Powering 12V Items from Cordless Tool Batteries

Euphemistic on 10/05/2023 - 13:16
Last edited 10/05/2023 - 14:26

For the camping and outdoor types, has anyone come across an off the shelf solution to power 12v items from 18v power tool batteries?

USB adaptors are easy to come by for charging phones and devices. Haven’t seen any with 12v cig lighter sockets which would be handy for me.

I don’t expect to be drawing a lot of current for a lot of time, but would like to be able to power a couple of different things using the batteries I have rather than going and buying a big lump of 12 battery.

Edit: I’m not averse to chopping up things and soldering to make it work, but would prefer off the shelf. I’ve got Ryobi or makita batteries at present and adapting battery to power supply doesn’t seem difficult.
Ideally I’d like to power a heated blanket to keep toasty warm at the campsite, but potentially TV or other items could be powered when we are out of reach of the caravan. Also handy for keeping warm watching kids sports when you can park within sight.

Electrical & Electronics Power Bank Rechargeable Battery

Comments

  • RichardL on 10/05/2023 - 13:24

    They exist, but not cheap

    Could probably make your own, if you have the technical knowledge.

    • trapper on 10/05/2023 - 13:30
      +3

      Yeah very cheap to make your own. Get one of these delivered for under $5.

      https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-buck-converter.html

      • brendanm on 10/05/2023 - 13:34

        This with a couple of spade terminals probably works for most batteries, does for Milwaukee.

      • duk242 on 10/05/2023 - 13:40
        +1

        Yep, this is the way!
        Take note of the Amperage limits on them though, if you're powering stuff that requires a high amount of amps - you'll have to get one that supports that much…
        I have 3D Printed battery adapters to hold the batteries too…

      • bargaino on 10/05/2023 - 13:45

        A sealed module would suit the OP better.

        e.g. https://aliexpress.com/item/1005004482581138.html

    • Euphemistic on 10/05/2023 - 14:28

      Wow. That’s not cheap at all.

    • pinchies on 10/05/2023 - 19:50

      You could buy a second hand 3D printer and the parts for the price they are asking!

  • bargaino on 10/05/2023 - 13:44
    +1

    A lot of "12V" things can run direct from the 18V battery (15-21V actually).

    e.g. most USB chargers for cars are marked as 12-24V. What do you have?

    The problem buying off the shelf is that cordless tool batteries have non-standard connectors. You did not even say which brand you have.

    I soldered these together:
    https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-18v-usb-power-station_…
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33053646842.html

    To get a 18V lighter socket.

  • Sunny84 on 10/05/2023 - 13:59

    I use this https://www.bunnings.com.au/dewalt-18v-5a-xr-portable-charge… + this https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/314031691340?chn=ps&_ul=AU&_trkp… to power 12v (cctv cctv cameras, 4g modem etc..) from my dewalt battery without issue.

    • Sunny84 on 10/05/2023 - 14:02

      to be honest tho you could do it alot cheaper by making your own 18v to 12v step down converter from jaycar etc..

  • JimmyF on 10/05/2023 - 14:04

    has anyone come across an off the shelf solution to power 12v items from 18v power tool batteries?

    Helpful if you listed what 18v battery range you are using.

    As others have said, use a buck converter to drop the voltage down to 12v. The size of the buck converter will depend on the load you want to use.

  • Euphemistic on 10/05/2023 - 14:27

    Thanks all. I’ve got some more research to do.

    I’m kinda surprised that Ryobi don’t seem to offer one, but maybe they think there isn’t enough grunt in a single battery to power a lot of 12v stuff. Could also potentially use 2 batteries for 36v.

  • mapax on 10/05/2023 - 20:15

    Check the voltage range of the items you want to use, some automotive items are 12v and 24v these days. In which case you could just buy one of those cheap ryobi battery adapters for $10 or so and wire a ciggy plug.

  • jason101 on 10/05/2023 - 20:27

    I bought a Dewalt 18-20v battery to 5V usb adapter, when it arrived it also had a 12v port on the side: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005007477518.html?spm=a2…

    • idonotknowwhy on 10/05/2023 - 20:36

      Reckon this would power a PVM-9044QM via the DC 12V plug?

  • gryphn on 10/05/2023 - 20:31

    Have you access to a 3D printer?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oBbF3bcDck&ab_channel=bigcl…

    This with a convertor/regulator and you are set.

  • SimonEast on 17/10/2024 - 10:25

    I know this thread is a little old, but I just came across it while researching the same thing.

    I have seen these devices HERE that convert a USB port into a 12v cigarette lighter port which might get me part of the way (since I already have an Ozito battery to USB adapter), although these particular ones can only run a maximum of 8 watts which is pretty small. Would be cool if I could connect 2 USB ports and maybe get extra power.

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