If you have ever bought a DeWALT 20V combo kit, you probably received a basic black charger in the box and didn’t think twice about it. However, not all DeWALT chargers are created equal. Depending on the model number stamped on the bottom of your charger, you could be waiting 45 minutes for a full battery, or you could be waiting over 4 hours.
Originally, we ran a strict “DeWALT Charger Speed Test” comparing the standard DCB115 to the lightning-fast DCB118. But with DeWALT recently overhauling their lineup to include new “2-Stage” smart chargers, the conversation has changed. We are going to break down how to calculate your own charging speed, compare the most popular models, and explain why a faster charger isn’t always the best choice for your battery’s health.
1. How to Calculate Your Own Charger Speed Test
You don’t need a stopwatch to figure out how fast a DeWALT charger works. You just need to look at two numbers: the Amp Hour (Ah) rating on your battery, and the Output Amperage (A) printed on the bottom sticker of your charger.
Here is the basic rule of thumb formula:
Battery Capacity (Ah) ÷ Charger Output (Amps) = Charge Time in Hours
Let’s say you have a standard 4.0Ah 20V Battery.
- On a slow 2-Amp charger (DCB112): 4Ah ÷ 2A = 2 Hours to charge.
- On a fast 8-Amp charger (DCB118): 4Ah ÷ 8A = 30 Minutes to charge.
*Note: This is a rough estimate. Chargers slow down for the final 20% of the charge cycle to balance the lithium-ion cells, so the actual time will be slightly longer.
2. The “OG” DeWALT Chargers Compared
If you have bought tools over the last decade, you likely own one of these legacy chargers. Here is how they stack up in terms of speed and capability:
- DCB107 (1.25 Amps): The absolute slowest charger DeWALT makes. This is typically thrown into the cheapest budget drill kits. It takes nearly 4 hours to charge a 5.0Ah battery.
- DCB112 (2.0 Amps): The standard entry-level charger. It is perfectly fine for overnight charging but will leave you waiting if you are in the middle of a project.
- DCB115 (4.0 Amps): The classic “Fast Charger.” This is the sweet spot for most users, charging a 4.0Ah battery in about an hour.
- DCB118 (8.0 Amps): The powerhouse. This charger features an internal cooling fan to keep the battery from overheating while it pumps a massive 8 Amps of current. Crucial Note: Unlike the others on this list, the DCB118 only charges 20V MAX and 60V MAX FlexVolt batteries. It will not charge DeWALT 12V MAX batteries!
Promotion availability and prices can change at any time on Amazon. Information included on this page is accurate as of 2026-03-10 at 00:57 CST.
Promotion availability and prices can change at any time on Amazon. Information included on this page is accurate as of 2026-03-04 at 16:31 CST.
Promotion availability and prices can change at any time on Amazon. Information included on this page is accurate as of 2026-03-08 at 07:50 CST.
3. The New Generation: 2-Stage Chargers Explained
DeWALT has recently started replacing their legacy chargers with a new generation: the DCB1104 (4 Amp), DCB1106 (6 Amp), and DCB1108 (8 Amp).
The biggest upgrade in these new models is 2-Stage Charging. Here is how it works:
When you put a dead battery on a new 2-stage charger, it pumps maximum current into the battery until it reaches 80% capacity (Stage 1). Once it hits 80%, the charger automatically drops the amperage down to a gentle trickle-charge to finish the remaining 20% (Stage 2).
Why is this a big deal? The new chargers feature a dual-LED indicator light. When the first light goes solid and the second light starts flashing, you know the battery is at 80%. If you are in a rush, you can pull the battery off the charger right then and get back to work with plenty of juice!
Promotion availability and prices can change at any time on Amazon. Information included on this page is accurate as of 2026-03-10 at 00:57 CST.
Promotion availability and prices can change at any time on Amazon. Information included on this page is accurate as of 2026-03-10 at 00:57 CST.
⚠️ Don’t Overpay for DeWALT Batteries
Buying replacement DeWALT batteries and chargers at retail price is a massive mistake. We track hidden Amazon discounts and daily price drops so you can stock up for less:
- ⏱️ Hourly Updates: The Top 100 Amazon Tool Deals (Updated Every Hour)
- 🔄 Battery Hack: Use ANY Battery With ANY Tool: The Cordless Adapter Guide
4. Fast vs. Slow Charging: Which is Actually Better?
It is easy to assume that the 8-Amp DCB118 or DCB1108 is the “best” charger simply because it is the fastest. But for the average user, that isn’t entirely true.
The Problem with Fast Charging
Heat is the number one enemy of lithium-ion batteries. Shoving 8 Amps of current into a battery generates a massive amount of heat. Over time, consistently fast-charging a battery will degrade the internal cells, leading to a shorter overall lifespan. This is why the DCB118 has a loud internal fan to try and combat the extreme temperatures.
The Verdict: DIYer vs. Pro
- For the Average DIYer: You do not need the superfast 8-Amp chargers. If you are just building shelves in the garage or mowing your lawn, the standard DCB112 (2-Amp) or DCB115 (4-Amp) is perfect. The slower, gentler charge generates less heat and will actually help your expensive batteries last longer over the years.
- For the Professional: If you are a contractor running high-draw tools like rotary hammers, grinders, or heavy-duty saws, time is money. You need a fast charger like the DCB118 or the new DCB1106 so you can cycle through dead batteries and keep your crew working.