Ryobi battery question

I picked up some stuff at a divorce sale last weekend, and these were in one of the boxes that I purchased for 10 bucks. As you can see, I got a 14.4 volt saw, and a 14.4 volt battery, which was D.O.A. Also there was this 18 volt battery charger in the box, that appears to be in great condition. I doubted, (in my own mind), that the 14.4 battery would fit the 18 volt charger reciever, from past experiences. But, after I checked the polarity on the battery, and the charger, plus the allignment slot configeration, Surprisingly it did fit in, "a little snug". I then pugged the charger into the 120 A/C outlet, and got the amber no charge light on the charger. I did some research on the net, and found that if this happens, you can rapidly plug, and unplug the charger, until you get a solid red charging light, which I did, and it worked. One hour later, I had a charged battery, reading 17 volts. I then I ran the saw under load, until the battery was drained, and recharged it overnight. MY QUESTION IS THIS: If this 14.4 volt battery goes into this 18 volt charger, would the newer "Ryobi plus one" 18 volt batteries work in this "Ryobi 14.4 volt saw" without any major down side effects? If it does fit, the only change I can see, would be an increase of the Saw Motor RPM, which may be a good thing, but I don't don't know for sure. What Say Ye?

Thanks,

Wayne

so the 14.4 & 18 v sockets are close enough to interchange in the charger

the 18 v battery pack is larger, more cells, right?
will it snap into the tool securely and not fall out, or damage the tool case?

I have a couple of 14.4 tools, the 14.4 and 18 v batteries are the same $30 each at depot I think.

premierplayer said:

so the 14.4 & 18 v sockets are close enough to interchange in the charger

the 18 v battery pack is larger, more cells, right?
will it snap into the tool securely and not fall out, or damage the tool case?

I have a couple of 14.4 tools, the 14.4 and 18 v batteries are the same $30 each at depot I think.

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Yes, the 14.4 battery will fit the 18 volt charger, but I do not know if the 18 will fit the saw, as this was my question. I went to the depot, and they did not even carry the 14.4 anymore, only the 18, and I believe they were 35 bucks each, or 2 for 59. If the 18 will work, I will buy 2 of them, as I did not own a battery saw before I got this one.

Wayne

I doubt that they'll fit the tool/lock in securely.

I have an entire set of the 18V Ryobi tools. Years ago I started with a 14.4V drill and flashlight. I just went and checked for you and, at least in the 14.4V drill and the 14.4V flashlight, the 18V battery will fit. The fit isn't perfect by any means and it goes into the flashlight easier than the drill. You have to force it into the drill. The spring loaded wings on the battery don't engage to lock it in place for either tool. The front of the 18V battery is longer than the 14.4V so the 18V battery will not line up with the front of the battery area on the saw. The fit is so tight that the friction will keep it there to begin with. After using it like that for a while though, that might not remain the case.

Both the flashlight and the drill functioned with the 18V battery. I don't know how much if any you'll reduce the life of the DC motor in the saw running it at a higher voltage. I would tend to think not by much, but you will be putting more current through it which means more heat.

You can get the 14.4v batteries online. Looks like Home Depot has the best price that I see:
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=100466320

Thanks for checking "Perry H", that solves the mystery for me. If that is the case, then I will look for a new 14.4 online, as our local Home Depot does not carry them. I own an old skil 77 for my cutting needs, and would only use this one in a tight situation. I could also reduce the voltage output on the charger by adjusting the output voltage pot, if need be. Thanks again.

Wayne

After purchasing the 14.4 drill/saw/charger/battery kit at an auction $20, found out just why I got it cheap. Batteries dead, charger won't work. Did lots of research. Purchased 18V battery/charger after reading above posts. Battery too loose and won't work! Not to mention putting too much $$ into this vs buying new 18V.
Purchased 14.4 battery (Home Depot) works but now got to deal with charger. Did lots of research and no one anywhere suggested the following: Open the charger case (4 screws) you will find a 4a/125V Slow Blow fuse, ordered new ones from Amazon, and wow, charger fixed, new battery charging as I type. One added note: When I replaced the fuse, I tried each of the old batteries. The lights came on and the fuse blew. They probably where the problem long ago.

I'd rather repair than trash it! Have a great day!