FLEXVOLT vs 20V MAX: what it costs to switch, and why you may not need to
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Verdict: you do not switch platforms, you add FLEXVOLT batteries. DeWalt names the packs "20V/60V MAX", so they run your existing 20V MAX tools as well as 60V tools (the product names on dewalt.com say so; confirm in your tool's manual). Buy a 60V tool only for a job a 20V tool cannot do, such as a 7-1/4 in saw, a large grinder or a rotary hammer, and keep your 20V tools. The extra cost is one FLEXVOLT battery, not a second set of tools.
What the batteries cost
| Battery | Ah | Price | Dealer | $/Ah | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCB206 | 6 | $149.00 | Home Depot | $24.83 | Amazon |
| DCB606 | 6 | $199.00 | Tool Nut | $33.17 | Amazon |
| DCB2108 | 8 | $229.00 | Power Tool Store | $28.62 | Amazon |
| DCB609 | 9 | $259.00 | Power Tool Store | $28.78 | Amazon |
A FLEXVOLT pack costs more per Ah than a 20V MAX pack of similar size. In a 20V tool it does the same work; the premium buys the option of 60V tools later.
What 60V tools cost next to their 20V cousins
Bare tools, authorized dealers only.
| Model | Description | Price | Dealer | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCG408B | 20V MAX Brushless Cordless 4 1/2-in. Paddle-switch Grinder (Tool Only) | $169.99 | Tool Nut | Amazon |
| DCG418B | 60V MAX Brushless Cordless 4-1/2-in - 6-in Grinder With KICKBACK BRAKE (Tool Only) | $239.00 | Tool Nut | Amazon |
| DCS565B | 20V MAX XR 6-1/2 in. Brushless Cordless Circular Saw (Tool Only) | $199.00 | Power Tool Store | Amazon |
| DCS578B | 60V MAX 7-1/4-in Brushless Circular Saw With Electronic Brake (Tool Only) | – | – | Amazon |
| DCH481X2 | 60V MAX 1-9/16-in Brushless Cordless Combination Rotary Hammer Kit | $959.00 | Acme Tools | Amazon |
DCG418B and DCS578B are 60V tools; DCG408B and DCS565B are the 20V models. DCH481X2 is a 60V rotary hammer kit with two 9Ah batteries.
The switch cost
- Add one FLEXVOLT battery: you can now run any 60V tool and all of your 20V tools.
- Add the 60V tools you need, bare.
- Keep your 20V tools. A 60V tool does not make them redundant.
If you are buying your first batteries and expect to buy a 7-1/4 in saw or a large grinder within a year, buy FLEXVOLT now, because the same pack is useful on both. If you will stay on drills, impact drivers and small saws, 20V MAX is cheaper per Ah and lighter.
Prices are authorized dealers only and change daily; open the dealer link to confirm before you buy. Amazon links are search links, we show no Amazon prices. How we get prices.