Older cordless tools

[Fialaja]

More specifically non lithium ion
I am still using a makita 14.4 v nimh setup from early 2000 s. I got a free drill when I bought an impact, added a circ saw, flashlight, a spare impact, then I got a hammer drill, then I got the mxt series drill so now I have al these tools and batteries that are well over 10 years old on average...
These tools have served me well, are made in USA and are easy to self service.
BUT, the batteries are quite expensive!
I have not had any experience with the non brand name batteries that are sold on eBay and wondered if anyone here did?

I can not justify changing to lithium batteries with the high cost and the fact that I do not make a living with them...plus these tools still work just fine.

 

[bob15]

I feel you pain. I have a nice, mid 1990's PC and a 20-ish year old German made 18 volt Milwaukee that are going to need new batteries soon (or rebuilt).

I was going to try this outfit and have a couple rebuilt: http://www.hoffasbatteries.com/

 

[DFB]

Not thru Ebay but I did get the POWERAXIS brand of battery from Amazon and am good with those. Seller storefront has 100% 5 star rating there

Got both the 18v and 12v to replace all my OEM NiMH/Ni-cad Makita batteries.

They also have the 14.4...around $50 for a 2 pack or $30 single


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDM9KEE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[BrianJV]

I still have a few Makita 9.6v tools around from early 90's. I still use the drills for light duty stuff like pilot bits for wood working, putting up blinds and curtain rods for the wife, ect. I bought a few no name batts off ebay a few years ago. They were cheap, around 25 bucks for 2 batts. Theyre still working, holding charge. If the tools are still useful to you, I would go for it and buy some offbrand batteries and use em. BTW, I paid 25 or so for 2 noname 9.6v's, HD was around 40 for 1 Makita brand. Mine are holding up fine.

 

[zippy1981]

NiCad is a safer tech than lithium ion. They're is generally no smart circuitry. Everyone buys the actual cells in the battery cartridges from the same vendors.

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[captain14]

Saving this for future battery purchase recommendations

 

[6PTsocket]

I think Makita was one of a very few that went to NiMh as an upgrade from NiCd. They are available with a higher maximum capacity. By any other measurement, they are worse. They do not work as well at low temperatures; they do not hold a charge as well, cells are more prone to uneven discharge. That business about memory is advertising; it was corrected after early NiCd production. In light duty, indoor applications, that are kept near a charger, like wireless phones, they have their uses.
The other possibility is to have your packs rebuilt. Most rebuilders offer to rebuild with NiCd or NiMh. The same charger works with either. The best choice is a NiCd rated 2000 or 2200mah. Tenergy makes a good cell. I had one done by Batteries Plus but I am not sure I would recommend them now, based on the cells they are using. They did a Porter Cable 14.4 for me. Still going strong a few years later.

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