DeWalt 9.6V Extended Runtime Battery

A practical way to keep a 9.6V platform working

I still reach for a couple of older 9.6V tools for tight spaces and light-duty tasks, and keeping them in service comes down to having a reliable battery. After several months with this 9.6V battery pack, I’m confident saying it does exactly what I need: it extends runtime over the compact packs of yesteryear, charges predictably, and fits seamlessly into most of the 9.6V lineup—no Univolt crossovers, as expected.

Build, fit, and feel

The pack is classic NiCd: a robust, brick-like housing with beefy contact tabs and a solid latch. It weighs about 14.4 oz and measures roughly 7.09 x 6.3 x 3.15 inches. On my older drill/driver, it locks in with a positive click. The release tabs were a little stiff the first few swaps, but that eased up quickly and now it slides on and off without drama. The build is what I expect from a legacy pro brand battery—no rattles, no misaligned seams, and it seats square to the base.

That said, it’s not a compact. If you’re replacing a smaller pack, the extra mass is noticeable. The tradeoff is the stated 25% bump in runtime compared to compact 9.6V packs, and in practice I did see that advantage.

Compatibility and platform notes

This pack is designed for most 9.6V tools, excluding Univolt. I tested it across an older drill/driver and a small flashlight in the same voltage family. Swapping between tools is exactly the point of these standardized housings; you keep a couple of charged packs and rotate through. There’s no charger in the box—this is a bare battery—so you’ll need a compatible 9.6V NiCd charger on hand.

Performance and runtime

With a 1.7 Ah rating, the pack lands squarely in the “extended runtime” territory for this platform. On lighter tasks (cabinet hinges, electrical plates, trim screws), I could work through a long morning without reaching for the charger. On more demanding tasks—like driving 2-1/2" screws into stud work—the voltage sag that’s characteristic of NiCd shows up near the end of the discharge curve, but the pack stayed consistent until it was time to swap.

Compared to compact 9.6V packs I’ve used, I measured roughly a quarter longer runtime on repeated cycles. That lines up with the spec and made a tangible difference when I didn’t want to stop to charge mid-task. It’s not going to match the punch or endurance of a modern 12V Li-ion system, but if you’re committed to the 9.6V tools you already own, this is a noticeable step up from the smallest packs.

Charging behavior and maintenance

Charge time is listed at about 45 minutes with a compatible charger, which matched my experience—usually a hair under an hour from near empty to full. Heat management is reasonable; the pack gets warm during both charging and heavy use but not excessively so, and it cools off in a few minutes.

Because this is NiCd, a bit of care goes a long way:
- Run it down periodically: Fully discharging every 10–15 cycles helps minimize the “memory” effect that can reduce capacity when repeatedly recharged from the same partial level.
- Store cool and dry: NiCd self-discharge is real; expect a slow drain over weeks. Top off before a job if it’s been sitting.
- Don’t top off constantly: If you keep it on the charger all the time, you may shorten its life. Use it, then charge it, then let it rest.

Follow those habits and NiCd still delivers good longevity, especially compared to early-generation NiMH packs.

Ergonomics and balance

On compact 9.6V tools, the extra capacity shifts balance slightly toward the handle base. I happen to prefer that; it anchors the tool and reduces wrist fatigue during overhead work. If you’re used to featherweight packs, this will feel heavier, but the weight is still modest compared to full-size 18V systems.

The outside surfaces resist scuffs, and the pack stands upright on a bench without wobble—useful when you’re swapping bits or setting the tool down between tasks.

Cold-weather and durability

NiCd chemistry has an advantage in colder conditions where some Li-ion packs sag hard. I used this pack in an unheated garage near freezing, and it retained usable power with only a minor reduction in runtime. It also shrugged off incidental shop dust and a couple of short drops to plywood without missing a beat. The housing doesn’t feel brittle, and the latch mechanism shows no creep after repeated cycles.

Safety, certification, and environmental notes

The pack is independently certified to meet applicable safety standards, which is table stakes for professional batteries. There’s also a Proposition 65 warning about cancer and reproductive harm, typical for products with cadmium-based cells. Don’t toss NiCd in the trash—recycle through a battery stewardship program or a retailer drop-off box. If you run a shop, keep a clearly labeled bin so old packs don’t end up in general waste.

Value and warranty

As a single bare battery, the value proposition depends on how much life you still want from your 9.6V tools. If you’ve got a working set and a charger, this pack extends that ecosystem for far less than converting to a new platform. The manufacturer support is straightforward: 1-year free service, a 3-year limited warranty, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. For a consumable part like a battery, that coverage provides peace of mind without overpromising.

What could be better

• Chemistry realities: NiCd requires more care than Li-ion. Self-discharge and periodic deep cycles are part of the deal.
• Weight vs compact: The extended runtime comes with added mass, which may matter for prolonged overhead drilling.
• Platform ceiling: If you’re hoping to push bigger fasteners or heavier hole saws, the 9.6V platform itself is the limiting factor, not this pack.

Who it’s for

• Owners of 9.6V tools who want to keep them in service with longer runtime than compact packs.
• Pros and hobbyists who value cold-weather reliability and a rugged, no-nonsense battery.
• Shops maintaining legacy tools for light-duty and maintenance tasks where a modern 12V or 18V system would be overkill.

Who it’s not for:
- Anyone starting from scratch. If you don’t already own 9.6V tools and a compatible charger, a modern 12V Li-ion kit will be more powerful, lighter, and more flexible in the long run.
- Users who prefer to “opportunity charge” all day. NiCd rewards full cycles, not constant topping off.

Tips for best results

• Break-in: The first few cycles can feel tight on the latches—swapping a handful of times helped smooth the action.
• Rotate packs: If you own two or more, cycle them evenly to extend overall fleet life.
• Label dates: Mark the in-service date on each pack. It helps track aging and decide which to retire first.

Bottom line

I like this 9.6V battery for what it is: a durable, extended-runtime pack that keeps an older tool platform useful and predictable. It charges quickly, delivers the promised bump in runtime over compact versions, and fits securely across the 9.6V family (excluding Univolt). The NiCd chemistry needs a bit of stewardship, and the added weight is the price of longer run time, but neither is a dealbreaker if you know what you’re getting.

Recommendation: I recommend this battery to anyone invested in 9.6V tools who wants reliable, longer runtime without changing platforms. It’s a practical, well-built replacement that respects the strengths of NiCd—durability and cold-weather performance—while offering sensible warranty support. If you’re starting fresh or ready to upgrade, look to a modern Li-ion system; otherwise, this pack is a smart way to keep a proven 9.6V kit earning its keep.