Cordless power tools offer many benefits, including convenience and a rechargeable battery. However, without proper battery maintenance, they can lose power and productivity. Not all batteries, though, have the same chemical makeup. Below are a few tips for your battery.
All Batteries
First, when you buy your cordless power tool, it is best to give the battery three full charges and discharges before use. This might seem tedious, but it will help maximize the capacity of your battery. The next step to battery maintenance may seem obvious but it is important: store your batteries in a dry and cool area. Also, avoid leaving your battery in extreme temperatures around -20° C to 38° C for extended periods.
Nickel-Cadmium Battery
NiCd batteries are best known for being durable and reliable. Depending on the manufacturer, NiCd batteries can be charged fast or slowly, while some are made with a specific charge speed. Make sure to check your battery. A NiCd battery is best charged alternating between discharge pulses and charge pulses that allow the battery to receive a constant current of charge with brief moments of discharge interspersed (also known as the reverse load method). This will improve the performance of your battery. Just be sure to not charge for a short period of time and then recharge. This can cause what is called the memory effect, causing crystalline formation inside the battery that can hinder performance.
Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery
A NiMH is the next level up from the NiCd rechargeable battery, because it offers up to 40 per cent more run time and is more eco-friendly. This battery best performs when you follow the cycle of fully charging and then completely draining the battery. Unlike the NiCd battery, the NiMH battery is less likely to experience the memory effect. It can still occur, however, so it is wise to follow a proper charge cycle.
Lithium-ion Battery
Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are new to the market and offer the highest energy density out of all the chemical makeups. Unlike a NiCd or NiMH battery, you do not have to fully discharge and charge the battery when you first get it, because the maximum capacity stays the same whether it is the first or 10th charge. Last, with lithium-ion batteries, use the correct smart charge for your tool, otherwise you could risk damaging it.
The battery is crucial to the performance of your cordless power tool. That is why, no matter what the chemical components of your rechargeable battery are, you should carefully maintain it and follow all safety guidelines.