Good and cheap battery charger?

[hell_fish_65]

Can you recommend a good and cost effective battery chager for home use?

 

[1320stang]

I would recommend looking a Schumachers (sp?) brand charger. I've got a Craftsman and it died after about 4 or 5 uses.

 

[eschoendorff]

Oh, I'm gonna get flamed for this.... but the one I bought from HF hasn't let me down yet!

 

[bmwpower]

Whatever you get, get something that is computer controlled so you don't have to worry about the battery overcharging.

Esch - does that HF unit have computer controlled charging?

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

associated , best for the money

 

[eschoendorff]

Whatever you get, get something that is computer controlled so you don't have to worry about the battery overcharging.

Esch - does that HF unit have computer controlled charging?

Oh hell no! But I use one once in a blue moon. And it's better than having nothing...

My dad used to charge batteries all the time with a non-computer-controlled old Schumacher back in the 70s and early 80s.

 

[wilbilt]

I still use the 10-amp K-Mart brand charger I bought for $5, 15 years ago, at a flea market.

 

[chevy302dz]

Here's the one I use, if your looking for a full size charger (roll around) this is the one to go with.
http://www.automotivepartsnetwork.com/store/pc/autopart.asp?idcategory=162&idproduct=2757

 

[wilbilt]

Here's the one I use, if your looking for a full size charger (roll around) this is the one to go with.
http://www.automotivepartsnetwork.com/store/pc/autopart.asp?idcategory=162&idproduct=2757

That is a nice charger.
A transformer made out of actual copper and proudly emblazoned MADE IN USA. It doesn't get much better than that.

 

[hell_fish_65]

I would recommend looking a Schumachers (sp?) brand charger. I've got a Craftsman and it died after about 4 or 5 uses.

Who carries those? The website pricing is about what I can afford. I was a portable unit, mainly for charging the battery on my riding mower. It drains ever few months.

This one looks ideal http://store.schumachermart.com/sc-1000a.html

 

[bmwpower]

Who carries those? The website pricing is about what I can afford. I was a portable unit, mainly for charging the battery on my riding mower. It drains ever few months.

This one looks ideal http://store.schumachermart.com/sc-1000a.html

I just saw some in Tractor Supply.

 

[hell_fish_65]

Great. Thanks

 

[MAD]

This is the one I have:
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200331031_200331031

The 75 amp engine start feature will not start a completely dead car on a cold day but it is very handy to jump a car with a partially charged battery. I don't have the room for a wheel around model now and this one is very compact. I have had this one for around seven years with no problems. I didn't realize what a great deal I got on mine until just now. It was only $29 on clearance at our local wholesale club.

 

[Spookrider]

It sounds like you need a battery "tender" or trickle charger more than a full blown full size charger. THey are small and can temp. or perm. attach to your mower.

 

[ovilla]

I've had my Craftsman unit for about 10 years now and I use it all the time for 6V, 12V, and both regular and deep cycle batteries. Just make sure you get something with a "Charged" light so you can quickly peek in to the garage at night and see whether or not it's done charging. Mine has a green light that stays on when the battery is charged.

 

[hell_fish_65]

It sounds like you need a battery "tender" or trickle charger more than a full blown full size charger. THey are small and can temp. or perm. attach to your mower.

I need it for car batteries too.

 

[SteveU]

A battery tender will charge up and maintain a car battery also, it just will take a while to charge (think a few days) but once charged it will maintain the charge unless you have something drawing juice.

 

[Rickster]

If you aren't opposed to used ones I've got to tell you I see really nice older ones at every other yard sale for $10 to $20.

 

[72chevy]

I picked one of these up a few month back. Works good.
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=190126

More info here....
http://www.battery-care.com/chargers/VEC1095a.htm

 

[Coach James]

I use on old one from Montgomery Ward.

Coach

 

[VDubJoe]

Ive been using a battery maintainer from HF for 2 years now. Acually i use 4 of them. $5.99. Work as good as the 40.00 ones.

Joe

 

[hell_fish_65]

I ended up buying this one http://store.schumachermart.com/sc-600a.html from ebay for $18 shipped. Thanks for your help

 

[-lecroix-]

Ive been using a battery maintainer from HF for 2 years now. Acually i use 4 of them. $5.99. Work as good as the 40.00 ones.

Joe

Roger that!

I have several (mower, bike, truck under construction, spare) and they all work like champs. They come with the computer circuitry to prevent over charging too!

P.S. You can pick them up for $2.99 on sale too.

 

[eschoendorff]

Roger that!

I have several (mower, bike, truck under construction, spare) and they all work like champs. They come with the computer circuitry to prevent over charging too!

P.S. You can pick them up for $2.99 on sale too.

I have them, use them, and fully agree.

 

[hell_fish_65]

I have burned out 2 of those.