Master Mechanic 18V Battery replacement

[Keshenatech1]

I'm trying to find a replacement for a Master Mechanic P/N 134458 that was manufactured in 2015. My local True Value Hardware store tells me they were discontinued in 2018 and no longer available. I see some that look similar on Amazon but not exact and the current rating is much higher so I don't know if they'd work or not. I've attached a few pictures of it. If anyone knows of a compatible replacement, please let me know. Thanks

 

[JradM]

If it were me, I'd be looking for a battery adapter instead of a replacement battery. Might as well switch to a more readily available brand.

Otherwise, your local battery store can probably solder in some new cells for you. Just be cautious how much you spend reviving an old ni-cd pack when something modern from Ryobi or Craftsman are much better power tools and likely not that much more expensive.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I agree. NiCad is old, outdated tech, and not worth the hassle. It may even be more cost effective to get a new drill.

 

[mrvm]

Probably need to craft your own battery adapters if none exist. The shell of your old batteries could be reloaded by a battery rebuilder. As mentioned the expense to refurbish your dead batteries will probably be more than a new lithium powered Ryobi or HF kit (batteries+charger) and out perform the Master Mechanic

 

[PCustoms]

Recycle it and go by a new lithium Ryobi or similar on the next sale cycle.

 

[JradM]

Probably need to craft your own battery adapters if none exist. The shell of your old batteries could be reloaded by a battery rebuilder. As mentioned the expense to refurbish your dead batteries will probably be more than a new lithium powered Ryobi or HF kit (batteries+charger) and out perform the Master Mechanic

That sparked an idea. If no adapters exist you could also remove the top from your current battery and connected it to a battery power connector from your brand of preference.

E.g.:



That style of adapter is pretty cheap. You'd just have to solder the wires to the positive and negative terminals inside your existing battery cap. You could even hollow out your current battery and bolt the adapter right to the bottom - though that would add some extra height.