If your Dyson vacuum cleaner battery has long stopped working and the warranty has expired, this popular hack could help. By adding a simple adapter, the vac can run on common 20V power tool batteries, giving the machine a new life for years to come.
If you enjoy thrifty tips, also see 10 Smart & Frugal Garden Hacks to solve common garden problems.
Dyson Battery Replacement Idea
When you invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner, you expect it to last for years. My Dyson DC45 worked nicely for a long time until the battery wore out. It wouldn’t fully charge and the vac would stop and start constantly.
I wanted to get a replacement battery but found they were old, too expensive, and came with no guarantee that they would last long enough to justify the cost.
Before tossing the machine, I decided to try the popular battery hack.
This is how it works. You swap out the battery with an adapter that suits your exact Dyson model. The adapter houses a 20V lithium ion battery used for name brand power tools like Dewalt or Milwaukee.
The whole process takes about 5 minutes and the only tool required is a Phillips screwdriver.
I’m so glad I made the switch because not only is my vacuum cleaner working again—like new—but I can get the entire house clean without having to stop and recharge.
Plus, by using a 20V battery that works with all my power tools, I can have extras on hand.
One downside is this hack makes the vacuum cleaner extra top heavy. The 20V batteries are heavier than the original Dyson one, adding approximately one pound of weight to the unit. That could be a deal breaker if the weight in your hand might be an issue for you.
I’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
As always, any hacks are entirely at your own risk and would certainly void any warranties.
Contents
How to Install Battery Adapter
How to Install Battery Adapter
1Get the Right Adapter
The label on your Dyson vacuum cleaner will list your battery type (A or B).
My Dyson DC45 is type B.
Order an adapter that is the right type (A or B) and works with the 20V battery you intend to use.
I’m using a Dewalt 20V 5Ah rechargeable battery. I could have also used a Dewalt 20V 2Ah battery.
- Type B Battery Adapter (Dyson DC models) | For 20V Dewalt battery | Fits Dyson DC31, DC34, DC35, DC44 DC45, DC56, DC57
- Type B Battery Adapter (Dyson V7/8 models) | For 20V Dewalt battery | Fits Dyson V7, V8
2Open Vac Head
On my Dyson DC45, you press the blue filter button to open the vac head into two pieces.
3Remove Original Battery Pack
Now you can remove the screws that hold the battery pack in place.
On the Dyson DC45 there is one screw on the back of the handle (pictured below, left).
The other screw is right below the area where the washable filter sits (pictured below, right).
Check the screwheads. Mine seem to be posidrive screws but a Phillips screwdriver worked to remove them.
With the screws removed, the battery pack can be removed.
4Insert Battery Adapter
Insert the battery adapter and fasten in place using the same screws you removed.
Put the vac head back together.
5Insert 20V Battery
Insert a fully charged 20V battery and you’re set.
Results
The first time I vacuumed with the new battery, I couldn’t believe how well the machine worked.
I had just cleaned the floors and stairs with my other vacuum cleaner yet the Dyson still found all sorts of pet fur and dirt.
And, best of all, I could vacuum the entire house without losing charge.
Care
- Remove the 20V battery when your vacuum cleaner is not in use.
- Charge the battery as needed.
- Keep up with standard maintenance including washing filter and brushes and your vac will—we hope—last for years to come.
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛