Used 18V Batteries?

[BQuicksilver]

Do you guys try to revive them (I've read a few tricks - not sure if they work)?

Or do you just recycle them?

Any way to test if they're toast?

 

[mrshaun]

batteries plus out here rebuilds snap on 18volt ni cad for 47 bucks out the door.

 

[half_full]

I did zap a few with higher voltage last year on a 18v DeWalt saw/drill combo that I picked up for $40. The seller said the batteries were dead. They would charge and run the drill for about 15 minutes of drywall screws. After I zapped them I was able to get half day of use.

There are several places that rebuild. Some of the rebuild sites are looking for dead batteries to rebuild and sell if you want to give the battery to them

 

[Gpgtp]

I just build a new batt pack. Super easy and cheap to do

 

[NJ Diver]

I see those battery rebuild instructions on ebay all the time. Has anyone ever bought one of those and had the instructions work? Anyone ever try it with RIDGID batteries?

 

[Danglerb]

Key to building the packs 'right' is an ultrasonic welder, makes good electrical connections without the heat of soldering.

Other key is a cheap source of good quality fresh cells.

Add up the keys and using a reliable high volume rebuilder usually is worthwhile.

Answering the original question, yes I would look for and buy used packs, but only dirt cheap and to use for rebuilding not zapping.

 

[UncleJoe]

I just build a new batt pack. Super easy and cheap to do

Exactly how do you do that? I am sure it can be done but I would like to know what worked for you. This would make a very good instructional post.

 

[tooth]

Amazon is your friend for batteries

That's the plan when my xrp batteries die

 

[Gpgtp]

Exactly how do you do that? I am sure it can be done but I would like to know what worked for you. This would make a very good instructional post.

If you'd like me to make my own version of this link, I'll happily do so for you guys.. But this link is really pretty good!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Hot-Rodding-a-Power-Drill-Battery/#step1
Find out how many cells you need (hint: most sub c sized batts I've seen are 1.2v), pick an amperage (2000mAh are pretty common/cheap, and SHOULD be an upgrade in capacity on a lot of drills), take your old battery apart, noting where the bus bars are placed on the poles of the batteries, replicate that, pop it in and go lmk if more info/pics needed. Keep in mind heat kills batteries, so solder quickly, tin the connections..

 

[BQuicksilver]

Well, I ended up using this as an excuse to get 2 Li Ion XRP batts.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

batteries plus out here rebuilds snap on 18volt ni cad for 47 bucks out the door.

What about the 12V Dewalt.
It's from a 12V XRP series?

I heard something about putting them in a freezer, but it didn't work for me.
Thanks,
Tony

 

[mrbreezeet1]

Amazon is your friend for batteries

That's the plan when my xrp batteries die

Here is at at Amazon it's about $60.00 though.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002AJKNQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

2.4 Amp Hour NiCd Battery

Is that a better one than the one that came with it.
Thanks,
Tony

 

[bimmerZ5]

i tried zapping a couple of 18V XRP Dewalt batteries... both were revived initially and worked great, but eventually one of them died completely (reads 0V). But the other is still going strong. after I told my friend about my "zapping" success, he brought over his almost dead Ryobi 18V NiCad batteries and we zapped all of them (4) and all of them have been working great for several months. sometimes it works better than other times. worth a try in my opinion. the worst is that the battery just dies... in which case you can then proceed to rebuild with new cells.