power tool battery charging Mr Marsh others

I keep small batteries in 60 degree storage winter months. Question is how is proper charging and storage . 18 volt harbor ft batteries have ni-cad on pack. Can I leave these batteries on charger all season , or charge and pull off charger ? What about Black-Decker batteries 18 volt not marked as to what type? leave on charger- or just charge as needed. Also Dewalt 12 volt also not marked. Dewalts are mostly rebuilt by interstate shop. Most convenient would be to leave on charger all types as then would be hot so to speak when needed. As to the hot issue sometimes the so called shop can get hot in summer. How hot is too hot. I would like to find a small non working refrigerator putting small light in on a cheap thermostat for batteries and welding rods. Would set at 65 year around, should insulate in summer from overheat. Advice please. I sold all cows years ago when left the west, so no bull please just advice.

Hello Wilson ind,

Keeping the battery at a steady temperature is not a big issue. Unheated garage temperature is O.K. To keep them ready to use you need to charge them once a month until fully charged. If a battery or pack is warm to the touch it is O.K.
Keeping the battery at 65 degrees year round would O.K. too. Remember to fully discharge NiCad's, before charging them, to zero volts or a few millivolts. Here is a fully discharged battery pack. Notice the wire soldered between the two terminals...............no bull!

Guido.

Mr. Wilson,
Didn't taking a Physics class in College learn you anything? Forget Ni-cd batteries. They require too much care. I never got more than 2-3 years out of a Ni-cd. I use them every day.

I changed over to after market NI-MH batteries. 3000 ma hour rating, far more than any other cordless battery on the market. I have never had one go bad, oldest is a 2007. I have 6 batteries, use mine every day, don't fool around discharging them. However it does require a special charger, same charger you use on Li-ion. I bought 2 Li-ion batteries and charger when Li-ions came out. One battery lasted just past warranty period before it died. The Li-Ion battery is a babby. I can do more with just one Ni-Mh than I could with two Ions, wimps. The newer dewalt charger shuts off after battery is charged. The old school Ni-cs charders never shuts off, battery is hot when you take it out of charger. Or you can get a dewalt shop radio, it comes with built in charger or you can play radio on battery. I have a radio and charger in both shops.

Stop messing around rebuilding NI-CD when you can get the best for $28.05 shipping included, no tax, ebay.

I noticed you boy picked up the starter, get it working? You will have to post a pic when you do.
George
12v 3000 ma dewalt aftermarket.

thanks bill

Thanks george. I must stop in and check out batteries- What I have is several Christmas time harbor freight tools with batteries. Guess if tools work out I should replace batteries as you suggest, buying proper charger. Would one charger be able with different settings charge 12 volt dewalt and 18 volt harbor freight and other 18 volt black-decker packs. If one charger would handle all would be a good investment. I will let you know how starter on F20 works out.taking it to agri shop this week fun to get out as grandson will be working in the class. The starter turns in the proper direction to mount inboard on the F20 belt pulley so will look good when finished.

Bill,
I have no clue as to what charger is needed for HF batteries.
A dewalt charger will charge all dewalt batteries up to and including 18v.

At one time I think the old dewalt 18 volt was the same as the 18v dewalt. Now the 18v Ni-Mh battery is a little more expensive, around $40 on ebay.
new style dewalt charger for all 3 types of dewalt batteries.

Hello Wilson ind,

Match battery charger with type and voltage.
Some chargers will charge NiCad/s as well as Lithium's, and Nickel Methal Hydrite
Harbor Freight chargers for 18volts NiCad's packs are a joke!

Guido.