What to do with all your cordless tools that no longer charge?

chris fresh · Mar 30, 2014

I'm sure I'm not the only guy who has tools that are still good,but have no way of charging the batteries because they just won't take a charge.I for one have 4 different drills,a 4 tool kit and a couple of other misc things that either will not charge or,you can no longer get batteries for them because of technology changes.

People always say to fix rather than replace and to stop being a generation that tosses things in the trash and buy's new,but how can we?We are forced into buying new because we need tools for work or projects and there is no other option.

I am building a graveyard of good tools with no power in hopes of finding a way to still use them again some day.

What are you guy's doing with yours?

Tarheelgarage · Mar 30, 2014

sell them on ebay...."Good Working Condition"..... :evil:

bareass172 · Mar 30, 2014

I agree 100% with your idea to fix rather than replace. I don't like the idea of living in a "disposable" society. What I have taken to doing is rebuilding the battery packs when possible and financially reasonable. Beyond that I replace but sell off my old tools on Ebay or CL to people who still have good batteries. Perhaps they will eventually trash them, but at least I know they'll get a little more use before that. Besides, once it leaves my hands it's "out of sight, out of mind".

I wish I had a better answer, but the companies make it hard. They have to balance technological advancements with forward compatibility and often the former is more important.

phearlessone · Mar 30, 2014

Salvage the motors if they still work. They can always be wired up for lots of uses. I use one to run my grain mill for brewing.

WildwoodChuck · Mar 30, 2014

My local Batteries Plus rebuilds battery packs, 35 dollars each for 14.4v.

doan · Mar 30, 2014

Gut one of the old batteries, put a wire on it a and use them from your car battery.

sberry · Mar 30, 2014

I gave them away.

KinzeMech · Mar 30, 2014

I recently repowered mine with some 4.0Ah Lithium Ion batteries.

The problem with replace it vs. fix it isn't the consumer mentality, but the product quality. The products are built at the "disposable" level of quality. I understand, the idea is not to be wasteful, but what is the bigger waste? Disposing (I recommend recycling) of a tool and replacing it, or putting your time into rebuilding it back to it's original level of quality (disposable)?

I've patched/rebuilt NiCd battery packs for a long time. I don't even try anymore. It's time spent saving nickels and pennies, where it could be instead spent with the wife and kids.

Don't get me wrong, I won't retire a tool without a proper autopsy, and seeing if a free/economical repair is a possibility, but I also won't let myself get wrapped up in the false economy of thinking putting $40 worth of parts into a tool I can replace for $20 isn't wasteful.

Most of my cordless tools are craftsman. My 10+ year old drill runs fantastically on brand new batteries. I have modified some other tools to accept this battery as well.

As for what I do with them, I have a rubbermaid tote near full. I am willing to keep that one tote of "junkyard parts". When it gets full, something will have to be recycled and/or trashed if necessary. I also have a tub of junk batteries. For several years now, I keep missing the free, annual, E-waste pickup, and I refuse to dispose of cadmium improperly.

619DioFan · Mar 30, 2014

WildwoodChuck said:
My local Batteries Plus rebuilds battery packs, 35 dollars each for 14.4v.

This is also my solution.

jwh · Mar 30, 2014

619DioFan said:
This is also my solution.

Another vote for Batteries Plus. Got a drill and a rotary tool, both reconditioned, from the local Sears Repair Center / Outlet Store. Nice tools but none of the batteries were much good. Batteries plus redid them for less than I would have to pay for new ones and the tools work great!

pauls_workshop · Mar 30, 2014

Here is what I did:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=229042

- Paul

VWingman · Mar 30, 2014

You could look into using a mig welder or car batteries to zap them. I tried it on two of my NiCad Craftsman and one of them took. Do some research it might be worth your while.

firebox40dash5 · Mar 30, 2014

Well, last time, with my Makita LXT, I sold the tools on CL, and... well, I meant to recycle the batteries, but I still have them laying around. One day. My Ryobi tools before that I gave to a really bad friend. I would've felt bad taking money for them.

In both cases, it was because either the tools, the batteries, or both disappointed me. The Ryobi batteries made it about 6 months before they had no runtime, and the tools were pathetic anyway. No way I was throwing more money at that. The Makita tools I liked, and my initial batteries mostly made it 2-3 years. Enough that I grabbed a clearance kit from HD to steal the batteries. When one died within the return period and the other within 6 months, that sealed that for me.

The batteries are usually most of the investment, and you can usually get a kit with 2 batteries for not much more than the batteries alone. That coupled with the disposability of the tools makes me inclined to just buy new tools... get the same batteries, and a new tool to either replace the current one, or sell to offset the cost.

I haven't messed with rebuilding since I haven't had Ni-cads I cared to keep in ages. And honestly, while $35 sounds cheap compared to retail on batteries, I can get M12s on ebay or CL for like $25 if I want to go other-than-legit-new. Hell, I just got a pair of M18 2.0s off ebay for under $50 each, new & sealed. So, there's sometimes advantages to having current stuff.

tbaggz · Mar 30, 2014

I would make Battery adaptor or wired to a wall transformer from a laptop.if they were worth it.

Sine Swept · Mar 31, 2014

I tried powering my old dewalt 12volt off a computer power supply. It didn't work very well, needs a battery as a buffer I think. I would have to alternate squeezing the trigger and turning on/off the power supply to get the motor to spin at all.

I have a friend that would always use a larger battery in his drills, 14.4 in a 12 volt etc.

I bought a bunch of old drill w/o batteries. They had brand new Jacobs chucks on them!!

bonneyman · Mar 31, 2014

Sine Swept said:
I tried powering my old dewalt 12volt off a computer power supply. It didn't work very well, needs a battery as a buffer I think. I would have to alternate squeezing the trigger and turning on/off the power supply to get the motor to spin at all.

I have a friend that would always use a larger battery in his drills, 14.4 in a 12 volt etc.

I bought a bunch of old drill w/o batteries. They had brand new Jacobs chucks on them!!

This is kinda where I'm at. I have a pair of used (but useable) Makita drills that take the 9.6v "stick" batteries. Hoping a 12 volts will run the things.

KinzeMech · Mar 31, 2014

VWingman said:
You could look into using a mig welder or car batteries to zap them. I tried it on two of my NiCad Craftsman and one of them took. Do some research it might be worth your while.

I've found a very effective zap conveniently sourced from a good 19.2V battery pack. The trouble is, whatever source you use, zapped cells need rezapped in only a few more charge cycles.

sberry · Mar 31, 2014

Don't get me wrong, I won't retire a tool without a proper autopsy, and seeing if a free/economical repair is a possibility, but I also won't let myself get wrapped up in the false economy of thinking putting $40 worth of parts into a tool I can replace for $20 isn't wasteful.

I try to do this, its hard to get past it at times but don't have regrets when I do.

48fordnut · Mar 31, 2014

when I had so many different tools I sold all and bought one 18 volt brand. Have several chargers, and If I need a new battery I go to Lowes ,when they are having a sale, an buy a cheap tool with 2 batteries. Sell the tool and charger and you come out super cheap.

McFarmer · Mar 31, 2014

I am all corded tools in my shop, still have some cordless but they don't get much use. I just put new keyless chucks on a couple older Milwaukee drills, they will outlast me.

Techie1961 · Mar 31, 2014

Milwaukee (and likely others) have sales on once in a while where they give you $100 for your old tools when you trade up. I have done this a few times. I keep the old ones around waiting for the sale to crop up.

rtole · Mar 31, 2014

Browse the radio control forums. They will show you the basics of rebuilding battery packs. Get a charger for that and you can charge anything. I dont have an automotive battery charger.....I can charge my lead acid batteries with my rc charger. It has the funtion. The batteries can be made for cheap if you have a usable case. I am talking nicad batteries. Lithium is a little tricky.......but it can be done. I wont however. The charger is only needed if your charger is dead.......thats the problem I had.

sberry · Mar 31, 2014

I can count on one hand the times I used a corded drill in last decade. They are so vital here I spent 900 on new batteries last summer and should have done it sooner.

SpeedHoles · Mar 31, 2014

Anyone know if old nicad or nimh batteries can be rebuilt with li-ion cells instead?

ggoss · Mar 31, 2014

Not with the same battery circuitry and certainly not with the same charger. You would only be using the old battery's plastic case and terminals (i.e. you would basically have to buy a whole new battery).

SpeedHoles · Mar 31, 2014

ggoss said:
Not with the same battery circuitry and certainly not with the same charger. You would only be using the old battery's plastic case and terminals (i.e. you would basically have to buy a whole new battery).

Yeah that's what I was wondering. Could just use an RC charger like mentioned above... and it would look factory still.
But, I'm just assuming it may be a little costly.

ttpete · Mar 31, 2014

I found a place on ebay that sells, among other things, power tool batteries for older tools. And at a good price, too.

http://stores.ebay.com/multi-functi...2319014&_sid=1001025334&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

They also have laptop batteries and many other things. I bought a battery for an HP laptop, and it's exactly the same as the original except for the stickers.

rtole · Mar 31, 2014

SpeedHoles said:
Yeah that's what I was wondering. Could just use an RC charger like mentioned above... and it would look factory still.
But, I'm just assuming it may be a little costly.

I have pondered this myself......I know the rc stuff is litihium polymer for the most part. I have no idea if this is the same as power tools. I would think that most tools could handle a lithium battery as long as it was the same voltage. I know some guys were taking tool batteries and making them into car packs ( i think lithium...I didnt dare so i never checked)
I bet my 12 volt hitachi drills would be great with better batteries. I know it "can" be done. I just dont have the stones to mess with lithium to build my own. The fire is kinda nasty if it happens. Makes me think since tool batteries and phone batteries are not considered as much of a fire hazard. Most rc tracks require you to have charging sacks to charge your packs in to curb the fire hazard. No one seems to consider a tool battery as a fire hazard to the same extent. Makes me think the chemistry is somewhat different.

chris fresh · Mar 31, 2014

The thing that has really pushed me to this point is my recent RIGID purchase.I bought the 18v combo drill/impact,soft case,charger and radio to replace my Milwaukee 18v I've had for 5 years.It is by far the best cordless I've ever owned,but i have already swapped batteries once (discounted 50 apiece) and was down to one,then none.I just couldn't spend 80 apiece at BLOWES or Home Cheapo,when i could buy a whole new set up for 175.00.

I do like the new drill and love the mini impact,but damn that Milwaukee is so strong i miss it in certain situations on the job.The Rigid is lighter and has some cool features,but has a really picky overload kick out,any stress and it shuts down.The Milwauk on the other hand just say's hang on if you want to,i'll just break your wrist.

Time for more research.

gungatim · Apr 1, 2014

I just buy new since it's cheaper than buying batteries. the old ones sit around in case I find batteries at the fleamarket or yard sales that still work, sometimes get lucky. When they sit around long enough, I smash them apart and salvage the chucks, motors, sometimes gears and bearings for projects. I know lots of people that run a wire to a car battery and use them as 12v dc will still power most anything from 9-19volts, speed may be slow but usually plenty of amps for torque...

becker_atc · Apr 1, 2014

I have my "portable drill" 14 volt Mikita wired for car battery and a 10ish foot chord. Keep it in pickup tool box has came in handy few times

Sent via message in a bottle

chris fresh · Apr 1, 2014

I still have my very first Makita 7.2v cordless from 1992,two batts and charger in the steel case.It was perfect in the car stereo business for twisting wire and mounting amps.Maybe it will make it into a cordless museum someday,LOL!

I think this weekend i will go through my cases and see what i really have,and what i'm really going to consider getting rid of or,repurposing.

Jim_No_Garage · Apr 1, 2014

chris fresh said:
I still have my very first Makita 7.2v cordless from 1992,two batts and charger in the steel case.It was perfect in the car stereo business for twisting wire and mounting amps.Maybe it will make it into a cordless museum someday,LOL!

I think this weekend i will go through my cases and see what i really have,and what i'm really going to consider getting rid of or,repurposing.

My original "stick" Makita is alive and well at work. They use it for screwing together dance floors.

I turned it over to them when I got the Bosch cordless in 95 or 96.
The Bosch died (clutch failure) and I got a Ryobi.
The Ryobi died (batteries) and I got a Dewalt.
The Dewalt batteries are dead and I'm looking for the next drill.

I might take back my Makita!

Jim

91bronc300 · Apr 1, 2014

Overvolt them to death for a youtube video.

Zeke · Apr 1, 2014

I found a deal on Amazon for 2 9.6 makita batteries for 50 bucks. They work fine. So the old Makitas get an extension on life at least this time. A friend gave me a Ryobi and I bought a new 14.4v battery that lasted maybe 4 years. Good enough but I'm not going back. Ridgid is my next purchase.

You'd think the others would smarten up and offer the same deal, lifetime batteries. I mean once you're in one tool's camp you're gonna buy all the different tools. If DeWalt did the life time thing I'd have 10 tools starting with the cordless sawzall. Those things are bitchin'.

chris fresh · Apr 1, 2014

True story,I really don't see anyone else doing it though.Milwaukee gets 80 bucks a battery and you know damn well there being made in Bangledesh for about 6 bucks,it's a money game.

It's no different than Dremel,i have owned a couple different ones over the years and they get plenty of use.I bought their multi cutter,it's a great tool but,the blades are super pricy,So i did what anyone would do,used someone else's blades.HF blades don't fit,but a few lesser brands do,so instead of Dremel selling at a reasonable price,they loose my money.I really considered buying the HF unit just because of consumables cost,it does matter,so they almost lost my sale also. Dremel does have the absolute best customer service though,for those who don't know.

I've been really happy all around with the Rigid purchase,but i can honestly say,if Milwauk batts were 25 bucks,i probably woulda bought ANOTHER set.

sberry · Apr 2, 2014

The 28 v were 150$ a piece.

FMC1959 · Apr 2, 2014

I have tried a couple of battery replacements or re-charging and zapping them with limited success. The OEM's last a long time, most replacements cost less, but don't last as long. Now, I just drop them off at recycling centers, less headaches and wasted time.

Then I get a new kit, you find a decent sale on a kit, it is usually the cost of 2 OEM batteries, or pretty close. Plus everytime I get new (it's not evry year, maybe every 5+ years) I am getting the latest technology, stronger motors, longer lasting batteries, or quicker recharging.

The caveat is that now, I am heavily vested in Makita LXT, probably have close to 20 tools with 7 Hi-Cap & 2 Slim batteries. Don't want to get into new systems so when these batteries die, I'll have them recycled and buy a kit...like the newer brushless drill & impact. Then might sell the new or old drill & driver I have. Otherwsie I'll see what kind of deals I can find on batteries alone.....[sigh]

Franco

rharman · Apr 2, 2014

Techie1961 said:
Milwaukee (and likely others) have sales on once in a while where they give you $100 for your old tools when you trade up. I have done this a few times. I keep the old ones around waiting for the sale to crop up.

Rockler did this recently. $100 off a DeWalt 20v Li-Ion compact drill and impact driver set. Regular price was $249 at Rockler - $229 everywhere else. I took the ad to Home Depot and they matched the $100 off - paid $129 and got to keep my old drill - 15.2v - very old - but still holds a charge. Win Win.

What to do with all your cordless tools that no longer charge?

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