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Tips for Extending the Life of Power Tool Batteries:
1. Use the right charger: Ensure that you are using the correct charger for your power tool batteries. Using a charger that is not compatible can damage the batteries and reduce their lifespan.
2. Store batteries properly: When not in use, store power tool batteries in a cool and dry place. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or moisture, as it can affect their performance.
3. Charge batteries fully: Fully charge your power tool batteries before using them. Partially charging or using partially charged batteries can result in reduced capacity over time.
4. Avoid over-discharging: Try to avoid completely discharging your power tool batteries before recharging them. Over-discharging can shorten their lifespan. Recharge them as soon as you notice a decrease in performance.
5. Regularly use the batteries: Power tool batteries perform better when they are used regularly. If you have multiple batteries, rotate their usage to prevent any of them from sitting unused for long periods.
6. Clean battery contacts: Clean the battery contacts on both the battery and the tool regularly. Use a soft cloth or brush to remove any dirt or debris, as dirty contacts can affect the performance of the batteries.
Following these tips can help extend the life of your power tool batteries and ensure they perform optimally for a longer period.
Although a cordless power tool provides a lot of convenience compared to its wired counterpart, it’s not entirely impervious to damage. The longevity of its rechargeable battery is influenced by how often you use, or not use, the tool, and how you store the battery when it’s not in use. Following a few best practices will help ensure that these rechargeable batteries last as long as the tools that require them.
Charge Regularly
Older nickel-metal hydride or NiMH laptop batteries required a complete discharge occasionally to restore their original lifespan. This occurs when low-power batteries are used the same way every day, creating a “memory.” The same isn’t true for most rechargeable tool batteries because tool use draws a lot of energy and in a more sporadic manner than a laptop. Charge a NiCad battery when it reaches 70 percent or shows some power loss. A lithium-ion battery may not show a power loss until it’s completely drained. Since a large project may require continual tool use, it’s helpful to have a spare, fully charged battery on hand.
If you’ve stored the tool with a fully charged battery for a long time and haven’t used it, don’t expect the battery to be fully charged when you next use it. The battery drains even when not in use. A NiCad battery loses a significant amount of power during the first three days of non-use, while a lithium-ion battery does a better job of retaining its power. In either case, put the battery back on the charger for at least a few minutes to determine if it still has a full charge. If the battery has a built-in fuel gauge, press it instead.
For seasonal tools such as a weed trimmer or snow blower, charge the battery every six months or so.
Optimal Temperature for Charging
Allow the battery to reach room temperature indoors before recharging it.
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Kosolovskyy/iStock/GettyImages
The battery’s temperature during charging also affects its lifespan. Charging a battery outdoors on a cold winter day could cause permanent damage that shortens battery life. The same goes for charging a battery that’s been exposed to summer heat and sunlight all day. If you’ve used the battery in extreme conditions, let it sit for a few hours indoors or in a place where it can reach room temperature before charging it. If the battery feels hot after using it for a while, it also needs to cool down to room temperature before charging. Certain chargers, like those made for Ryobi lithium-ion weed trimmer batteries, will not charge a battery until it reaches a moderate temperature.
Self-Protection Mechanism
Battery life decreases significantly when used in high-torque situations or when the tool’s motor is under heavy load. The battery may overheat, which could shorten its lifespan. Many newer lithium-ion batteries, such as those made for Milwaukee tools, include intelligent circuitry that automatically shuts off power when under intense load. In this instance, the battery flashes a series of lights. The battery must cool down again before it can be used.
When a power-tool battery is about to run out of power during use, the gauge will flash in a different way, indicating that it needs to be charged. It is important to note that different brands have different light setups and codes of flashing lights on their battery packs. To avoid confusion, it is best to read the manual or consult the manufacturer’s site for clarification on specific batteries, as each company has its own way of dealing with various battery conditions.
To protect loose batteries from damage due to rough or improper handling, it is recommended to store them in separate compartments in padded bags or original tool cases at project sites. They should be protected from direct sunlight and rain and kept in a moderate environment, not inside a hot vehicle. At home, it is advisable to keep batteries in storage cases or a dry, room-temperature location protected from dust and away from heat sources and pilot lights. Covering the terminals with the plastic cap that came with the battery helps prevent scratches, moisture damage, and even short circuits. It is also best to keep conductive metal objects away from the battery, especially the terminals, to avoid fires.
Reading the tool’s manual is crucial to ensure maximum battery life, as not all battery chargers are created equally. Leaving a typical tool battery on the charging base with the charger plugged in could overcharge the battery and shorten its life. It is recommended to remove the battery from the charging base after it is charged. However, some companies like Dewalt suggest leaving the battery on the charging base with the base plugged in, thanks to a maintenance mode that keeps a battery fully charged and ready to use. If the manual is lost, it is advisable to check the company’s website, where downloadable manuals for fairly current tool models are often available.
Moisture and tool batteries do not mix, and it is best to avoid using cordless tools in rainy weather or storing the tool or battery in an area where it may get wet. Storing a loose battery in a damp, humid environment could cause its terminals to corrode, making it harder to charge the battery. Moisture can also seep into the battery housing, damaging the battery permanently. Therefore, a battery that has been submerged in water or shows signs of moisture damage should not be used.
What to Do When Your Battery Life Decreases
A battery has a limited lifespan and can only be recharged a certain amount of times before it fails.
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michaklootwijk/iStock/GettyImages
If you notice that your tool battery isn’t lasting as long as it used to, try completely draining it and then charging it again before using it. If the battery still doesn’t seem to be holding a charge for long, it may be time to replace it. All rechargeable batteries have a limited lifespan, which means that after a certain number of charges, they won’t work as well as they used to. For example, a battery designed to last for 100 full charges may only last for 50 charges if it’s only charged to 50% each time. If your battery is several years old and you’ve charged it hundreds of times, it’s probably time to purchase a new one.
How to Dispose of Dead Batteries
Don’t throw away old rechargeable batteries. Instead, take them to a battery-recycling location, such as a big-box home improvement store or a Call 2 Recycle partner. Call 2 Recycle is a non-profit organization that has battery dropoff bins in most states. You can use their online map to find a recycling location near you. These locations also accept other rechargeable batteries, as well as old cell phones. If there isn’t a dropoff location near you, contact your local city hall or trash pickup company. Many communities and counties offer special pickup locations and times for items like batteries, old phones, and computers.
FAQ
1. What is the best way to extend the life of power tool batteries?
One of the best ways to extend the life of power tool batteries is to properly charge and store them. It is important to use the correct charger for your specific battery and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging. Avoid overcharging or undercharging the batteries, as this can cause damage. When storing the batteries, keep them in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures. Also, remember to use the batteries regularly, as this helps to maintain their overall health and performance.
2. Is it necessary to fully discharge power tool batteries before recharging?
No, it is not necessary to fully discharge power tool batteries before recharging them. In fact, fully discharging the batteries can actually be harmful to their overall lifespan. Most modern power tool batteries are designed to be charged at any state of discharge. It is recommended to recharge the batteries when they reach around 20-30% capacity remaining. This helps to prevent over-discharging, which can lead to irreversible damage to the battery cells.
3. Can using a power tool while the battery is low damage the battery?
Using a power tool while the battery is low can potentially damage the battery. When the battery is low, it may not be able to supply enough power to the tool, causing strain on the battery cells. This can lead to overheating and reduced battery life. It is best to recharge the battery or replace it with a fully charged one if it is running low. Regularly monitoring the battery level and avoiding using the tool when the battery is almost empty can help preserve its life.
4. Should power tool batteries be completely discharged before long-term storage?
No, power tool batteries should not be completely discharged before long-term storage. It is actually recommended to store the batteries with around 40-50% charge remaining. This helps to prevent over-discharging, which can be detrimental to the battery’s health. Before storing the batteries, it is also important to clean them and ensure they are stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
5. Can using non-original chargers damage power tool batteries?
Using non-original chargers can potentially damage power tool batteries. Original chargers are specifically designed to work with the corresponding battery model and provide the appropriate charging voltage and current. Non-original chargers may not have the necessary safety features or charging specifications, which can lead to overcharging or undercharging the batteries. This can cause damage to the battery cells and reduce their overall lifespan. It is always best to use the original charger provided by the manufacturer.
6. Is it possible to revive a completely dead power tool battery?
Reviving a completely dead power tool battery is often not possible. When a battery is completely discharged and left in that state for an extended period, the battery cells can become damaged beyond repair. However, there are some methods that can be tried, such as jump-starting the battery with a compatible charger or using specialized battery-reviving devices. These methods may work in some cases, but they are not guaranteed to revive every dead battery. It is always best to follow proper charging and storage practices to avoid completely discharging the battery.
7. How often should power tool batteries be replaced?
The lifespan of power tool batteries can vary depending on several factors, such as usage frequency, charging habits, and overall maintenance. On average, power tool batteries last for around 2 to 5 years. However, if a battery starts to show signs of decreased performance, such as reduced runtime or difficulty holding a charge, it may be time to consider replacing it. Regularly monitoring the battery’s performance and following proper charging and storage practices can help extend its lifespan and delay the need for replacement.