Bobby George is a technical consultant at LowCostBatteries.com. Please visit the sight for more articles. bobby@lowcostbatteries.com
Chances are, most of you have at least one or two power tools around your home. They are great for both small and large projects and make many tasks much easier due to their power and portability. However, a power tool without power is really no tool at all and will be of little use to anyone. Yet many power tool batteries lose their power due to improper care and the somewhat costliness of replacement power tool batteries causes a lot of power tools to lie dormant. That being said, here are some useful tips for keeping your power tool batteries in the best possible condition to ensure that you're not left scratching your head next time you need to use your power tool.
First off, most power tool batteries are made up of several smaller cells packed inside the battery casing. These cells are predominantly NiCD, meaning that the same rules for all NiCD batteries apply here as well. These batteries have a tendency to develop a memory effect. In order to ensure that your power tool battery doesn't lose a significant amount of its runtime, it is important to practice smart charging behavior. Power tool batteries should be power cycled (fully discharged and fully charged) at least once every few weeks to guard against the memory effect.
Have you ever stored a car or lawnmower for the winter and tried to start it a few months later only to find that the battery is dead? The same will happen to a power tool battery if not properly maintained. This is probably the number one killer of power tool batteries today, especially for those that only use their tools for odd and end jobs every now and then. If the battery is not taken from storage and charged/discharged occasionally, it will certainly fail to function when you need it. When you do store power tool batteries, make sure to store them in a dry, cool, clean place away from metal and heat. Never store power tool batteries on the charger, as this will overcharge the battery and also diminish its runtime.
Many people use power tools in some pretty rough places, such as construction sites, mechanic shops, and landscaping areas. This means that power tool batteries often become dirty and should be cleaned to keep them working correctly. To ensure that dirt doesn't interfere with the battery connections and cause the tool not to function normally, clean the battery contacts with some alcohol and cotton swabs.
If you do have a power tool battery that no longer takes a full charge or simply will not function at all, it may be time to consider having the battery rebuilt. The rebuilding process involves opening the battery casing and replacing the smaller individual cells inside with new rechargeable cells. This process often costs much less than the price of a new battery and most batteries can even be improved by using higher capacity cells which allow the battery to last longer in between charges.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A




Improve Your Surveillance System Using Firewire and USB Camera
By: Jeff | 09/11/2009A proper surveillance system is needed for homeowners and business owners, or anyone who owns or leases physical property. There should be atleast two or more hidden cameras to strengthen the surveillance system.
Secure Yourself with Homeland Security Equipment
By: Jeff | 09/11/2009The terrorist attacks in different countries have highlighted the importance of safety, security and emergency preparedness throughout the world. The homeland security threat level has been raised to elevated status by the security departments of different nations.
Concasseur à Percussion caractéristiques structurelles
By: StoneCrusher | 09/11/2009Concasseur à Percussion contre-angle plaque peut être ajusté pour assurer que la matière entre la plaque arrière et les chocs répétés du rotor a été le vrai point de vue, vous pouvez effectivement améliorer l'efficacité du broyage.
Broyeur à boulets Practice Problems
By: StoneCrusher | 09/11/2009Broyeur à boulets de broyage, en tant que matériel à des fins générales, sont largement utilisées en traitement des minerais, matériaux de construction et les industries chimiques, la machine de champignons balle peut être divisée en deux espèces des terres arides et broyage par voie humide méthodes.
Mobile crushing station guide coal mining technology
By: StoneCrusher | 09/11/2009New mobile crushing station can achieve jaw crusher, cone crusher and sand making machine, vibrating screen integrated combination of mine used to achieve coarse broken, finished, and so systematic treatment significantly increased production efficiency.
Reverse Phone Detective Complaints
By: James Stewart | 09/11/2009reverse phone detective complaints
Reverse Phone Detective Complaints
By: Shanna Ohmes | 09/11/2009reverse phone detective complaints
Reverse Phone Detective Scam
By: Shanna Ohmes | 09/11/2009reverse phone detective scam
How to Increase iPhone 3G Battery Life
By: Bobby George | 24/09/2008 | Cell PhonesTips to extend the life of an iPhone 3G
Back To School Batteries
By: Bobby George | 05/09/2008 | TechnologyWhen preparing to go back to school, don't forget about your battery needs. This article will help you know what to look for.
Are Replacement Laptop Batteries as Good as the Originals?
By: Bobby George | 05/09/2008 | TechnologyWhen you find yourself having to keep your laptop computer plugged into its AC adapter most of the time, chances are your original battery is dead and it's time to start looking for a replacement.
Power Tool Battery Care
By: Bobby George | 07/06/2008 | TechnologyArticle outlining several tips to ensure that your power tool batteries will remain working correctly and will not lose a significant amount of their run time.
Where Can I Find Mercury Battery Replacements?
By: Bobby George | 22/05/2008 | TechnologyHere I discuss the various options available when someone needs to replace a mercury battery.
Your Options When It Comes To Charging Your Batteries
By: Bobby George | 03/04/2008 | ElectronicsHaving trouble keeping your devices up and running? Make sure you never run out of power by checking out some of the many options available for charging your batteries.
Battery Charging Instructions for Extending Battery Life
By: Bobby George | 06/03/2008 | TechnologyInstruction on the best charging practices for new and replacement batteries.