Drills...

[northsidechicagoguy]

Sorry in advance for a stupid question. I received 2 ryobi 18v drills a decade ago when I got married. They no longer hold a charge. Is it worth trying to find new batteries, or do I pitch them and buy new drills?


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[Richard Cranium]

batteries cost more then replacing drill and all

 

[Whitworth]

You can have the batteries rebuilt, I've used MTO batteries several times for rebuilds of mostly Milwaukee drills. The price for 18 volt rebuilds may not be cost effective versus straight replacement cost.

I find if your tool is otherwise in excellent condition and you really love the tool, it's worth it.

 

[danski0224]

Go to Home Depot and buy new batteries.

The one advantage of Ryobi is that the older "blue" tools will work with the new puke green LiIon batteries- but you need a new charger. There is an upgrade kit with one battery and a new charger.

Or, buy a new combo kit with some other stuff that you don't have to get the batteries and charger.

The old NiMh/NiCd batteries are still sold in stores.

 

[andys]

You can use new Ryobi batteries in the old blue tools. Of course, a combo kit of a new drill and a pair of batteries is the same price as batteries only, so it's time for new tools!

I have Ryobi for most of my tools and they do just fine for my homeowner needs

 

[James-W]

If the batteries are Nicads, you can buy 18 volt battery packs from Harbor Freight tools for $12. The Harbor Freight battery pack won't fit your drill, but you can take the Nicad batteries out and switch the batteries with the bad ones. I have done this several times now and it works great.

 

[bubinga]

If the batteries are Nicads, you can buy 18 volt battery packs from Harbor Freight tools for $12. The Harbor Freight battery pack won't fit your drill, but you can take the Nicad batteries out and switch the batteries with the bad ones. I have done this several times now and it works great.

Now, do you have to read solder the batteries or do they pretty well drop right in?


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[jgromada]

Now, do you have to read solder the batteries or do they pretty well drop right in?


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You will find that you need soldering skills to incorporate the new batteries. There are a lot of resources out there that explain how to do it. If the voltage is the same the cells are basically the same with the exception that on the Ryobi I believe there is a single cell that stands on top which is not the case for the HFT NiCd battery pack. I have included a picture (from one of those many videos that show the HFT layout).


BTW if you do decide to scrap the old batteries bring them to a recycling center rather than just throwing them in the trash. Cadmium in the landfill is not a good idea.

 

[dogdog]

have you consider having fun with your 3D printer.... Lowes sells a 1.5AH 24v battery for $10.... all you needed is to find some one with a 3D printer....

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1914299

I am waiting for some one to come up with the Kobalt to Craftsman 19.2V version....or I finally get a reason to justify for a 3D printer... this is not enough justification.

 

[bubinga]

You will find that you need soldering skills to incorporate the new batteries. There are a lot of resources out there that explain how to do it. If the voltage is the same the cells are basically the same with the exception that on the Ryobi I believe there is a single cell that stands on top which is not the case for the HFT NiCd battery pack. I have included a picture (from one of those many videos that show the HFT layout).


BTW if you do decide to scrap the old batteries bring them to a recycling center rather than just throwing them in the trash. Cadmium in the landfill is not a good idea.

Oh, OK..............Thanks,

 

[northsidechicagoguy]

Thanks everyone! New drills it is!


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[bcradio]

Thanks everyone! New drills it is!


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Smart choice.

Trying to do all that work to rebuild a battery just sounds silly to me. I would never do it.

 

[jonesg]

Always capitalize on any excuse to get new tools, especially power tools.

 

[BioNerd]

I had those old blue ones. Switched to Milwaukee 12v Fuel combo and its a world of difference!

 

[James-W]

Now, do you have to read solder the batteries or do they pretty well drop right in?

That will depend on the battery you currently have. Some battery packs match the configuration of the Harbor Freight battery pack, in which case they will just slide right in. Others you may need to move the position of one or possibly two batteries. Other than that, it is pretty simple.

If you lived half way close to me I would be glad to replace the batteries for you. It only take about 20 minutes and is relatively simple to do.

 

[gordyy]

I am a Ryobi fan used them in the trades for over 20 years and had better results than with milwaukee or dewalt but thats just my 2 cents worth

 

[jd_1138]

Do you have the regular drill and the impact driver drill? If so, another option is to pick up a new Ryobi tool (not a drill) that you want, and it will come with a battery or 2 and a charger that you can now use with your blue Ryobi existing tools. Even something like the Ryobi jobsite radio with a battery/charger. I sometimes see them for about $45 on sale.

If the existing drills have been lightly used, that would even be more of an attractive option. But if they've been beat on pretty hard, then sure just buy new drills. There is a great kit for $199 that comes with impact driver, regular drill, circular saw, reciprocating saw, light, multi-tool, and 2 batteries/charger. It's sometimes on sale for $199.