Converting a Bosch 18V core 8A Battery to a Aldi workzone 20V tool?

[Ed.]

Does anyone know if there is an adapter available that could convert Bosch 18V core 8A battery pack to run an Aldi tool that uses an Xfinity plus 20V battery.

I have just placed an order for a Bosch impact driver and impact drill combo and it comes with a 8aH battery and charger for $300, the tools have a reasonable amount of torque for most jobs but the impact driver wrench has only 185Nm. Aldi have a cheap 350Nm one for about $80 which I wouldn't mind for the odd occasion for when I need more torque but the Bosch battery most likely won't fit it.

I was just wandering if any enterprising person has made made an adapter using a 3D printer to convert the Bosch battery to fit the Aldi tool, as I don't really want to buy another different charger and battery to drive it. The 2V difference could also be the way the battery is measured, ie; a fresh fully charged 12V (13.5V) battery vs one that has stabilized after a few hours off charge (12.6V), and don't know if it would make that much difference anyway!

 

[Onoff]

Probably something on the Thingiverse, you're looking I guess for a "breakout" adapter you can graft to the Aldi tool.

https://www.yeggi.com/q/bosch+battery/

What's the "Bosch 18V core 8A battery pack", anything special?

 

[Ed.]

Onoff, don't think that there is anything really special about it just that it is a 8A one apart from some cooling tech which is supposed to be good, I didn't particularly want a different battery and charger lying around, I would prefer just to use the one battery and charger, this will be going in to a caravan for road trips eventually so trying to keep it simpler. Had a look at that Yeggi site but couldn't find the right adapter, the site does not list what the items or delivery cost are but if the parts are made overseas by the time it lands here it might be too expensive. I might just have to bite the bullet and get the Aldi battery and charger.

 

[frank horton]

ed
been looking to put Aldi batt's on my 18v Hitachi Lithium , drill driver....(little use but over 5 years old now and the old style batts) cos the smart charger is junk.....to expensive to buy a new charger especially as I don't know how long the orig batts will go on for......
have a later style Hitchi combo kit but the extra drill is always handy... did hook it up with wires to a 12v + 6v motorcycle batts.....that was ok for bench work....
I don't care if the replacements r Lith or older type, just want another usable drill with out just throwing it away....
wish u success ....

 

[eddie49]

I didn't know that Aldi had got as far as Oz. ....
In general I have a lower opinion of Aldi's cordless tools than the similar Lidl "Parkside" range, but here in UK there is a new Aldi "Ferrex" cordless range, as described here:
https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/new-aldi-ferrex-cordless-tool-range.91150/#post-1339297
This range has 2.0 and 5.0Ah batteries, and offers 20v or 40v from one battery. Still no brushless motors though.

Both Aldi and Lidl rate their Lithium cordless tool batteries at "20" volts, whereas most other companies call them 18v. They all run 5 x 18650 Li-ion cells in series, which range from 3.7 to 4.2v depending on state of charge.

I'm surprised that Aldi offer a cordless impact tool with 350Nm, not seen it here. Typically hex impact drivers are about 180 Nm maximum, so I guess that tool is a 1/2" drive impact wrench? Bosch offer 1/2" impact wrenches that range up to 650Nm, albeit at a price, but since you've already got the battery and charger you could just buy a "bare" Bosch wrench.

When looking for Bosch-to-Aldi 3D-printed battery adapters, you might try searching for the Aldi "Workzone" brand name.

 

[hotponyshoes]

I don't know if it's that simple,
Have a read up on the bosch website as I think they mention some sort of communication between the battery and the tool.
I do know the bosch battries have 5 terminals on them, 2 larger ones presume for power and 3 smaller ones. The smaller ones might just be for charging but I know some tools like the grinder will switch off if you have left the battery in the sun or you stall it.

I have got the bosch 1/2" impact gun, I think it was £150 or so as a bare unit but that's the HT version with 650nm, it's also a lot lighter than any of the others I looked at.

 

[Onoff]

Had a look at that Yeggi site but couldn't find the right adapter, the site does not list what the items or delivery cost are but if the parts are made overseas by the time it lands here it might be too expensive.

Doesn't work like that. On the site the idea is you can download the file and 3D print it yourself. These adapters tend to need various degrees of faffing, making your own terminals etc.

I want to get into 3D printing myself as I'd like to run a number of old cheapo 18V NiCAD / NimH tools off of my Makita Li-ion batteries.

I know someone who has just used these people for online 3D printing:

https://www.3dprint-uk.co.uk/pricing/

His thread on it is here:

https://forum.buildhub.org.uk/topic/8350-anyone-used-online-3d-printing-services/?page=2

 

[Screwdriver]

Most if not all battery packs will have a thermistor to detect heat. If the pack gets too hot, the charger will stop charging. The "clever" electronics will be in the charger.

 

[slimjim]

Most if not all battery packs will have a thermistor to detect heat. If the pack gets too hot, the charger will stop charging. The "clever" electronics will be in the charger.

Both the tool and the charger will have clever electronics,

The tool will not allow the battery to drop below a certain charge, and the charger will not allow the battery to go above a certain charge.

 

[Screwdriver]

Yes of course, I should have mentioned. I am having some issues with my Cool Fire IV vape device which is too clever by half. Swapped the exploding Lipo pack for a less explody 18650 and it won't give me anything like the rated capacity of the new battery

Looking at the puffed up battery I took out of my old spare vape, I may reconsider carrying the thing around in my pocket!

It's outside now and getting bigger by the minute until I decide what to do with it.

Target practice is the prime candidate....

 

[Wozzaaah]

Yes of course, I should have mentioned. I am having some issues with my Cool Fire IV vape device which is too clever by half. Swapped the exploding Lipo pack for a less explody 18650 and it won't give me anything like the rated capacity of the new battery

Looking at the puffed up battery I took out of my old spare vape, I may reconsider carrying the thing around in my pocket!

It's outside now and getting bigger by the minute until I decide what to do with it.

Target practice is the prime candidate....

Whatever you choose to do, video it’s demise and post it on here.

 

[bricol]

Dropped into salty water is/was the recommended way to dispose of model car racing batteries - but that might be ones not in danger of catching fire. Into a steel box of sand and shut the lid is the first course of action now I think

 

[Ed.]

I decided against getting one due to not really needing one at this stage, so will worry about it when and if the need arises. The Bosch one would be nice but it is too much coin for something that would be nice to have but might never end up using or needing. The Aldi one didn't inspire me to go get it for the same reason as the Bosch, no immediate need!

 

[Ed.]

Doesn't work like that. On the site the idea is you can download the file and 3D print it yourself. These adapters tend to need various degrees of faffing, making your own terminals etc.

Thanks for that info.