DeWalt 20V MAX 3Ah Battery (2 Pack)

Why I added this two-pack to my 20V kit

I reach for 3Ah packs when I want dependable runtime without turning a compact tool into a boat anchor. This two-pack of 20V MAX 3Ah batteries has settled into that “daily driver” slot in my kit: powerful enough for most tasks, light enough to keep tools nimble, and quick to turn around on the charger. After several weeks of real jobsite and around-the-house use, I’ve formed a clear picture of where these batteries shine—and where you might want something bigger.

What you’re getting

• Two 20V MAX lithium-ion batteries (3.0Ah each)
• LED state-of-charge indicator (three bars) on each pack
• Compatible with all 20V MAX tools and chargers
• No charger in the box
• Rated charge time around an hour on a standard charger
• 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, 90-day satisfaction

My units arrived at roughly half charge, which is ideal for storage. The casings on mine are labeled as assembled in Mexico with cells made in China, which is common for this line.

Build, fit, and compatibility

Physically, these are full-size 20V MAX packs—not the short “compact” 1.3/1.5Ah style, and not the extended “brick” of the 6Ah and up. They slide into every 20V tool I own with a snug, rattle-free fit: drill/driver, impact driver, oscillating tool, random orbit sander, small blower, inflator, and a jobsite fan. The latching mechanism feels positive, and the pack rails haven’t shown premature wear.

The fuel gauge is easy to press with a gloved thumb and visible even in bright light. If you’ve been squinting at older 20V packs without gauges, this is a nice quality-of-life bump—especially when you’re staging multiple tools and want to grab the pack with the most juice.

Charging has been uneventful across the DCB115 and DCB112 chargers in my shop. From the red light to green on a fully depleted pack takes about an hour on the DCB115; slightly longer on the older DCB112. Higher-output chargers can shave time, but an hour has been a reliable real-world number.

Performance and runtime

Paired with compact and mid-size tools, 3Ah hits a sweet spot. Here’s how they performed for me:

• Drill/driver and impact driver: Plenty of runtime for a half-day of cabinetry installs or hardware work. Driving structural fasteners nonstop will drain it faster, but that’s true for any mid-size pack.
• Oscillating multi-tool: Consistent power sanding door jambs and undercutting trim. Heat buildup was minimal and no noticeable sag as the pack approached one bar.
• Random orbit sander: About 35–45 minutes of continuous sanding on pine and poplar before a swap. Dust collection stayed efficient right up to the last bar.
• Jobsite fan and inflator: Excellent pairing. The fan ran over an hour at medium-high, still showing one bar.
• String trimmer (20V): Managed trimming on a sizable yard without a mid-job swap. If you’re cutting heavy growth week after week, you may want a 5Ah, but for moderate trimming a 3Ah is perfectly serviceable.

High-draw tools—7-1/4-inch circular saws, grinders, compact reciprocating saws cutting thick stock—will remind you that 3Ah is mid-tier capacity. They work, but if you’re ripping sheet goods for an hour, you’ll be happier with a 5Ah or a FlexVolt.

Importantly, the power delivery is steady. I didn’t see the sudden drop-off that some lower-capacity packs show at the tail end. The low self-discharge has also been solid; packs left on the shelf for a few weeks still had usable charge when I picked them up.

Weight and balance

On paper, these are about 22–23 ounces per pack, and that’s what my scale showed. On a compact drill or impact driver, the battery keeps the tool planted without making it rear-heavy. Compared to a 5Ah, the weight difference isn’t dramatic, but in tight spaces or overhead work the slightly slimmer profile and marginal weight savings help. On sanders and oscillating tools, the 3Ah footprint preserves line of sight and control, which is why I default to it there.

Durability and thermal behavior

The housings are thick, the seams are clean, and the overmold shows no flashing or gaps. I’ve had a few inevitable bumps: one waist-height drop onto plywood, and the packs have picked up the usual scuffs. No cracks, no loose cells, no wobbly latches. The slide contacts remain tight and corrosion-free.

Under load, the packs stayed warm but not hot, even during continuous sanding. In cooler weather (around 40°F), they charged and discharged normally; in hotter conditions (90°F+), the chargers did throttle near the end of the cycle, which is expected and protects the cells. If you often work in extreme heat, keep packs shaded and let them cool a few minutes before charging for best life.

Charging experience

With a standard 20V MAX charger, I’m seeing about 55–65 minutes from empty to full. If you rotate the two included packs, you can realistically work continuously on most tasks: one on the tool, one on the charger. That makes this two-pack format particularly efficient for single-user setups and weekend projects.

A reminder that there’s no charger included—a non-issue if you’re already in the 20V line, but worth noting for anyone jumping in via bare-tool purchases.

Value and where 3Ah fits in the lineup

A two-pack of 3Ah batteries sits in a favorable price/performance pocket. For many users, it’s more practical than buying a single 5Ah: you get redundancy, continuous workflow with charging rotation, and enough capacity to cover most tasks. If your day is mostly drilling, driving, sanding, and light trimming, 3Ah is all you need.

If your work skews toward saws, grinders, or nonstop outdoor power equipment, 5Ah (or larger) is a better primary battery, with 3Ah as your lighter backup. For pros who need maximum runtime between swaps, the higher-capacity packs earn their keep.

Small touches that matter

• The fuel gauge is surprisingly helpful when you stage multiple tools.
• Packs ship at a sensible storage charge, ready to top off.
• The warranty is generous for batteries: 3 years limited plus a 90-day satisfaction period.
• Compatibility across the 20V MAX chargers avoids any guesswork.

Care tips for longer life

• Avoid leaving packs on a hot dash or in direct sun; high heat shortens lifespan.
• Store around half-charge if you won’t use them for a few weeks.
• Let a hot pack cool a few minutes before charging.
• Keep the slide contacts clean—blow out dust and wipe occasionally.

Who these are best for

• Homeowners building out a 20V kit who want two reliable, general-purpose packs.
• Pros who prioritize tool balance on drivers, OMTs, and sanders and keep bigger packs for saws.
• Anyone who values quick charge turnarounds and a simple rotate-and-go workflow.

Final take

This two-pack of 3Ah 20V batteries hits the everyday sweet spot: dependable power, manageable size, fast enough charging, and a sensible price for two. They pair beautifully with compact and mid-size tools and keep a small shop or single installer moving without constant charger babysitting. If your workload leans heavily into high-draw cutting and grinding, step up to 5Ah as your main battery and treat these as the lighter complement. For everyone else, these 3Ah packs are an easy recommendation.

Recommendation: I recommend this two-pack for users who want a balanced, no-drama battery for most 20V tasks. It offers strong day-to-day usability, practical runtime, and the convenience of a two-battery rotation—backed by a solid warranty and broad charger/tool compatibility. If you routinely run high-demand tools, consider pairing these with at least one larger-capacity pack to cover those needs.