Which Batteries Are Compatible With DeWalt Atomic Compact Series Tools?

If you were to make a list of everything you need to know about DeWalt tools before building out a new collection, near the top of that list would be how the battery system for its cordless devices works. Just as with many other major tool brands, DeWalt makes multiple lines of proprietary batteries with various voltages and capacities, with certain tools being compatible with certain systems. If you're wondering which batteries work with DeWalt Atomic Compact tools, for example, the answer would be any DeWalt 20V Max battery, but not the brand's 12V or 60V models.

This is because the DeWalt Atomic Compact Series of power tools are a subset of the manufacturer's 20V Max system of cordless devices, which includes a roster of over 300 products that's still expanding. What sets the Atomic Compact Series apart from other DeWalt 20V Max tools is their smaller size, though the brushless tools are engineered to still be powerful enough for many tasks. That's why they use DeWalt's 20V batteries as opposed to DeWalt's compact, but not-as-powerful 12V tools, such as the DeWalt 12V Max Reciprocating Saw. If you're comparing DeWalt impact drivers in the Atomic vs. Xtreme vs. Max lines, you'll find that the Atomic is the strongest of the three.

With smaller, lighter power tools, you can more easily maneuver them in tight spaces, as well as operate them longer with less fatigue — especially in overhead applications. While compact tools are particularly convenient for homeowners who like to maintain their property, their lighter weight also makes them more portable and useful for professionals who constantly move from job site to job site.

You can minimize an Atomic tool's footprint additionally by pairing it with a DeWalt 20V XR PowerStack Compact battery, which is also designed to pack a punch in a small package. Nobody would blame you if you're confused about how a DeWalt Atomic tool can use a 20V XR PowerStack battery, or any other XR battery, since there are several differences between the DeWalt Atomic and XR series of tools. DeWalt uses the XR label for its premium brushless tools, akin to Ryobi's HP or Milwaukee's M18 Fuel lines, and are typically the best option if you're a tradesperson looking for professional tools for larger projects.

There's no reason you can't use XR tools at home, and many will have you rethinking your hand tool setup, such as the DeWalt 20V Max XR Paddle Switch Grinder. Then again, there are some DeWalt tools you should avoid in the XR line, such as the 20V Max Dry Hand Vacuum or 12-inch Chainsaw. The XR on DeWalt tools stands for "extreme runtime." So, even though an XR tool is not the same as an Atomic tool, an Atomic tool can still take advantage of DeWalt's 20V Max XR batteries, which offer more runtime before needing to be recharged.

Because DeWalt Atomic Compact Series tools — such as the DeWalt 20V Max Atomic Cordless Drill/Driver and DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Cordless Ratchet — are compatible with any and all 20V Max batteries, you can choose the models that best suit your needs. In addition to XR PowerStack units, there are also larger XR PowerPack batteries, oil-resistant models for tougher environments, and various other 20V batteries with different capacities, such as the DeWalt 20V Max 2 Ah and heftier DeWalt 20V Max 10 Ah options.