Drill batteries that wont take a charge.

[8rad]

Hey guys,

Got 2 18v drill batteries that wont charge. Seen some utube videos that show shocking the battery to get the voltage up to charge levels.

Do you think I could use my AC6 to get the batteries up to charge levels? LIke bringing back lipos?

Anyone done this?

[Dirtdiver]

I think they are probably going to the recycling bin.

[jwscab]

I've got a dewalt drill that works really well. Except the batteries sucked from the first year I had them. They use a 3/4 sub C cell in the NiCd packs and I have already replaced them once in two packs. While those cells work when fully charged, they still suck very badly after a day or so sitting idle. It's very annoying and I refuse to pay for new ones. I am very tempted to figure out a lipo pack that fits in the battery pack and switch over, making a dummy 'sub C' cell to wire into, and gutting the charger so I can use the frame work to charge with a LIPO charger. It's criminal they don't offer a lithium conversion kit for us poor schmucks with NiCd or ever works, NiMh cells.

[THEYTOOKMYTHUMB]

It's criminal they don't offer a lithium conversion kit for us poor schmucks with NiCd or ever works, NiMh cells.

All my NiCd tools have been taking a dump over the past 2 years. I estimate about $230 a piece roughly 10 years ago. Not a real great value if you do the math. Hopefully I can get more than $23/year use out of the new Lithium tools. It has been fun buying all the new toys though...

To answer the original question, I'd say it's worth a shot. It's not like you're going to ruin them anymore than they already are.

[clm]

You might want to add in a lipo cutoff in the tool... ruining the tool more is not a big problem killing the lipos however!

Chris

[steve]

I know that most know not to leave a bat in an unplugged charger , it will discharge the bat. To low and revers a cell.
Don't waist money on default!.
I have a Panasonic that is 10 11 years old and still holds a charge
The new Panasonic lipo are real nice

[RCMA]

I am very tempted to figure out a lipo pack that fits in the battery pack and switch over, making a dummy 'sub C' cell to wire into, and gutting the charger so I can use the frame work to charge with a LIPO charger.

+ 1

I even tried discharging with alligator clips using my Protek 106b but, my Dewalt batteries still need to be recharged every time before use.

[Diamond Dave]

I think I see a common similarity to the problem going on here. You guys keep buying Dewalt cordless tools. Don't get me wrong, they do make a decent quality tool.

The batts suck, Four out of every five I come across have power issues.

I have dealt with used tools since February of 2000. That is a lot of used cordless drills, circ saws, recip saws, flashlights, drywall screw guns, and cut off style tools.

Just speaking from experience and my personal opinion, Do your self a favor and purchase a new Makita, or Milwaukee (insert tool here). Again, just my personal take on it.

I would def try to adapt a lipo, problem solved if you do. Post some pics!

Side note, I know a few guys that run the Dewalt motors in the SCX10 or Wraith, for trail running. They sure do take a ton of abuse.

[myfordcnc]

It may just be a run of bad luck but I've completely given up on cordless drills. Usually the batteries go and the chargers or the the drill motors or the switches. I've owned Hillti, Dewalt, Makita, Bosch,festool, Hitachi, Milwaukee and even tried Black & Deker. I've spent thousands trying to find reliable drills. All have failed me in one way or another. My corded drills have never given me any grief That's what I use now. True, when your drilling up to 5000 on a typical hull then maybe it's beyond the drills specs but that's what I need on a day to day basis.

[jwscab]

yeah, that was my fault for buying a dewalt I suppose. My brother swears by the makita 18V cordless hammer drill and I have seen them in action and they work fantastic.

[Lonestar]

It may just be a run of bad luck but I've completely given up on cordless drills. Usually the batteries go and the chargers or the the drill motors or the switches. I've owned Hillti, Dewalt, Makita, Bosch,festool, Hitachi, Milwaukee and even tried Black & Deker. I've spent thousands trying to find reliable drills. All have failed me in one way or another. My corded drills have never given me any grief That's what I use now. True, when your drilling up to 5000 on a typical hull then maybe it's beyond the drills specs but that's what I need on a day to day basis.

yup same here, no more non-wired appliances for me either, whether drill, vacuum, or even shaver... I know my batts theory well enough...

[8rad]

Just seems a shame to throw a perfectly good 18v hammer drill and recip saw in the dumpster because its cheaper to buy a new set than replace the batteries.

Our throw away society really bothers me sometimes.