Your cordless tool batteries are already a portable power station. You just need an adapter to unlock them. A ZED 12V battery adapter clicks onto a charged Milwaukee, Makita or DeWALT battery and turns it into a regulated 12V supply for lights, a fridge, pumps, chargers, a Starlink Mini and more. No generator. No heavy lithium power station. No second battery to lug around. Here is how to build one from the batteries you already own, what it can run, and how to keep it safe.
In this article
- What you need
- How to set it up
- What can you run, and for how long?
- Which ZED adapter to pick
- Keep your batteries safe
- FAQ
What you need to build a tool-battery power station
The kit list is short, and you probably own most of it already:
- A ZED battery adapter built for your battery brand. The Middle Man, Power Plate or Battle Station, ordered to suit Milwaukee, Makita or DeWALT.
- A charged 18V or 20V tool battery. Higher amp-hours (Ah) means longer runtime.
- Your 12V gear. Anything with a cigarette plug or an Anderson plug. Every ZED kit includes a genuine 50A Anderson to female cigarette-socket adapter, so standard 12V leads plug straight in.
- Optional mounts. A Power Plate mounting bracket or a Middle Man mounting hook for a tidy, fixed setup.
That is the lot. No inverter, no DC-to-DC charger, no separate battery bank.
How to set up your portable power station
- Charge your tool battery.
- Click it into the ZED adapter until it locks home.
- Plug your 12V gear into the Anderson output, or into the included Anderson to cigarette-socket adapter.
- Mount it. Strap it to a rail, hang it on the S-hook, or bolt a Battle Station in place. See our mounting guide for the best option.
- Turn your gear on. When the battery flattens and the low voltage disconnect cuts in, swap in a fresh one and keep going.
What can you run, and for how long?
Anything that runs off 12V and stays under the adapter's amp rating. In the real world that means:
- Tradies: work lights, chargers and small 12V gear on-site, with no generator.
- 4WD touring: a 12V fridge, camp lights and comms straight off your tool batteries.
- Camping: a light, fuel-free alternative to a heavy power station.
- Shed or home backup: emergency 12V lighting and device charging when the mains drop out.
- Off-grid internet: a Starlink Mini for hours per battery.
Runtime comes down to your battery's amp-hours and how hard your gear works. As a rough guide, a 5Ah or 6Ah battery will run a small 12V fridge for roughly 10 to 12 hours, and a Starlink Mini for roughly 2 to 4 hours. A big 10Ah battery stretches the Mini to 6 to 7 hours. Carry a spare battery and the runtime is as long as you like.
Want a number for your own setup? We built a free 12V fridge runtime calculator that does the maths for your battery and fridge.
Which ZED adapter is right for you?
All three turn your tool batteries into 12V power. The difference is output and how you mount them.
| Adapter | Output | Best for | Mounting | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middle Man | 12V / 10A | Fridges and the longest runtime (runs two batteries) | Strap, S-hook, optional Engel hook | $349 |
| Power Plate | 12V / 5A | Power plus a built-in LED flood light | Clamps, strap, S-hook | $279 |
| Battle Station | 12V / 5A | A permanent install in a ute, van or canopy | Bolt, screw, rivet or adhesive | $198 |
12V / 10A, runs two batteries for the longest runtime. The fridge and touring choice.
12V / 5A with a built-in LED flood light. Runs your gear and lights up camp at once.
12V / 5A, the simplest, toughest package. Bolt it into a ute, van or canopy and leave it.
Keep your batteries safe
A tool battery is an expensive thing to cook. On Milwaukee and DeWALT, ZED protects yours with a built-in Smart Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) that cuts the load before the battery over-discharges, then stops drawing so it cannot bleed the battery flat after cut-off. Makita packs have their own internal disconnect, so ZED Makita adapters rely on that instead. Either way, every ZED adapter is internally fused. A few habits help too:
- Store batteries cool and partially charged for the best life.
- Inspect connectors and cables now and then.
- Keep the adapter out of standing water and heavy dust.
Frequently asked questions
Can a power tool battery really run a fridge?
Yes. With a regulated 12V adapter it will run a small 12V fridge for roughly 10 to 12 hours on a 5Ah or 6Ah battery. See our full fridge guide.
Do I need an inverter?
No. A ZED adapter gives you regulated 12V DC directly. You only need an inverter for 240V AC gear, which most camp and worksite kit is not.
What is a volt dropper, and is that the same thing?
Yes. A volt dropper is just the Aussie name for a battery adapter that drops 18V or 20V down to 12V. Here is how a volt dropper works.
Which adapter should I choose?
Middle Man for fridges and the longest runtime, Power Plate if you also want a flood light, Battle Station for a permanent install.
Is it safe to leave it running overnight?
Yes. On Milwaukee and DeWALT the ZED Smart LVD cuts off before the battery over-discharges and then stops drawing; on Makita the pack's own internal disconnect does that job. Either way it will not be flat or damaged by morning.
Build your power station from the batteries you own
Rugged, regulated 12V power, with the Smart LVD on Milwaukee and DeWALT and Makita's own pack protection. Designed, assembled and tested in Australia.
Shop ZED adapters →Free shipping across Australia and New Zealand. Aussie made, real-world tested.