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Batteries, Batt...ttt..eries, Batt...t...t..eries - why wilt you die...

3K views 10 replies 10 participants last post by  grumpycarp 
#1 ·
Batteries, Batt...ttt..eries, Batt...t...t..eries - why wilt you die...

power… give me more power…

I've had this cordless dewalt set for several years, and in the last year It has been stored most of the time. I have 3 18v batteries that would rotate between the tools, so I would always have a fresh battery to swap with… until recently - all 3 batteries died, don't hold a charge - and in the last week won't even charge at all … AAARRRGGGGHHH….

so now I have a collection (9) of pretty yellow tools that are just worthless….

as much as cordless is convenient for some scenarios (I used to be a low voltage contractor - so on the job site cordless WAS the way to go), other scenarios (woodworking shop where you are close to power outlets and need the constant power) might not suit these so well.

I think it's time I "downgrade" to corded circular saw…

not even sure what to do with all these cordless tools, I don't have much use for them anymore, except for the drill.

oh well… had to vent, while I'm waiting for 2 batteries to hopefully half charge each so that I can cross cut a freaking 10×2…. frustrating.
 
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#3 ·
frustrating isn't it?
My old Makita 6012 was awesome in its day.
Batteries have bitten the dust. Borrowed a battery and found that I also need a new charger.
Can't afford to buy them. Was cheaper to buy a whole new set sigh
I'm a fix it guy stuck in a throw away world
So now I have the loveliest blue paperweight~
 
#5 ·
Try charging them, & then run them until they're dead, then recharge them again, & again.

Sometimes they'll build themselves up again.

Dewalt has a two year warranty, & they have a date on them. I've had a couple replaced at no cost at our

local fleet store.
 
#6 ·
Thanks Bill, since I had nothing to lose- I was planning to take them batteries apart and see if I can fix them myself - I'm glad to see that my idea wasn't so bad after all…. will keep you all posted with progress.

And I ain't giving my yellow decorations away - no way! LOL (even though I might be tempted)
 
#7 ·
I've had good luck with a chain called Batteries Plus but there are likely others with a similar plan. They can test the batteries to tell you whether the cells are bad (with my luck probably half the time) and the other half they somehow reset them (at no cost!). Not an expert on batteries but they do lose their ability to charge with time. Rebuilt batteries usually cost me probably half what a new one does and they can often rebuild the packs with greater amp-hour limits than the original. Just a thought…
 
#8 ·
My two 18 volt ryobi batteries just did the same thing. The charger reads them like they're fully charged. Bought a new drill and flashlight with two batteries almost as cheap as buying two batteries….Go figure.
 
#10 ·
I feel your pain.

I have a bunch of cordless and batteryless tools as well.

At least I have a habit of buying new and improved models, so I don't mind the batteries dying too much.

Lee
 
#11 ·
I have a Yellow combo pack that I used forever and did everything wrong, according to the instructions. Left them in the back of the work truck, in the summer, in the winter, 20 below, 90 above. 'Then I started working indoors and didn't need them as much, they died from heartbreak. No kidding. As soon as I stopped using them everyday they died.

However, one of the big box stores frequently has a pair of the (18v) batteries for 90 bucks. And on most holidays they have some sort of tool blow out where they sell a drill/driver with charger and two batteries for about the same price. Labor day is coming up, keep an eye out.
 
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