Makita 18V Ni-Cd / Ni-MH Battery Adapters
Revive your classic Makita tools from the pre-LXT era with our Makita 18V Ni-Cd battery adapters. Designed for the original pod-style Makita 18V system — including battery models such as 1822, 1834, and 1835 — these adapters let you power older Ni-Cd or Ni-MH tools using modern lithium-ion batteries. Enjoy longer runtime, lighter weight, and improved performance while keeping your trusted Makita tools in action. Perfect for anyone who wants to extend the life of their legacy Makita 18V lineup without replacing the entire set.
Pick a tool to run from your Makita 18V Ni-Cd/Ni-MH battery
Makita 18V Ni-Cd/Ni-MH questions
Why do some batteries say 18V and others 20V?
They are the same class of battery, measured at two different moments. Five lithium cells in series read about 20V fresh off the charger with nothing drawing from them, and settle to about 18V once a tool is running. A brand that prints 20V is quoting the first figure and one that prints 18V is quoting the second. That is why an adapter between an "18V" platform and a "20V" platform works: there is no conversion to do.
Will this fit my other Makita batteries?
Only Makita 18V Ni-Cd/Ni-MH batteries. Makita also sells Makita 36V, Makita 10.8V CXT, Makita 18V LXT, and those use a different socket — same brand, different rail and terminals, so they need their own adapter. Compare the sliding rail on your battery against the photos before ordering.
How do I find the right adapter on this page?
Use the selector at the top: pick the platform on the other side of the pair and it takes you straight to the one adapter that joins them. Every combination in that list is one we actually make, so if it is there, it exists.
Can I use a Makita 18V Ni-Cd/Ni-MH battery on another brand’s tool?
Not with an adapter from us. Makita 18V Ni-Cd/Ni-MH works as the tool side only here — we make adapters that let other brands’ batteries run Makita 18V Ni-Cd/Ni-MH tools, not the reverse.
Can I charge a Makita 18V Ni-Cd/Ni-MH battery through the adapter?
No. The adapter carries current from the battery to the tool and does nothing else — there is no charging circuit inside it. Keep charging Makita 18V Ni-Cd/Ni-MH batteries on their usual Makita charger.
Will an adapter damage my Makita 18V Ni-Cd/Ni-MH battery or my tool?
Treat it the way you would on its own tool. Makita 18V Ni-Cd/Ni-MH batteries have no electronic protection built in, so nothing can warn you when the battery is empty. Stop when it slows down rather than running it flat, and stop using the adapter if it becomes unusually hot or the contacts look damaged.
Does it work with third-party Makita batteries?
Usually. What matters is the socket, not the badge: if the battery slides onto a Makita 18V Ni-Cd/Ni-MH tool and locks the way an original does, the adapter will take it. Aftermarket batteries do vary in moulding, so if yours looks unusual send us a photo and we will check before you order.