. Attempting to use a battery from one system on another may cause malfunction or damage. Only use M12 batteries with M12 tools and M18 batteries with M18 tools.

DeWalt’s FlexVolt battery system is designed to automatically switch voltage depending on the tool it’s connected to. When a FlexVolt battery is attached to a standard 18 V (XR) tool, it operates at 18 V, just like a regular battery. When connected to a 54 V FlexVolt tool, the same battery switches to deliver 54 V for higher power output. This makes FlexVolt batteries backward compatible with 18 V tools, but standard 18 V batteries cannot power 54 V FlexVolt tools. FlexVolt batteries are larger, heavier, and more expensive, but they allow users to bridge between the 18 V and 54 V systems without changing chargers.

Different voltage systems are engineered with distinct electrical and mechanical designs. A tool’s motor, electronics, and connectors are tuned to a specific voltage. Using a mismatched battery can cause poor performance, overheating, or complete failure. Manufacturers design their systems to maintain safety, reliability, and performance — so cross-use is not supported.

Some third-party adapters exist that allow batteries from one system to be used with another. However, these adapters are not officially supported by the tool manufacturers. Using them may reduce performance, disable safety features, or void warranty coverage. It’s recommended to only use original batteries and chargers intended for the same tool system.

Before purchasing, always confirm:

The battery voltage matches your tool system (e.g., 12 V, 18 V, 40 V, 54 V).
The battery’s physical connector and shape are compatible with the tool.
The charger supports the same voltage and battery type.
The battery capacity (Ah rating) meets your performance needs.
Warranty terms remain valid when using that battery with your tool.

If unsure, check your tool and battery model numbers and verify compatibility before use.

If you already own several tools within one platform, it’s usually best to stay with that system. It helps you reuse batteries and chargers, reduces cost, and ensures compatibility. Switching to a new voltage platform may offer higher power or runtime but requires investment in new batteries and chargers. Choose the platform that best fits your tool requirements, workload, and future upgrade plans.

If a battery from another voltage system is forced into a tool, it may not make proper contact or could damage the tool’s connectors. Always stop immediately if the tool doesn’t start or behaves abnormally. Disconnect the battery and inspect both contacts for damage. Never attempt to modify batteries or tools to force compatibility.

Avoid fully draining lithium-ion batteries; recharge when power is low.
Store batteries in a cool, dry place — avoid heat and direct sunlight.
Keep batteries clean and free from dust or moisture.
Use only genuine chargers designed for the battery system.
Do not leave batteries on the charger for extended periods after full charge.

Proper care ensures maximum runtime and longevity.

Signs of an aging or damaged battery include:

Shortened runtime compared to new condition.
The tool stops or cuts out under normal load.
Battery feels excessively hot during use or charging.
Charger indicator flashes an error or fails to charge.

Replace batteries that show these symptoms with genuine replacements from the same brand and voltage system.

Signs of fake battery include:

Makita Logo printed on the side of the battery on a fake battery does not have a split on top of the letter V (18V).
There is no tiny gaps on either side of the number 8 (18V), between 1-8-V, on each side of number 8.
Look through the air vent on top of the fake battery, there may be some heat shrink visible from outside (white or blue).
Charger indicator flashes an error or fails to charge on Genuine Makita Charger.

Absolutely no, using a non-genuine Makita charger on a genuine battery will potentially cause the battery to be bricked, or expose it to fire risks. The genuine battery will put itself into a locked mode (Bricked) to protect itself from being charged or discharged if plugged into the generic charger which operates outside of its normal charging voltage range. If the battery is bricked (Protection Locked), the four LEDs on the battery will be flashing 2 by 2 alternating flash when you pressed the button.

For batteries manufactured after 2021, follow these steps:

Press and hold the button for 5-10 seconds until the four LEDs flash.
First 4 LEDs flash at once, followed by random 1-4 LED flashes indicating it is going into self-checking mode.
Second 4 LEDs flash at once, it's checking how many days have passed since the first time the battery was charged by displaying the number of days corresponding to each 4-LED from left-to-right DDDD. Read the data as follows:

LED Sequence	Examples
1st LED (blinking left → right)	0
2nd LED (blinking left → right)	3 times
3rd LED (blinking left → right)	9 times
4th LED (blinking left → right)	6 times

If the battery has shown this 0396 times, then 396 days have passed since the first charge. This check can be repeated; for example, in 3 days the count would be 399 (399 days passed).

The third 4-LED flash sequence can be ignored.

Absolutely no, using a non-genuine charger on a genuine battery will potentially cause the battery to be bricked, or expose it to fire risks. The genuine battery will put itself into a locked mode (Bricked) to protect itself from being charged or discharged if plugged into the generic charger which operates outside of its normal charging voltage range.

Avoid buying from eBay/Amazon sellers where the feedback rating is low or newly created accounts. If the seller used the photos of the genuine battery on their product listing page, and sends you a fake battery instead, you will not be able to check until after you have received the package (follow the other steps to verify once you have received the battery). Look for the warranty terms often offered by the sellers, excessive like 3-5 years or even longer warranty period. Significant discounts compared to RRP may indicate a fake battery (our batteries are sourced from genuine combo packs in bulk, hence cheaper than retail price; however, fake batteries may be even cheaper than our discounted prices). Does the seller offer a contact number, email, or a registered website in Australia? Some legitimate wholesale importers may be importing fake batteries from overseas. Usually, the fake imported battery comes in Retail Packaging to convince the buyer that it is genuine, normally in a clear plastic casing (but poorly printed, fonts and colours don't match the original). Our batteries come with Australian Retail Packaging, or no retail packaging (sourced from combo packs), hence no retail boxes.