DeWalt 20V MAX XR POWERSTACK Compact Battery Kit

Why I reached for this compact battery

The first time I clipped the PowerStack compact battery onto a mid-size impact driver, the tool’s balance changed in a way I immediately liked. The nose dipped less, my wrist stopped fighting the lever arm, and I could snake the driver into tight spaces I usually avoid with a bulky 5Ah pack. That ergonomic bump is the headline here—but it’s not the whole story.

This kit pairs a single 1.7Ah PowerStack battery with a single-port multi-voltage charger. It’s aimed at users who want a smaller footprint without giving up punch. I’ve been using it across a typical mix of carpentry, light electrical, and punch-list tasks, and I’ve formed a pretty clear picture of where it shines and where it falls short.

What’s in the box

• One 20V compact pouch-cell battery (1.7Ah) with a built-in LED fuel gauge
• One single-port charger compatible with 12V, 20V, and FLEXVOLT batteries
• Standard documentation and warranty

No frills, no bag, just the essentials. The charger isn’t a fast charger, but it’s versatile if you’re already on the brand’s platform.

Size, weight, and ergonomics

This pack is legitimately compact. At roughly 11.2 ounces and with a slimmer profile than traditional compact packs, it makes a noticeable difference on tools you hold overhead or at arm’s length. On an oscillating multi-tool, drywall cut-out tool, or impact driver, the lighter tail transforms control and fatigue. The overmolded base does two nice things: it shrugs off minor drops and keeps the tool from skittering on finished surfaces. I’ve set an oscillating tool on a prefinished stair tread without a heart attack.

The LED fuel gauge is bright and responsive, and you can check it off the tool—handy when grabbing packs off the shelf.

Power and performance

Pouch-cell construction is the hook: by replacing cylindrical cells with stacked pouches, this battery can deliver higher peak current in a smaller package. In practice, that means:

• Impact driver: It hits harder than most 2.0Ah compact packs I own. Driving 3-inch construction screws into SPF, I couldn’t feel a drop in torque versus my 4Ah compact pack—only a change in how long it holds that power.
• Hammer drill: In low gear with a 1-inch spade bit through studs, it kept pace respectably. In high gear with bigger bits, it tapped the limits sooner than higher-capacity packs, as expected.
• Compact circular saw: It will run a 6-1/2-inch saw for short cuts. I crosscut and notched treated 2x without a stall. Doing long rips or repeated bevels? You’ll want more amp-hours.
• Oscillating multi-tool and cut-off tool: This is where it shines. The power stays consistent, and the lighter rear end makes plunge cuts and overhead trimming easier to control.

Under sustained load, the pack feels less “saggy” than the older 1.5–2.0Ah compact packs. It delivers a strong initial punch and maintains it, then drops off quickly when it’s done. That consistent power curve is great for feel and precision.

Runtime and charging

Here’s the trade-off: 1.7Ah is still 1.7Ah. If your day is a steady diet of saw work, hole-sawing LVL, or grinding, this is not your primary battery. For punch lists and service calls, I can get a surprising amount done—fastening hardware, electrical rough, cabinet installs, trim fitting—before the pack calls it. On an average punch-list morning (drivers, OMT, and a handful of saw cuts), I burned through one pack and was halfway through the second by lunch. With only one battery in this kit, you’ll want at least one more pack in your rotation.

Charge time is about an hour from depleted to full on the included charger. The charger’s wide compatibility is convenient if you also run 12V or FLEXVOLT. It’s a single port, so plan your charging strategy accordingly.

Durability and design

The overmolded base isn’t cosmetic; it absorbs small impacts and protects the pack’s corners. I’ve had it ride on scaffolding planks, concrete, and the bed of a truck. No cracked housings, no loose feet. The contacts are recessed and haven’t picked up debris. I appreciate that the pack sits flat; on narrow surfaces, the tool doesn’t teeter.

Thermally, the pack stays composed under short bursts and medium loads. Push it with prolonged, high draw—think metal cutting or nonstop hole-sawing—and it’ll warm up and eventually ask for a breather sooner than a 4Ah or 5Ah. That isn’t a flaw; it’s the reality of the capacity.

Compatibility and ecosystem

The battery works across 20V tools and the included charger accepts 12V, 20V, and FLEXVOLT packs. That matters on mixed crews and in small shops where chargers multiply like rabbits. I kept the included charger on a service cart and topped off whichever pack needed it. If you’re deep in the platform already, the kit is plug-and-play. If you’re new, consider whether a two-battery kit would suit your workflow better.

Reliability, warranty, and care

I haven’t had a pack go dark on me, and it’s been through a few months of regular use. That said, compact, high-output packs live a harder life. A couple of best practices I follow:

• Avoid storing fully depleted; top off before shelving.
• Don’t leave on a hot dashboard or in a freezing trailer.
• Let a hot pack cool before charging for best longevity.
• Seat the pack firmly on the charger; the LED should confirm it’s recognized.

The kit carries a 3-year limited warranty, 1 year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. Registering the pack and keeping proof of purchase smooths any claims. I’d like to see a clear, streamlined path for service if a pack goes unresponsive; that’s something to verify with your retailer or service center before you need it.

Who benefits most

• Electricians, HVAC techs, and maintenance pros who live on compact tools and overhead work
• Installers and punch-list carpenters who value precision and low fatigue
• Homeowners who want a light, strong pack for quick jobs without hauling a big battery

Who should look elsewhere:

• Framers, demo crews, and metalworkers relying on saws and grinders all day
• Anyone needing fewer charge breaks with a single battery in rotation

Value

As a single-battery kit, it’s a strategic purchase, not a one-and-done solution. I see the value in what it changes: balance, access, and punch in a compact tool. The included multi-voltage charger is genuinely useful if you’re cross-platform within the brand. If you’re building out a kit from scratch, consider adding a higher-capacity pack (4Ah or 5Ah) to cover sustained tasks and use this compact pack to keep your go-to driver or multi-tool nimble.

I’d watch for promotions. Compact, high-output batteries are premium items, and pricing can swing. Pick one up at a reasonable price, and it earns its keep quickly on the right tasks.

The bottom line

The PowerStack compact battery kit delivers exactly what it promises: a smaller, lighter pack that hits harder than legacy compact batteries. The benefits are most obvious on drivers and multi-tools, where balance and control matter more than minutes-per-charge. It will run saws in a pinch but isn’t a replacement for higher-capacity packs in sustained, heavy-duty work. The charger is competent and flexible; the overmolded base and LED gauge are thoughtful touches that make daily use better.

Recommendation: I recommend this kit as an addition to an existing 20V setup, especially for anyone who spends real time overhead or in tight spaces. It’s a smart way to unlock more performance from compact tools without adding bulk. If you need long runtime on heavy tools, pair it with a 4Ah or 5Ah pack—or choose a larger kit instead. For the right user and the right tasks, this compact battery earns a slot on the charger and a spot on the tool.