Rumor has it that Dewalt and Milwaukee are both racing to launch new quick-change battery packs under their respective 20V Max and M18 cordless power tool brands.
Our anonymous retail source provided the following statement:
Despite cordless power tool batteries having greatly increased in charge capacity, users are demanding even longer runtime, and they want it from the battery packs they already own. Buying new battery packs can be expensive, and walking back to a tool bag to swap batteries takes time and effort. We will soon be selling two perfect solutions for greater runtime.
We’re told that Dewalt’s solution will be called 20V Max Strength Deuterium ToughTape and feature “Flip and Click 2-in-1 Hot-Swap” technology. The starter kit will come with 10 feet of ToughTape, for wrapping around the sides of two batteries to connect them together.
Dewalt’s new “Flip and Click” ToughTape is not compatible with FlexVolt batteries, but will be compatible with 20V Max and new Dewalt Atomic Compact Series cordless power tools and batteries.
Milwaukee’s solution will be called M18 RedStickium, and the starter pack will come with 3″ x 4″ strips of super-duty double-sided tape.
Citing Milwaukee’s M18 “Everything Fits” philosophy, a RedStickium retrofit kit will also be available, including a pry bar for separating stuck-together batteries, and 6-foot strap. The retrofit kit is needed for certain M18 tools, and the included strap ensures that you can still keep that second battery close to your tool and ready to go.
We asked about whether Dewalt and Milwaukee battery packs can be attached together using Dewalt ToughTape or Milwaukee RedStickium products, and whether 3M VHB tape or Duck Max Strength duct tape could be used, but have not yet heard back.
Searching for more details, here’s the social media recap:
“If you’re a PRO, you NEED this.”
“The top cordless tool brand hit another home run with their new Retail Innovation Award-winning tape.”
“Thumbs up. You gotta buy this.”
We also found a video comparison between Dewalt ToughTape and Milwaukee RedStickium tapes.
ETA: April First
