DIY Network

Electrical: Batteries and Chargers From "DIY Tools & Techniques" episode DIT-239

Host David Thiel offers a mini-course on batteries used for cordless tools.

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	Cordless tool batteries
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

• Batteries for cordless tools come in varying voltages and amperage hours. With more volts, you get more torque or run time depending on the application.

• Cordless drills usually come with two batteries so you can charge one while you're using the other.

• When you charge a battery, the cells are being heated. With some batteries, the cells will get too hot and require time to cool down before being charged further. Some chargers have holes (figure A) to cool the cells more quickly. It may also have a fan (figure B) built in to speed up the process.

• Rechargeable batteries don't really have a 'memory' like they have in the past, but it's still a good idea to let a new battery run all the way down before charging.

  Note: always read the manufacturers instructions to make sure you're using the tool properly.

• Another charger available charges batteries from 7.2 volts to 24 volts (figure C). If you're using batteries from the same manufacturer, you can sometimes charge batteries with a range of voltages using just one charger. Some batteries have to be removed from the charger when they're fully charged.

• When the battery reaches its maximum charge, some chargers will provide it with trickle charge, so that you can leave the battery on the charge when it's complete without hurting the battery.

• Nickel-Cadmium batteries can only be charged a certain amount of times. After that point, they will no longer hold a charge. Don't throw them away; recycle.

RESOURCES :
Bosch Tools
Bosch Power Tools
Website: www.boschtools.com

Delta Machinery
4825 Hwy. 45 North
P.O. Box 2468
Jackson, TN 38302-2468
Phone: 800-223-7278
E-mail: contactus@prntoolgrp.com
Web site: www.deltawoodworking.com

Hitachi
Phone: 800-829-4752 (catalog)
E-mail: market@hitachi-powertools.com
Website: hitachipowertools.com

Porter-Cable
Porter-Cable Corporation
Jackson, TN 38302-2468
Phone: 901-668-8600
Fax: 901-664-0525
Website: www.porter-cable.com

Ridgid Tools
1-800-4RIDGID
www.ridgid.com