Idea for old obsolete cordless tools
- Thread starter Fialaja
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neophyte
Well-known member
There have been commercial attempts to manufacture battery transgormer type adapters to turn cordless tools into corded tools.
Generally, they haven’t been very successful, and were usually only used for tools like drills that didn’t pull much amperage.
The other method was a transformer that was separate from the tool, but which plugged into the battery attachment.
The main issue is that the low voltage of most cordless tools, means the tools need to draw higher amperage yhan a corded tool, which then produces extra heat, and requires thicker wire.
Cordless tools like circular saws and reciprocating saws tended to have way shorter run times than tools like drills, because the motors required extra amperage and amperage spikes.
Because of this you would need a larger transformer, and/or very thick wire for an adapter.
Festool does manufacture hybrid cordless/corded sanders, so it is possible for low amperage draw tools that don’t need huge amperage spikes, but Festool hasn’t tried to do the same with their drills.
Generally, they haven’t been very successful, and were usually only used for tools like drills that didn’t pull much amperage.
The other method was a transformer that was separate from the tool, but which plugged into the battery attachment.
The main issue is that the low voltage of most cordless tools, means the tools need to draw higher amperage yhan a corded tool, which then produces extra heat, and requires thicker wire.
Cordless tools like circular saws and reciprocating saws tended to have way shorter run times than tools like drills, because the motors required extra amperage and amperage spikes.
Because of this you would need a larger transformer, and/or very thick wire for an adapter.
Festool does manufacture hybrid cordless/corded sanders, so it is possible for low amperage draw tools that don’t need huge amperage spikes, but Festool hasn’t tried to do the same with their drills.
Rabid Badger
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2018
- Messages
- 1,338
A transformer/rectifier/smoothing circuit small enough to fit in a battery pack couldn't supply enough amperage to power anything very powerful. Even a switch mode power supply would be hard pressed. For example, this Greenlee unit only puts out 3.3A and runs almost $300:
https://www.toolup.com/Greenlee-EAC18120-120V-AC-Adapter-for-Greenlee-Battery-Powered-Tools
https://www.toolup.com/Greenlee-EAC18120-120V-AC-Adapter-for-Greenlee-Battery-Powered-Tools
kctyphoon
Banned
Why not just get some cheap aftermarket batteries.. or depending on platform - maybe a battery adapter if you have newer packs for something else.
JRC3
Well-known member
Reminds me of push-starting a standard shift when the battery dies until you buy a new battery. No thank you.
Actually, it's more like towing a car that's out of gas with a tow chain and another car.
Actually, it's more like towing a car that's out of gas with a tow chain and another car.
h~moto
Well-known member
I removed the battery from an old 6V cordless drill and attached electrical cord with clamps that attach to the car battery. Use a 12V drill for those with more modern cars.
I did the same thing recently.
Damn, I had no idea such a thing even existed....thanks for posting!
Attachments
Amazon. About 15 bucks. Accepts Milwaukee and dewalt 20v.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B073VGMCFF/ref=sspa_mw_detail_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Yup, np. I had no idea either until a few months ago. They make 18v adapters for all the popular brands.
jgromada
Well-known member
I had a few Ryobi tools and no Ryobi batteries so i bought an adapter to use my DeWalt batteries with those few Ryobi tools. I can report it it worked fine with a small 6 1/2 Circular saw. I think the only reservation i have heard about this approach is that some battery packs (DeWalt may be included) do not have the requisite undervoltage battery protection necessary to protect a LiOn cell because that circuitry is inside the DeWalt tool. If LiOn is run below a certain voltage many chargers refuse to charge them. There still may be ways to recover them but I have never had to try them.
This adapter approach is most prevalent for 18v cordless tools. I have an older NiCd Milwaukee saw that i was surprised to see that there was an adapter so newer Milwaukee LiOn batteries could be used.
I haven't really seen this for 12v tools, but now with the prevalence of 3d printed adapters you may be able to create a new battery for any old tool.
Really like that Metabo HPT approach of having a battery that hooks in with a standard electrical cord. Not necessarily replacing my miter saw, but if i did I would like the option of using either standard electric power or batteries.
This adapter approach is most prevalent for 18v cordless tools. I have an older NiCd Milwaukee saw that i was surprised to see that there was an adapter so newer Milwaukee LiOn batteries could be used.
I haven't really seen this for 12v tools, but now with the prevalence of 3d printed adapters you may be able to create a new battery for any old tool.
Really like that Metabo HPT approach of having a battery that hooks in with a standard electrical cord. Not necessarily replacing my miter saw, but if i did I would like the option of using either standard electric power or batteries.
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I remember seeing a work van at a car show that had a nice inverter system built into it. So one could run 120v power tools off of the truck. My little tool allows me to do that without need of the inverter.
Haven't used it much, but it's there if I need it. Was a fun and interesting project, I learned alot.
Haven't used it much, but it's there if I need it. Was a fun and interesting project, I learned alot.
sberry
Banned
Sell or toss most of it. Only thing this works ok for is 12V.
Some adapters may be ok.
Some adapters may be ok.
jsaw
Well-known member
I took a low voltage Skil screwdriver and wired a cigarette lighter cord to it. It spun much faster, worked ok for doing interior work.
Brandon_oma#692
Well-known member
No. Need to use the correct charger for the battery. Also need to remove the battery from the adapter or it will discharge the battery.
This is paraphrased from the dewalt instructions that came with the dewalt adapter. I have 1 dewalt adapter and sever ebay adapters. Work great.
JRC3
Well-known member
Correct. It won't charge a 20v battery with an 18v charger. At least not on the real Dewalt adapter.
If you are talking about the old 18V XRP batteries no, they are NiCad batteries. The 20V Max (techinically still 18V, 20V is just their marketing trickery) batteries are Li-ion. Completely different battery chemistry than NiCad & use different charging methods.
nelstomlinson
Well-known member
For the old 12V tools, install an arms length cord in place of the battery, find a couple 12V batteries which will fit in a tool pouch, put some sort of quick disconnect like a cigarette lighter plug and socket on, and you have a semi-cordless solution.