Black & Decker 18V Battery Replacement: HPB18 Compatible Models
The Black & Decker HPB18 is the OEM 18V replacement battery for most B&D NiCd-era power tools — but 20V MAX lithium-ion packs (LBXR20) also fit many newer B&D tools and are not interchangeable with the HPB18 slot. Using the wrong battery type can drain faster or fail to charge properly. This guide covers compatible model numbers, OEM vs. aftermarket pricing, NiCd vs. lithium-ion tradeoffs, and step-by-step replacement.
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Which Black & Decker Tools Take the 18V HPB18 Battery?
The HPB18 (also sold under part number 244760-00) is a nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery rated 18V at 1.5Ah. It uses a slide-on mount, not the newer 20V MAX slide-pack shape, so it will not physically fit B&D’s current 20V MAX lineup without an adapter.
It is compatible with the following Black & Decker model numbers:
- HPB18, HPB18-OPE, A18, A1718, A18E, A18NH
- NST2118, NST2018, NST1810, NHT518, NS118
- NPP2018, NPT3118
- Firestorm-branded tools: FS18BX, FS180BX, FS18FL, FSB18, FS18HV, FS18ID, FS18PS
If your tool’s battery compartment has a wide, flat slide-in slot with two or three metal contact pins near the top, it almost certainly takes the HPB18 pack. If instead your tool has a narrower, ridged battery rail, it’s likely the newer 20V MAX platform instead — check the model sticker on the tool body to confirm before ordering. Some older B&D tools also shipped with the separate VPX battery platform, which uses its own mount and is not interchangeable with the HPB18 either.
Is Black & Decker’s 20V MAX the Same as 18V?
20V MAX is a labeling convention, not a different voltage class — the confusion is one of the most common mistakes buyers make when ordering a replacement. Both the 18V HPB18 and B&D’s 20V MAX packs use five lithium or NiCd cells wired in series, each rated 3.6V nominal (5 × 3.6V = 18V). A freshly charged pack peaks closer to 4.2V per cell (5 × 4.2V = 21V, rounded down to “20V MAX” for marketing). The number on the label depends on whether the manufacturer advertises the nominal working voltage or the peak charged voltage — the tools themselves are not built to accept both battery shapes interchangeably.
In practice: an original HPB18-series tool needs an HPB18-compatible replacement (or a physical adapter kit). A 20V MAX tool needs a 20V MAX LBXR20-series pack. Buying the wrong one on the strength of the voltage number alone is the single most common return reason for B&D replacement batteries.
NiCd vs. NiMH vs. Lithium-Ion: Which Replacement Battery Should You Buy?
The original HPB18 was NiCd, rated at just 1.5Ah. Aftermarket replacements are available in three chemistries with far higher capacity — here’s how they compare on price and runtime, based on current listings for HPB18-compatible packs.
| Battery Type | Typical Capacity | Street Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| OEM NiCd (original HPB18) | 1.5Ah | ~$80 where still stocked | Matching an all-original tool set exactly |
| Aftermarket NiMH | 4.5–4.8Ah | $20–$35 | Budget replacements, outdoor tools |
| Aftermarket Lithium-Ion | 6.0–7.0Ah | $35–$59 | Heaviest daily use, longest runtime |
OEM HPB18 packs have become hard to find new, and where they are still sold, they routinely cost more than higher-capacity aftermarket lithium-ion or NiMH replacements — a rare case where the aftermarket option outperforms the original on both price and runtime.
Best Black & Decker 18V Replacement Battery Pick
18V 6.0Ah Lithium-Ion Replacement for HPB18 / 244760-00
A lithium-ion upgrade over the original NiCd HPB18, with 4x the runtime and no memory-effect charging.
- Best for: owners tired of the original 1.5Ah NiCd pack dying mid-project
- Why we picked it: covers the full HPB18/A1718/244760-00 compatibility list at a lower price than OEM
- Main drawback: lithium cells add weight versus the slimmer NiCd original
Compare more 18V replacement battery options
 Budget Pick 4.8Ah NiMH Replacement for HPB18-OPE
|
 Highest Capacity 18V 7.0Ah Lithium Replacement for Firestorm/HPB18
|
 Best Value 2-Pack 2-Pack 4.5Ah HPB18 Replacement Batteries
|
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Step-by-Step Battery Replacement Guide
Safety precautions
- Turn the tool off and, if corded, unplug it before touching the battery compartment.
- Wear gloves — old NiCd terminals can develop sharp corrosion buildup.
- Work in a well-lit, dry area away from flammable dust or sawdust.
Replacing the battery
- Locate the release tab: find the battery release button or lever on the base of the handle.
- Slide the old pack out: press the release and slide the battery straight out of its rail — don’t force it sideways.
- Inspect the contacts: check the tool’s metal contact pins for corrosion before inserting the new pack; clean gently with a dry cloth if needed.
- Slide the new battery in: align it with the rail and push until it clicks fully into place.
- Test before use: pull the trigger briefly with no load to confirm the tool powers on and the battery is seated correctly.
For a look at what’s actually inside one of these packs and why the original NiCd cells fail, this teardown of a genuine B&D 18V NiCd battery is worth watching before you decide whether to replace or rebuild:
Charging and Storing Your Replacement Battery
Always charge with the charger rated for your specific battery chemistry — a NiMH or lithium-ion aftermarket pack should ship with (or specify) a compatible charger, since the original NiCd-only charger may not properly terminate a charge on the newer chemistry. Charge in a dry area between 50–104°F; extreme temperatures shorten cell life on any chemistry.
For storage longer than a few weeks, keep the battery at roughly 30–50% charge rather than fully charged or fully depleted — this single habit does more to preserve lithium-ion and NiMH capacity than anything else. If a battery terminal shows rust or corrosion, see our guide on removing rust from a battery compartment before reinstalling any pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Black & Decker 18V battery last?
The original NiCd HPB18 typically lasts 2–4 years of regular use before capacity drops noticeably, though heavy use or storing it fully depleted can shorten that. Aftermarket lithium-ion replacements generally hold a usable charge for 3–5 years thanks to better cell chemistry and no memory effect.
Can I use a higher voltage battery in my Black & Decker 18V tool?
No. Each tool is engineered for a specific voltage, and forcing a higher-voltage pack into an 18V tool can damage the motor and pose a fire risk. Always match the replacement to the voltage and physical mount printed on your tool’s label.
Is Black & Decker’s 20V MAX battery the same as the 18V HPB18?
They’re the same voltage class under the hood (five cells at 3.6V nominal each) but different physical mounts and product lines. A 20V MAX battery will not slide onto an HPB18-series tool, and vice versa, without a separate adapter kit.
Where can I buy a replacement 18V battery for my Black & Decker tool?
Amazon, Walmart, and specialty battery retailers all carry HPB18-compatible replacements from $20 to $59 depending on capacity and chemistry. Confirm the listing mentions your exact tool model number (for example NST2018 or A1718) before ordering.
How do I properly store my Black & Decker 18V battery?
Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, at roughly 30–50% charge if it will sit unused for more than a few weeks, and avoid leaving it fully depleted for extended periods.
Conclusion
Matching the right replacement battery to your Black & Decker 18V tool comes down to two things: confirming your tool actually takes the HPB18-series mount (not the newer 20V MAX rail), and picking a chemistry that fits your budget and use case. A $20–$35 NiMH pack covers most occasional use; a $35–$59 lithium-ion pack is worth it for daily jobs where runtime matters most.
