BikeRider
Well-known member
Years ago, before LiOn-based jump starters came out, I bought an SLA-based jump starter just prior to undertaking a cross-country drive, as a precaution. It was a Peak unit from Pep Boys with a built-in inflater and light, no inverter but with a 12V cigarette port. It worked fine for several years, until the inflater broke and then the battery died. I replaced the battery and it worked for another few years, until it too died, as that's the norm with these small SLA batteries, which are also used in home UPS units and need replacing every few years. I got quite a few uses out of it over the years.
I've since then switched to LiOn-based jump starters, and have several, and have been very happy with them. I also got several standalone inflaters which have worked well. What I'm wondering is whether it's worth getting a new battery for the SLA-based unit, at around $20, or just junking it. Is there ever a use for one where it works better than a LiOn-based one? Say, in very cold weather where there LiOn one is always in the trunk, and I'm parked at home? I'd never put the SLA one in the trunk as it's too big and heavy, so it would stay in a shed or indoors. I just hate throwing out devices that are otherwise in good condition.
Would plugging an inverter into it to charge power tool batteries while working on my car on the street work, or would that be too inefficient to be worth it? All my tools are M12 and I have one of nearly every battery size they make. Would I be able to power a corded angle grinder from it, using an inverter? I have one of those basic HF ones that used to cost only $10. Never used it though.
I've since then switched to LiOn-based jump starters, and have several, and have been very happy with them. I also got several standalone inflaters which have worked well. What I'm wondering is whether it's worth getting a new battery for the SLA-based unit, at around $20, or just junking it. Is there ever a use for one where it works better than a LiOn-based one? Say, in very cold weather where there LiOn one is always in the trunk, and I'm parked at home? I'd never put the SLA one in the trunk as it's too big and heavy, so it would stay in a shed or indoors. I just hate throwing out devices that are otherwise in good condition.
Would plugging an inverter into it to charge power tool batteries while working on my car on the street work, or would that be too inefficient to be worth it? All my tools are M12 and I have one of nearly every battery size they make. Would I be able to power a corded angle grinder from it, using an inverter? I have one of those basic HF ones that used to cost only $10. Never used it though.