Craftsman V20 battery got HOT

[Jtels85]

This might be a stupid question, but trying to figure out why this happened. I bought a new Craftsman V20 edger (tool only) today and have several V20 batteries around. I put a fully charged, perfectly working battery on the edger and after about two minutes, the tool quit working and I noticed the battery was super hot.

What could have caused this, and is it safe to try and use again once it cools down? Or is it done?

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Would be good if you could state the specs of the battery.

If it was a single row, low Ah battery - I’d probably still expect more than two minutes run time - but it would generally explain why it got hot fast. They are not really up for the task.

Generally two or three row, high Ah batteries would be preferred for such a tool.

If it happened with one of those, I’d be inclined to say something - right up to a short - is wrong with the tool.

Just to make sure: Tool/blade was not locked up/stuck?

Make sure that battery is labeled/identifiable now and stored somewhere that is relatively fire safe.

I would not put another battery in it before talking to Craftsman/ the store. Have them try it with another (of their) batteries.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Jtels85]

Thank you for the quick response. I have had two batteries now get hot. Both are 1.3Ah. They are both a couple of years old, but always work fine with my impacts and drills.

The blade is not locked up. I did manage to do part of my driveway.

Do you think the 1.3Ah batteries aren’t sufficient enough for this tool, or are you thinking the tool itself is defective?

 

[Jtels85]

Well, I’m an idiot. I should have read the instructions that a 2.0Ah battery is what should be used.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

1.3Ah is totally insufficient for such a tool. No wonder they get hot. Don’t use them with that tool.

Even the 2.0Ah will only be barely better.

I don’t think it’s the tool in this instance.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Jtels85]

1.3Ah is totally insufficient for such a tool. No wonder they get hot. Don’t use them with that tool.

Even the 2.0Ah will only be barely better.

I don’t think it’s the tool in this instance.

Kind regards,
Olli

I have a 4.0Ah battery and I’m going to try that.

I really should have known better, but was just excited to buy an edger

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Yes, that will be a better choice going forward with the edger.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Jtels85]

Thanks Olli! I appreciate your help.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Glad to be of help and that it got sorted this quick.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Jtels85]

Olli, I put my 4Ah battery on it and it performed flawlessly. Did the entire driveway and sidewalk.