Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Yes—you can use a power-tool battery for other jobs, but only with a device approved for that exact battery platform and voltage family. Useful options include a portable fan, work lights, a USB charging adapter, an inflator, and a low-wattage power source. A matching voltage number alone does not make batteries interchangeable.

What to check before using a tool battery elsewhere

Look for the platform name and voltage printed on your battery, then confirm that the device maker explicitly lists that platform as compatible. The Power Tool Institute advises treating the battery, tool, and charger as a matched system; it cautions against third-party batteries and adapters claiming to bridge brands (Power Tool Institute guidance).

For example, a RYOBI ONE+ 18V battery is not automatically compatible with another brand’s 18V product. Platform interface and manufacturer approval matter as well as voltage. Makita’s safety statement, published January 2, 2026, says its genuine lithium-ion batteries are designed for Makita cordless tools and corresponding chargers, and warns against unauthorized use with other-brand tools or electronic devices (Makita safety statement).

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Five useful things you can run

1. A portable fan

A battery-powered fan can move air in a garage, workshop, or room where an outlet is inconvenient. RYOBI’s PCL811B 18V ONE+ Hybrid Whisper Series 7.5-inch fan accepts a RYOBI ONE+ 18V battery or an extension cord (RYOBI product page). The hybrid design gives you a corded option when power is available; on battery, it is a portable fan, not a whole-house cooling system.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Nicpro Mechanical Carpenter Pencils for Construction (Black, Red) With Case
  • Valued Carpenter Pencil Set: You will get 2 pcs solid carpenter pencils with 26 piece 2.8 mm refills, 1 replaceable sharpener, 1 plastic storage box.The complete carpenter pencils combination allows you to finish your work faster and more easily
  • Deep Hole Marker Pencil: The deep-hole construction pencils adopts 45mm elongated tip design, which is more convenient to mark in the small hole or in other tight areas that other carpenter markers cannot reach
  • Carpenter Pencils with Sharpener: The sharpener is screwed into the top of the work pencil, which won't get lost either. Built-in pencil sharpener that keep the lead with pointed and smooth to Improves line of sight in fine work
  • Stronger Solid Lead: This work pencil is matched with a 2.8 mm thick lead , which is much thicker and stronger during the drawing process of construction work, it will not break or damage easily
  • Marks on Various Surfaces: 3 colors solid construction pencil can marks on various surfaces,such as metal, plastic, wood, paper etc. Ideals for woodworkers, contractors, craftsmen, builders, merchants and masons

2. Work or task lights

Platform-specific work lights are useful for repairs, a dim garage, or a temporary work area. RYOBI’s ONE+ collection lists LED lighting products, including a tripod light and a multi-tool light combo (RYOBI ONE+ products). Check the exact model listing for its battery compatibility and light specifications before choosing one.

3. USB charging for small electronics

A tool-battery USB adapter can turn a compatible pack into a charging source for devices such as phones, tablets, or Bluetooth speakers. Bosch’s UniversalUSB 18V-45 offers USB-A and USB-C outputs and is specified for the 18V POWER FOR ALL alliance. Bosch says the battery and charger are not included, so check the package contents before buying (Bosch UniversalUSB 18V-45).

Rank #2
Sale
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver, Power Tool Combo Kit , Includes 2 Batteries, Charger and Bag (DCK240C2)
  • Ergonomically Designed: Work in tight areas with a compact design that gets into tough spots
  • Compact and Lightweight: Both tools are designed to fit into difficult to reach spaces. The 1/4" impact driver has a length of 5.55 in. and weighs just 2.8 lbs, while the 1/2" drill/driver measures only 7.5 in. and weighs 3.6 lbs
  • Both the DEWALT impact driver and electric drill driver feature integrated LED work lights with a convenient 20-second delay, ensuring enhanced visibility in dimly lit or challenging work areas
  • One-Handed Loading - Keep one hand free with a 1/4 in. hex chuck that accepts 1 in. bit tips
  • Power drill cordless with 1/2" single sleeve ratcheting chuck provides tight bit gripping strength, making bit changes faster and more secure

4. An inflator or deflator

A compatible inflator is handy for tires and sports balls; some models also handle higher-volume items such as pool toys and air mattresses. RYOBI lists those uses for its ONE+ PCL031B dual-function digital inflator/deflator and gives a maximum pressure of 160 PSI (RYOBI product page). That maximum is not a recommendation for every tire or inflation task: follow the item’s specified pressure and the inflator manual.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

5. A limited-output battery power source

Some platform products provide an outlet or other power-source function for small loads. RYOBI’s ONE+ collection lists 150W and 200W power-source products (RYOBI ONE+ collection). Those wattage limits are central to what they can run; they are not general household backup power. Read the specific product manual and compare its output rating with the device’s requirements before connecting anything.

Rank #3
Sale
Push to Unlock,Katerk 6pcs 1/4 inch Hex Shank Aluminum Alloy Screwdriver Bit Holder Light-Weight Quick-Change Extension Bar Keychain Drill Screw Adapter Portable,Black Carabiner,Tool Gifts for Men
  • 【Great Compatibility】This Katerk 1/4 inch hex shank bit holder is specifically designed for 1/4 inch hex shank drill bits. It's compatible with most 1/4 fast hex handles, hex sockets, various electric screwdrivers, and handheld screwdrivers. The bit holder makes it a valuable addition for any handyman.
  • 【Secure and Safe】Built with a secure backup nut design, each drill bit holder securely locks onto your bits, ensuring they stay firmly in place. Additionally, our bit holder incorporates a high-quality steel ball rolling design that holds up to several kilograms of weight, ensuring your various drill bits don't fall off.
  • 【Easy One-Handed Operation】The bit holder for impact driver allows you to change bits single-handedly, simplifying your workflow. Its multi-color design further allows for quick identification of the drill bit you need.
  • 【Compact and Convenient】Thanks to its compact size, this 1/4 inch bit holder is easy to carry around. The bit holder allows for easy attachment to various tools, making this a convenient addition to your construction accessories. The Katerk bit holder is cast from high-quality alloy material, promising a long product lifespan. Despite its rugged strength, the bit holder remains lightweight, making it portable.
  • 【Cool Christmas Gift For Men Stocking Stuffers】 This screwdriver bit holder, driver bit holder, impact bit holder, can be given as a gift to your loved one, especially for anyone involved in construction or electrical work. It's a must-have for stocking stuffers for men and women, tools gifts for dad, tech gadgets for men, gifts for dad, gifts for him, gifts for husband, gifts for boyfriend, cool gadgets for men, and cool gifts for dad.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How to choose the right accessory

  1. Identify your battery platform. Read the brand, platform name, and voltage family printed on the pack.
  2. Find the exact accessory listing. Confirm that its maker names your battery platform as compatible; do not infer compatibility from voltage alone.
  3. Match the output to the job. Check relevant specifications such as pressure, USB ports, light output, or wattage, and follow the accessory manual.
  4. Check what the package includes. Some listings are for the accessory only. Bosch, for instance, says the UniversalUSB adapter does not include a battery or charger.

Do not modify a battery pack, bypass its protection, use an unverified cross-brand adapter, or recharge through a device unless its manufacturer explicitly supports that use. Keep the battery, accessory, and charger within the maker’s stated compatibility system.

Best Value
Milwaukee 48-22-3104 Inkzall Point Marker, Fine, Black, 4-Pack
  • Milwaukee Ink all Fine Point Marker, Black, 4 Per Pack
  • 4 per pack Features Clog Resistant Marker Tip Writes through Dusty, Wet and Oily Surfaces Durable Marker Tip for Writing on Concrete, OSB and Rough Surfaces
  • Clog resistant tip writes on dusty, wet and oily surfaces and is optimized for rough surfaces such as OSB, cinderblock and concrete
  • Hard hat clip- attaches for easy access
  • Quick dry time with reduced smearing and marking
Rank #4
Sale
2 Pack Carpenter Pencils Mechanical Pencils with 12 Refills, (2 Colors)
  • Long Nib and Deep Hole Marker: Our mechanical carpenter pencil with 45mm nib is designed for easy marking of deep holes or narrow areas. These construction pencils are the great choice for woodworking tools, construction tools, carpenter tools, contractor tools, wood carpentry tools and architect tools
  • Extra Refills in 2 Colors for Versatile Marking: The construction mechanical pencil comes with 12 extra 2.8mm refills, including 6 red and 6 black refills. The black refill is suitable for light surfaces, while the red wax is perfect for dark surfaces. Our carpenter mechanical pencil makes sure that you'll have an ample supply for extended use
  • Built-in Sharpener: Our construction pencil comes with a built-in sharpener to ensure the mechanical pencil tip is always sharp and ready for use. Never buy an extra pencil sharpener again. A great tool for any woodworker pencil, contractor pencils. The refill can easily be extended or retracted with a simple click of the pencils mechanical, allowing you to work more efficiently and accurately
  • Portable Clip Design: Our deep hole construction pencil features a portable clip design, easy to carry and attach to your pocket or tool box, so that you can keep the carpenter pencils mechanical close at hand, making it a convenient tool to have on the go. Great gifts choice for carpenters
  • Stronger Pencil Lead: The black refills are made of lead, sturdy and smooth. The red refills are made of wax, clear and light. These marking pencils are much thicker and stronger than normal pencils during the marking process of construction work, suitable for various surfaces, such as glasses, metal, boards, floors, walls, furniture, etc. The written marks can be easily wiped with a wet paper towel when needed

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.