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Excerpt from the Voltman Battery website: What is the difference between NiCad and NiMH? I will keep this very complicated answer in plain English, so both you and I may understand it. NiCad batteries show excellent performance in high-discharge and low-temperature applications, such as powertool batteries. They also have long shelf and use life. NiMh costs more and has half the service life of the NiCd cell, but it also has 30% more capacity. Can NiCad powertool batteries can develop a memory? No! To the disbelief of many, powertool batteries cannot develop a memory. Memory is formed when a nicad battery is used repetitively in the exact same application. Nicad batteries used in cordless phones, cell phones, and video cameras will develop memory. Powertool batteries are a high drain, variable load, application. Because of the various work loads put on a powertool battery it can never develop a memory. How may I prolong the life of my battery packs? Heat is your worst enemy!!! Do not charge a hot battery. Let cool for two hours before charging. If you charge a hot battery it can destroy the connections and protective battery cell wrapping. This causes meltdown and battery failure. Do not increase your drill rpm's to force the drill to work beyond it's capacity. The second you realize your tool losing power is when you change batteries. Never run your pack all the way down!!! Always use sharp drill bits. Charge your batteries monthly when not in use. Should I leave my battery in the charger at all times? No! When your battery is done charging remove it immediately or unplug your charger. If not you may experience battery "melt down." Melt down batteries and chargers are not covered under warranty. It is very very important to remove the pack when charging is complete.
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