cordless tool batteries??

Afraid I know the answer already.....
Have a Makita set with 2 14.4v batteries. Don't get a whole lot of use. One battery is almost dead and when I put it on the charger the light flashes back and forth between red and green. Put it back on the tool and run it some more/put it back on the charger and the light stays red. Light comes on green in less than an hour like it's charged but the battery is still too weak torun the tool. Any tricks or is the battery just shot?

Thanks, Dave

I would say your batt is done :wink:

Shot!

(quoted from post at 05:36:29 11/12/11) Shot!

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suggestions on replacements and tips to make them last longer???

Dave
I've been using cordless batteries for 20 years. Tried zapping them, putting them in the freezer...nothing works.

The nature of the battery is the problem. I've learned that NiCd batteries don't last more than a few years. They self-discharge about 1%/day. Each time you recharge, you never get them up to 100% full charge.

Tried Lithium batteries about 4 years ago. They are lighter in weight, however they are beginning to die.

So far the best battery is a Nickel-Metal. All my tools are 18v Dewalts. I use them every day.
At the time Dewalt didn't make a Ni-Mh battery, so I found it on Ebay. It is as strong as the day I got it. It is so strong, that the cordless sawsall will shake it apart. I've had to take the battery apart and solder it back together.

My advice to you is get a better battery and a charger that will shut off when the battery is charged. The chargers needed for Lithium and Nickel Metal will turn off and the battery won't get cooked on the charger.

I've found ebay to be the best place to shop around for good batteries and chargers. STAY AWAY FROM NI-CD BATTERIES.

Were you able to charge a dead 6v battery by jumping it with a good 6v before you put it on the charger?

George

(quoted from post at 06:10:13 11/12/11) Were you able to charge a dead 6v battery by jumping it with a good 6v before you put it on the charger?

George

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I think so.... Got enough life in to make them work on the solar fence charger. Guess I'll know how good I done and how good the batteries still are as soon as the nasty weather sets in.....

I have the same batteries and they will do the same thing as yours. I think it's mostly from discharging it too much. Just have to take it off and put it back on. Batteries still have good life to them though. Had one do it last winter from a hard freeze. Was out in -20C for 2 days. Had to put it by the wood stove to finally make it take a charge.

Dave I took my batteries from a DeWalt and Sears cordles drills to Interstate battery dealer here in Island Lake ILL and they rebuilt them good as new.

The more you use them the happier you would be. They die of neglect just as quick or quicker than they wear out with use.

Now what you're axing, but...........sub c batteries can be bought for about 2 bucks each; anyone with moderate soldering skills can rebuild their own battery packs.

There is a video on utube, using a welder to fix the batteries but I have nut tried it yet.

I agree with Thurlow. Try voltmanbatteries.com or ebay has a lot listed. There are lots of places online to buy batteries. Get better ones than you have. you can double the amh and can get lithium or li-ion batteries. Simple to solder together and lots cheaper than new or getting it rebuit. I have researched this for a year.

I really like my Makita 18 volt Lithium Ion-EXCEPT for the fact that in 6 years I have had to replace 5 batteries (at $80 each)! I have not worn out the tools, but am also on my third charger! The charge lasts a LONG time! I would not recommend Interstate rebuild ANY battery, as the two I know of they rebuilt, started on fire!

My Makita 7.2 volt batteries lasted almost forever. My Makita 9.6 batteries the same.

But the Makita 14 volt batteries are the worst I've ever owned. If fact, it led me to switch over to Ryobi 18 volt and I've never looked back.

I don't figure it is worth replacing the batteries in one. Toss it and buy new as a pair of batteries will cost you 60% - 80% of the price of a new drill. I use my cordless drilldrivers a lot. In the course of the year and a half, two years I get out of one I might put in 50+ lbs of sheetrock screws with one.
I have used about every color and brand of cordless drill. Some brands are better then others. But All of them the batteries will go before you wear out the drill.
I like good tools mind you.
But I get better value from a throw a way $80 Ryobi drill than from any other brand. FWIW

(quoted from post at 06:10:13 11/12/11) So far the best battery is a Nickel-Metal. All my tools are 18v Dewalts. I use them every day.
At the time Dewalt didn't make a Ni-Mh battery, so I found it on Ebay. It is as strong as the day I got it. It is so strong, that the cordless sawsall will shake it apart. I've had to take the battery apart and solder it back together.

George

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That's just my luck..... The bad battery is a Ni-MH :roll: I still have one good one. will compare prices of batteries and another tool. Just found a 18v factory reconditioned Ryobi impact driver w/ battery and charger on amazon for 88 bucks. Think they are safe to buy??