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I want to turn all my power tools and batteries a universal connector like USB-C. I have a 3d printerand skills so getting the manual interface is easy enough, but I don't a lot about ports and tech. I'm learning fast, but I'm not quite there yet.

From what I understand, I'd need to put a female port on the battery which isn't difficult and has been done plenty for charging.

I'd need to put a male plug on the tools to interface with it, and my initial research says I can't just solder the power pins to the cables in the tool, I'll need a circuit board that requests the 20v from the usb source? Is that doable? It looks like I can pick them up on AliExpress. But I need a qualified adult to verify that's what I need to do.

From there, would I be able to cord them with this method or would I need to build a better usb charger port?

Is there a better port to use? Usb-C is nice and small so I can fit it in wherever I like, but can it handle tool use? Would it be better to do usb or something else?

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[-] whats_a_lemmy@midwest.social 4 points 1 month ago

I have seen battery adapters that let you use one brand's batteries on another brand's tools. Though I think some newer batteries now use proprietary controllers in addition to proprietary formats.

[-] HerbGrower@slrpnk.net 3 points 1 month ago

Yeah, expectation of them doing HP style bullshit makes me want to refuse the entire thing.

Plus as long as hand tools do a good enough job there is something rather satisfying about using them. So much quieter too, I can hear the local cats if one of them turns up and wants a head scratch. Or if I have gloves on, a tummy rub.

this post was submitted on 28 Jul 2026
34 points (97.2% liked)

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