DeWalt 12V Battery: 12 Volt MAX Lithium Ion Batteries
DeWalt 12V batteries are a popular choice for compact and lightweight tools and appliances that must operate in tight and narrow spaces.
Also, DeWalt 12V batteries are commonly used for handheld tools that are being used overhead and in elevated areas - due to the compact design and low weight, they don't stress the user as much as larger and heavier batteries.
DeWalt 12V MAX lithium-ion batteries are compatible with all DeWalt 12V MAX tools and battery chargers, allowing the users to power plenty of tools using just a few batteries, decreasing the overall price of the tools and batteries.
Published: October 20, 2022.
DeWalt 12 Volt Batteries Features and Specifications
DeWalt 12 Volt MAX lithium-ion batteries are compatible with all DeWalt 12V MAX tools and battery chargers.
Since the batteries differ in size and weight, always go for the battery or batteries that are heavy enough to be able to store enough energy for the task ahead and are light enough to make the use of the tool easy and without additional stress.
In order to prolong their lifetime, DeWalt 12V batteries should never be discharged completely, although they tolerate such use well.
Also, one should avoid very high and low temperatures when using, charging, or storing the batteries - lithium-ion batteries perform the best at room temperatures, and they last the longest when being used at the same or perhaps somewhat lower temperatures.
Note: No need to store them in the refrigerator or similar.
Another very important feature is their very low self-discharge rate, allowing the batteries to be used even after being stored for months.
DeWalt 12V MAX batteries should be charged only with the DeWalt 12V MAX compatible chargers - after charging, the batteries may be left in the charger with no danger of overcharging the batteries.
Although very useful, not all DeWalt 12V MAX batteries feature a Fuel Gauge - a battery LED charge indicator.
Internally DeWalt 12V batteries consist of three 3.6V lithium-ion battery cells connected in series for a nominal voltage of 10.8V and a maximum charging voltage of 12V. So, when calculating stored energy, be sure to multiply with the real voltage of these batteries (10.8V) and not the maximum charging voltage (12V).
The following comparison chart lists some of the most popular DeWalt 12V batteries with their most important features and specifications:
| Model | Capacity | Stored Energy | Note |
| DeWalt DCB120 | 1.5Ah | 16.2Wh | No Fuel Gauge |
| DeWalt DCB122 | 2.0Ah | 21.6Wh | - |
| DeWalt DCB124 | 3.0Ah | 32.4Wh | - |
| DeWalt DCB124G | 3.0Ah | 32.4Wh | Chemicals Resistant Housing |
| DeWalt DCB124XR | 3.0Ah | 32.4Wh | XR |
| DeWalt DCB126 | 5.0Ah | 54.0Wh | - |
| DeWalt DCB126G | 5.0Ah | 54.0Wh | Chemicals Resistant Housing |
| DeWalt DCB127 | 2.0Ah | 21.6Wh | XR; No Fuel Gauge |
Note: Amazon affiliate links ("Model" column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.
So, using just a few DeWalt 12V MAX lithium-ion batteries allows the user to power a broad range of DeWalt 12V MAX cordless tools.
Also, many DeWalt 12V MAX battery chargers are compatible with the DeWalt 20V MAX and DeWalt 20V/60V FLEXVOLT batteries.
DeWalt DCB120 12V 1.5Ah MAX Lithium Ion Battery
DeWalt DCB120 12V 1.5Ah MAX Lithium Ion battery is a very compact and lightweight battery and is able to store ~16Wh of energy.
The battery is very popular for use with tools that are used in tight and narrow areas and for work on elevated positions - it adds minimum weight to the tool being used.
Charging time depends on the battery condition and the charger being used. For example, charging times for fully discharged DeWalt DCB120 battery are:
- DeWalt DCB101 Battery Charger: ~30 minutes,
- DeWalt DCB102 Battery Charger: ~30 minutes,
- DeWalt DCB103 Battery Charger: ~30 minutes,
- DeWalt DCB107 Battery Charger: ~60 minutes,
- DeWalt DCB112 Battery Charger: ~45 minutes,
- DeWalt DCB113 Battery Charger: ~35 minutes,
- DeWalt DCB115 Battery Charger: ~20 minutes,
- DeWalt DCB119 Battery Charger: ~45 minutes.
The battery doesn't feature a Fuel Gauge (LED battery charge tester) - at the first signs of the battery using power, it should be recharged.
Since lithium-ion batteries don't feature a memory effect, there is no need to discharge it completely every time - on the contrary, the battery will last longer if it is recharged sooner.
Nonetheless, the DeWalt DCB120 battery comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check the DeWalt DCB120 12V 1.5Ah MAX Lithium Ion Battery Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).
DeWalt DCB122 and DCB127 12V 2.0Ah MAX Lithium Ion Batteries
DeWalt DCB122 and DCB127 12V 2.0Ah MAX Lithium Ion Batteries offer 33% more energy (~16Wh vs. 21Wh) than the DeWalt DCB120 battery.
DeWalt DCB122 and DCB127 batteries feature a capacity of 2.0Ah, but the DCB127 is the so-called "XR" battery, the battery with increased power output.
Despite the DCB127 lacking the Fuel Gauge, it is nonetheless a much more popular battery.
Charging time depends on the battery condition and the charger being used. For example, charging times for fully discharged DeWalt DCB127 battery are:
- DeWalt DCB101 Battery Charger: ~35 minutes,
- DeWalt DCB102 Battery Charger: ~35 minutes,
- DeWalt DCB103 Battery Charger: ~35 minutes,
- DeWalt DCB107 Battery Charger: ~90 minutes,
- DeWalt DCB112 Battery Charger: ~60 minutes,
- DeWalt DCB113 Battery Charger: ~50 minutes,
- DeWalt DCB115 Battery Charger: ~30 minutes,
- DeWalt DCB119 Battery Charger: ~60 minutes.
DeWalt DCB122 and DCB127 are commonly used for tasks where the battery must be lightweight and compact, but the DCB120 capacity is not enough.
Both batteries come with a 3-year limited warranty.
For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check the following:
- DeWalt DCB122 12V 2.0Ah MAX Lithium Ion Battery,
- DeWalt DCB127 12V 2.0Ah MAX XR Lithium Ion Battery.
Note: Amazon links open in the new windows.
DeWalt DCB124, DCB124G and DCB124XR 12V 3.0Ah MAX Lithium Ion Batteries
DeWalt DCB124, DCB124G, and DCB124XR 12V 3.0Ah MAX Lithium Ion batteries are very popular DeWalt 12V MAX batteries due to excellent balance between the size, weight, capacity (3.0Ah, ~32Wh) and the charging time which depends on the battery charger model and the battery condition (temperature, age, current charge%, etc.).
All three models feature Fuel Gauge, allowing the user to check the remaining battery charge easily.
DeWalt DCB124 is a "classic" DeWalt 12V 3.0Ah battery designed to be tough and durable. 
DeWalt DCB124G is an "Oil-Resistant" version - it features a housing made of tough and durable glass-filled nylon for increased resistance to chemical corrosion due to contact with oil, grease, solvents, etc.
DeWalt DCB124XR or sometimes labeled as (or DCB124-XR), is a high-output version.
All three DeWalt DCB124, DCB124G, and DCB124XR 12V 3.0Ah MAX Lithium Ion batteries come with a 2-year limited warranty.
For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check the following:
- DeWalt DCB124 12V 3.0Ah MAX Lithium Ion Battery,
- DeWalt DCB124G 12V 3.0Ah MAX Oil-Resistant Lithium Ion Battery,
- DeWalt DCB124XR 12V 3.0Ah MAX XR Lithium Ion Battery.
Note: Amazon links open in the new window.
DeWalt DCB126 and DCB126G 12V 5.0Ah MAX Lithium Ion Battery
DeWalt DCB126 and DCB126G 12V 5.0Ah MAX Lithium Ion batteries are able to store ~54Wh of energy and are used to power even the most demanding DeWalt 12V MAX tools.
Both models feature Fuel Gauge and rather strong and durable housing.
However, the DCB126G model feature housing that is also chemical resistant to various chemicals like solvents, grease, oil, and similar.
Despite being the largest and the heaviest DeWalt 12V MAX batteries, DCB126 and DCB126G are very popular batteries offered as a single battery, dual-batteries pack, or part of various combos with the DeWalt 12V MAX tools and chargers.
Both DeWalt DCB126 and DCB126G feature a 2-year limited warranty.
For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check the following:
- DeWalt DCB126 12V 5.0Ah MAX Lithium Ion Battery,
- DeWalt DCB126G 12V 5.0Ah MAX Oil-Resistant Lithium Ion Battery.
Note: Amazon links open in the new windows.
How To Charge DeWalt 12V MAX Lithium Ion Batteries 
DeWalt offers a long list of 12V MAX compatible battery chargers - most of them are designed to charge more than one DeWalt battery type.
For example, DeWalt DCB102 (on the photo) features two charging slots, it is compatible with DeWalt 12V MAX and 20V MAX batteries and features two USB charging slots.
Also, this is an intelligent battery charger - before starting the charging process, it verifies the battery condition (for example, too hot or too cold).
Diagnostic LEDs indicate the condition of the batteries and the charging process. For people with several DeWalt 12V MAX batteries, this is one of the best-buy battery chargers.
For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check the DeWalt DCB102 12V/20V MAX Dual Battery Charger/Charging Station Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).
Note: Never charge the DeWalt batteries with incompatible battery chargers.
Few Final Words
DeWalt 12V MAX batteries allow users to power a long range of compact and lightweight tools and jobisite/workshop accessories.
DeWalt 12V MAX batteries range from 1.5Ah to 5.0Ah, allowing the users to choose according to their personal needs and preferences.
If You need a DeWalt 12V MAX battery, but You are unsure which one to take, DeWalt DCB124 12V 3.0Ah is the best bet, offering an excellent balance between the size, weight, price, performance, charging time, etc.
However, if You are new to cordless tools and not sure which battery system is the best for You, go for DeWalt tools compatible with the DeWalt 20V/60V FLEXVOLT batteries - they are compatible both DeWalt 20V MAX, DeWalt 60V MAX and DeWalt 120V MAX tools which is 250+ different cordless tools.
