Home Battery Articles

 Choosing the Right Power Tool Battery

By Bobby George

Anyone who deals with power tools on a consistent basis knows the troubles that can arise from an old or dead power tool battery. Its an annoying problem to get ready to use a power tool for a project only to be forced to delay the project to charge or replace the battery. Many of these situation can be avoided by following instructions on caring for power tool batteries. However, when a dead power tool battery must be rebuilt or replaced, there are some details to take into consideration. Namely, you should be sure that you are getting the best battery for your money with no unexpected problems. Obviously, you will need a battery designed to fit your tool. Let's take a look at what else you should look for.

To start, you should be sure you are getting a battery that gets the job done. With power tools, this means choosing a battery that will last long enough to finish a job without charging. Or, if the job is very lengthy, choosing multiple batteries to keep on hand and swap out on the fly. So, if you need a battery that will stay charged longer than the original, choose one with a higher mAh rating if one is available. Keep in mind, this will cause the battery to last longer, but will also cause it to take longer to charge. As long as the voltage remains the same, your new battery can have a higher mAh rating or even a lower one, depending on your needs and budget.

Chemistry is another important factor to consider. The two main cordless tool battery chemistries are nickel cadmium (NiCD) and nickel metal hydride (NiMH). NiCD power tool batteries, while relatively inexpensive, have a tendency to develop a memory effect and completely die if left uncharged for very long. NiMH batteries, on the other hand, withstand these conditions and usually last longer in general. Two issues arise when switching to NiMH power tool batteries, however: cost and charger compatibility. NiMH power tool batteries generally cost more than their NiCD counterparts. Also, it is not recommended to charge a NiMH battery with a charger designed for a NiCD battery, and vice versa. If changing battery chemistry also means replacing your battery charger, the costs may outweigh the benefits.

While still a relatively new trend, some power tool battery manufacturers are developing lithium ion batteries for some power tool devices. If a lithium ion battery is available for your power tool, it may be a good idea to upgrade, keeping in mind the charger compatibility issue. Not only will you be able to charge however you like with no change of memory developing, but the Li-Ion battery should have even higher capacity than the NiMH version of the same battery.

Besides these factors, the remaining one to consider is price. Shop around and make sure you aren't being overcharged for the battery. Do your research. Keep in mind, some companies will sell inferior batteries at rock bottom prices while they are actually inferior products. You should choose a battery that is backed by a good warranty in case anything goes wrong soon after your purchase.