DeWalt® DCB107 and DCB115 Charger Comparison
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- Опубліковано 18 жов 2024
- In a recent episode, we featured the DeWalt® DCB 107 and 115 chargers for the 12-20v batteries that are utilized in a wide range of DeWalt® cordless tools. The problem? We got it wrong with which charger charges faster!
We were challenged by a few of our viewer family members who suggested that it would not be possible to have a lower amperage rated unit charge a battery faster than one that had a higher amperage output. They were right!
So, how did we get it so wrong?
DirtFarmerJay had researched this topic across several sources online, including tool repair professional forums and had found the DCB 107 was said to charge a depleted battery in about an hour, while the DCB 115 was rated to take even longer. This info was found in several places and appeared credible. DFJ’s mistake was two-fold. First, not running a timed “bench test” with same-sized batteries, both depleted, to see how long it took to get them fully charged. The second error was in not going to the technical advisors of the manufacturer (instead of what turned out to be an “echo chamber” on the web!).
Both errors have been corrected. Indeed, our experience is that the DCB 115 charges significantly faster than the DCB 107. Although, if you’re not in a hurry, the difference isn’t apparent if you don’t need the battery for a day or two!
And, a conversation with the Technical Support Team at DeWalt® Tools further cleared up the mystery - and they gave us full permission to quote them to you! The DCB 115 outputs 4.0 amps of charging power, whereas the DCB 107 creates a modest 1.25 amp current. If current was water, the 115 model puts out more volume than the 107, so the “bucket” (your battery) is going to fill up faster (get charged) with the 115. Simple.
So, according to DeWalt®, how long does it take these two chargers to charge up their battery packs? The DCB 115 will charge any compatible DeWalt® battery up to 6 Ah in 90 minutes or less. As for the DCB 107, it takes up to 180 minutes to do the same job on a 6-Ah or less battery. In fact, the DCB 107 doesn’t output enough power to charge ANY of the DeWalt® compatible batteries, regardless of their Ah rating, in less than an hour.
One other thing we asked DeWalt®. Is it OK to leave the battery on the charger base ongoing? According to them, there’s no problem with that, as the system is designed to do that without damaging or diminishing the battery. Now you know.
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my experience over time is that faster chargers lessen the life of your battery, including the newer lithium batteries, so I like to have mainly slower chargers like the DCB107 for everyday charging & keep a couple of fast chargers around for emergency situations, as in the long run having more batteries charging at a slower rate will be cheaper & more reliable than having two batteries that charge up in an hour @ 4-6 A charge rate.
the manufacturer's are forced to sell fast chargers to compete or loose sales so they will tell you they do not harm your batteries, as their main concern is getting past the warranty period, not longevity of batteries.
Thanks for clearing that up. I was going to sell my dcs331 with a battery and charger, but wanted to keep my best charger.
How do you mount your chargers on the wall? I've seen charger mounts for sale but they want like 20 to 25 bucks for them. I'd like a more economical solution. Thanks, for your informative videos!
I'm glad you like our videos. I mount the chargers on the wall (my shop walls are painted 1/2" OSB) using drywall screws that match the slots that are in the back of the chargers. But, to stop the charger bases from lifting off the screws every time I lift a battery out of the base, I screw a painted cleat above the charger base so it can't come up off the screws. You can see those cleats in the video. I hope this helps! Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay Thanks for the information. I have came up with a solution... my charger (DBC101) don't have the mounting screw holes so I had to cut a double gang outlet cover and used JB Plastic Weld to attach it to the 2 halves to the top and bottom side of the back. That allowed me to have 4 predrilled holes on the back to put screws to the board I have attached to the wall. It feels sturdy and when I pull a battery off it stays put on the wall.
Thanks for going that extra step and checking with the manufacturer about the chargers.
You bet. And watch for the follow up video with all the correct info. Best to you and yours. DFJ
How did you mount your chargers Jay? You mention in this video that you will be covering that in an upcoming video, but I couldn't find it. Thanks!
Thanks! I got a new dewalt and it came with 115 but threw the new battery on my 107. Did you ask if either is smarter about conditioning, ie "intelligent charger" or about the same? All things being equal I'd use the lower amperage charge rate to reduce heat. Low amp/low heat helps longevity with AA, AAA and Radio Control vehicle rechargables (NiMh, Li-ion, and LiPO).
When I spoke to the Dewalt representative at the factory, he said that all the batteries charge at similar rates and it just depends how much of a hurry you are in and if you wait for the 107 to charge instead of using the 115. Thanks for the great question blmonkey and for watching and commenting. Keep it up!! Best, DFJ
My question is this. Lets say you have two 5 amp hour batteries. Both are discharged at the same rate and level but one is charged at 1.25 amps and the other is charged at 4 amps. Does it affect the lifespan of the battery. Maybe due to heat?
Good to hear that, about leaving them on the charger. I've run across at various times, info that says it's a bad practice to leave batteries on the charger all the time due to possible fires or other mishaps. Did the tech at Dewalt address that or did it not come up in your study? I always take the batteries off the charger when done no matter whose brand, just out of an abundance of caution, even though it may be unjustified. It's hard to know what's best. I'd love to know it's safe to leave them on the charger. I assume that's what you're doing.
Thanks for watching and commenting Don's Woodies. Yes the tech said there is no risk of fires or other damage to the batteries if you leave them on the charger after fully charged. It's really just a personal choice. If it bothers you, I'd remove them once full. Best to you, DFJ.
Nice looking charging station. I too, like DeWalt.
Thanks Corey. I'm having some drawings made of that charging station so others can build it as well. Watch for an update! Best, DFJ
I’m having issues fitting 1/16, 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 7/32, 3/16, 5/32 and even 3/8 Masonry drill bit sets on this. Any advice?
Reynaldo - give me more detail. I'm not sure what you mean as this is not the subject of this video. Best, DFJ
Thanks helped me a lot
At first I thought that Jay was weird. But actually, he is not. He’s a pretty sharp guy. 👍
Jay Winters - Thanks - I think. That reminds me of a compliment I once heard given that didn't turn out so well. I heard one women telling another that she loved the dress that she had on - and that she had a kitchen curtain that looked just like it. LOL! Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay lol ;)
DFJ, In 2018 Hitachi changed it’s name to
Metabo.
Indeed, thanks for the reminder! I appreciate it. Always good to hear from you.
@@DirtFarmerJay
HI Jay, I’ve been busy looking for the tadpole tape. Let me know if any of your stores carry it.
BTW, my comment about Hitachi
was not a complaint.
How did you secure the chargers to the wall?
Thanks for watching and commenting don keck. The charger base has 2 screw slots on the back. You measure the distance between where the screw heads will sit and then put two screws into the wall. The battery installs into the charger by sliding down. To keep from pulling the battery charger off the wall everytime you remove a battery, screw a 1/2 inch thick by 3/4 inch tall and 5 inches long piece of wood on the wall just above the charger base so it can't be lifted off the wall by removing the battery. Hope this helps. Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay thanks, I looked at my chargers and one of my 3 chargers has screw holes.
@@donkeck6150 love your drill holder cabinet - can you send pics and dimensions - want to build one for my shop
Put some masking tape on the back of the charger across the holes. Pop the screw points with a pencil. Then remove tape and use that as a wall template.
Good useful info. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching and commenting Jeff Endicott. Best to you! DFJ
What is your take on the 10AH Dewalt battery? I am IN the market for a new mower (spark plug hole threads are stripped) and considering the $400 Dewalt push mower.
There is no 10AH battery - its 2, 5 AH batteries. If that's the case, we have found the 5 AH batteries to be very good and use them in many tools around the Farm. Overall our experience with DeWalt has been very positive, and while I can't vouch for this particular mower itself, the other tools we have purchased from them have performed very well. I think it's likely you will have a very good experience. Let me know how it all works out. Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay I'm assuming it's a new battery? The description on HD's website says: "Includes 2 20V MAX 10ah Batteries, 2 Chargers.....". The way I read that is to mean each battery is 10ah. I could be wrong. :)
We want to thank you for your leg work here. Just the information we were looking for. Sending out a big thanks to your channel and an invite to come check us out here in Wisconsin. You have made our "Subcribe" list. Well done!
Thanks Living Wisconsin. We do what we do to help people like you to "just do it yourself!!". Thanks for subbing and please continue to watch and comment. Best to you, DFJ
Credibility is out the window for dfj. Careful tubers
John, not sure what you found offensive. Let me hear a bit more detail. Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay its probably because you stated there's no 10ah battery etc, thats incorrect info, as there was a 10ah 20v battery(not flexvolt) that was included(2-of them in fact) with the mentioned lawn mower, I know this to be absolutely correct because I also was considering purchasing it and did my research-that was a good while before his question was asked likely a year before he asked. So thats why the statement about your credibility being out the window was made, because he recognized you were not doing nearly enough research prior to answering questions or even making statements about charging times as if they were proven facts. Don't know if the output amperage is on the bottom of the dcb107 did not pay enough attention but I know its on the other one that info alone will usually be enough to "GUESS" which is the faster charger. Hope you are doing well, just trying to clarify things for you. Have a great day.
The response from DeWalt somewhat incorrect. Lithium-Ion batteries do best when stored around 50% charge....this is one major reason why most lithium batteries are delivered to you in a partial state of charge instead of fully charged. Technically speaking, anything else would be sub-optimal.
That said, replacing wear items like batteries in a production environment is expected. You can't exactly penny-pinch and optimize your batteries lifespan when you have work to do.
I don't trust battery operated
Thanks for weighing in. Best, DFJ