Just realized my old cordless drill is still going after 8 years because I picked the right battery type

Back when I bought it, I had to choose between a cheap drill with a NiCad battery pack or a pricier one with lithium-ion. I went for the lithium-ion model, even though it cost about $30 more at the time. That was in 2016, and the thing still holds a charge for most of a day of light work (unlike my friend's NiCad one that gave up after maybe 2 years). I think the key was I always stored it with about half a charge, never full or empty. Anyone have other old tools that just won't quit because of one good choice?

2 comments

2 Comments

andrew_sanchez9415d ago

Read an article once that said storing lithium batteries around 50% charge is the single best thing for their long-term health. It has to do with reducing stress on the internal chemistry. Your experience totally lines up with that. Makes me wonder how many tools get thrown out just because the battery was stored wrong. That extra thirty bucks you spent definitely paid off over eight years.

singh.blair14d ago

Heard the same thing from a guy who fixes power tool batteries for a living. Said the worst thing you can do is leave them fully charged in a hot truck or shed all winter. The 50% rule is huge, but temperature is just as important. People kill batteries by cooking them, then blame the brand. It's basic chemistry, not magic.