OT: Caring for Li-ion and Ni-metal batteries

Geo-TH,In · Nov 5, 2010

How do you care for your cordless batteries, Li-ion and Ni-metal? I don't charge mine until they have cooled off for an hour or two. It is difficult to tell how much charge I have left in the Li-ion so after using them I charge them that evening or while driving to a job.

You have to use dewalts new charger that will charge all types of batteries, cd, Li and Ni. I like it because it shuts off when the battery is charged and doesn't cook the battery. I don't leave mine in the sun to cook either.

So what is the general wisdom on the proper care of the newer cordless batteries?

Forget Cd batteries, I will not waste my money on them. Only time will tell which battery I'll go with, have both Ni and Li. The Ni is the stronger battery, but the Li is lighter.

Thanks, George

Anonymous-0 · Nov 5, 2010

No special care,however I do try to wait until the battery is dead before charging.

Ken Macfarlane · Nov 5, 2010

Don't wait for Li, running them dead kills them faster. Charge em up.

Tramway Guy · Nov 5, 2010

Dewalt says in their instructions to stop using them at the first sign that they are low. The 'discharge completely' adage was only true for Ni-Cad batteries with 'memory'.

JDemaris · Nov 5, 2010

Wasn't really true for Ni-Cads either, except for some very early versions. Out of all the Ni-Cads, Ni-MHs, and Lithium-Ion batteries, I've gotten the best "bang for the buck" with Ni-Cads in power tools, and Ni-MH in standard cell-size batteries like AAS, As, and Cs. The 18 volt Ni-Cads that Ryobi sells now are the best Ni-Cads I've ever owned.

With Ni-MH batteries, there are now versions that allow long storage without losing charge like the originals do. We use them in many things and so far, so good.

Jon Hagen · Nov 5, 2010

An interesting note, The Ni-MH batteries in Toyota and Honda hybrid cars have the car's electronics set up to never allow the battery to be discharged below 20% charge or recharged above 80% charge.
Toyota claims this results in very long battery life. They guarntee the battery for 100,000 -150,000 miles.( depending on the state where sold) I have seen this on a group of Toyota Prius used as taxi's. Nothing cycles a hybrid battery as often as taxi service, yet those batteries are still strong at over 200,000 miles.

Geo-TH,In · Nov 6, 2010

Ken, When my Li batteries die, they just die. No clue they are running out of gas. So, charging them at the end of the day may be a good thing.

The Ni-metal battery is the best bang for the buck. Purchased it on e-bay. They are under $70 including shipping. Has a 3 amp-hr rating. The dewalt XRP+ is only 2.5 amp-hr. The real test of any battery is to use them in a circular saw or sawsall. A 3 year old ni-cd is worthless.
The Ni-metal is like installing a new blade.
George

OT: Caring for Li-ion and Ni-metal batteries

Geo-TH,In

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Anonymous-0

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Ken Macfarlane

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Tramway Guy

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JDemaris

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Jon Hagen

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Geo-TH,In

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