Question about C3 impact batteries?

[Jystang]

Hey guys! about a year ago, while in the middle of changing out a clutch on my mustang, i purchased a craftsman C3 1/2 inch impact gun. I was happy with the performance and had two nicad batteries for it.. havent used the gun much but until last week worked fine.. recently the batteries wont charge and Ive tried all the "fixes" on the internet... i was hoping on expandining my C3 tools around these batteries. has anyone else had these issues... would buying the lithium batteries and charger eliminate this problem? any guidence would be apreciated....
thanks,
John

 

[GSteg]

The lithium batteries are worlds better than the nicad. Even the compact battery matches the nicad's amp-hour capacity, while being much lighter. When I use to have my craftsman impact, I could go on for months without using it, and it would still have charge when I needed it.

 

[GSteg]

By the way, if you get lithium batteries, you must have a compatible charger. I don't think the charger in the original nicad kit will charge lithium. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, as I have owned the dual-chemistry charger from the start.

 

[george4]

Not a great fan of Craftsman anymore but I bought a 6 piece C-3 set as a gag gift for the SO nearly 10 years ago, Nicads. She has used the light a lot and I have used the other pieces quite a bit, especially the drill. 2 of the 3 batteries finally gave out just recently; I purchased 2 more new Nicads on sale for cheap. The 3rd original battery is till going. Lots of value there unless you just want to spring for the lithium set up now.

 

[mooseracing]

Get the lithium.

I've had the kit for around 10yrs now and I wish I would have went lithium sooner. They last longer, have more power, as well as power till the end. I have the dual charger so I can do Ni or Lion.

It may be cheaper to buy a combo, whether tool/battery/charger kit than buying them by themselves.

 

[Jystang]

Get the lithium.

I've had the kit for around 10yrs now and I wish I would have went lithium sooner. They last longer, have more power, as well as power till the end. I have the dual charger so I can do Ni or Lion.

It may be cheaper to buy a combo, whether tool/battery/charger kit than buying them by themselves.

does the charger you use have the "defective" light? i think that may be my problem...

 

[Trey T]

Ni-Cad behaves differently than Ni-MH or Li-Ion. Chargers I have seen designated those two classes: Ni-Cad and Ni-MH/Li-Ion.