Diy Guide To Nicd, Nimh And Liion, Cordless Power Tool Batteries

NiCd and NiMH battery packs supply voltages from 2.4 to 18 volts and have been used

for some time to power cordless tools like drill/drivers, reciprocating saws and small circular saws. Li-Ion batteries are a new development in cordless tool batteries that can supply higher voltages, currently up to 36 volts for DeWalt tools. Higher voltage translates to higher torque making it possible to build cordless power tools that rival or surpass the performance of most corded power tools.

At first glance it would seem that Li-ion batteries will make NiCd and NiMH batteries obsolete but that's not the case. First, the cost of a Li-ion powered tool is about twice that of the NiCd and NiMH counterparts, an unnecessary expense for most people.

Second, the extra torque possible with higher voltages is rarely needed by the average user. NiCd and NiMH battery packs can deliver more than adequate power for most purposes. Li-ion powered tools are intended for heavy construction work where, up until now, builders have been tethered by corded tools when real power is needed.

Memory Effect NiCd and to a lesser extent NiMH batteries can suffer from memory effect due to repeated discharge/recharge cycles at the same level each time. This creates a sudden voltage drop each time the battery reaches that level. This is a common problem with cell phones and other electronic devices that are operated for the same period of time repeatedly. Because power tools are operated at various levels through out the discharge period, memory effect is not usually a problem. Some chargers have an equalizing mode that reconditions batteries that have developed memory effect.

Another effect found with NiCd batteries known as "lazy battery effect", occurs with repeated overcharging. This effect is evident when the battery is removed from the charger fully charged but discharges quickly after brief use. This effect can be reversed with repeated deep discharge cycles. The charger maintenance cycle will recondition batteries with this problem.

DeWalt chargers included with all their NiCd cordless tools will charge all voltages of NiCd and XRP battery packs they offer. Their Li-ion charger will charge all their Li-ion powered tools. Makita offers a charger that will charge all voltage levels of both their NiCd and NiMH packs. Their 18 Volt LXT Li-ion charger works with all their LXT tools Milwaukee has a line of chargers with various capabilities including a combination Li-ion and NiCd charger for their 18 and 28 volt tools.

The voltage of a battery doesn't necessarily indicate the specific power that the tool will output however. This is dictated more by the quality and design of the tool's internal components, especially the transmission. It is therefore quite common to find a high quality 14.4V tool that is more powerful than a low quality 18V tool.

Batteries that have a voltage between 3.6V and 12V are generally designed in light duty tools, whereas those that have a voltage between 14.4V and 36V are manufactured for use on heavier duty tools. The most common voltage used amongst manufacturers (due to its weight, cost, and potential power output) is 18V.

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the newest and most advanced type of battery for power tools. They have many advantages over both Nickel-Cadmium and Nickel-Metal Hydride, but still have their shortcomings. Some manufacturers have addressed these shortcomings by introducing elements such as Phosphate, Manganese and Cobalt into their battery's chemical composition. High quality brands will also feature electronic cell protection to stop the battery's cells from overheating, and from being overloaded and over-discharged.

Another factor that affects runtime, but one that isn't related to batteries, is the efficiency of the tool itself. An efficient tool will transfer nearly all of the power from the battery to the business end of the tool. An inefficient tool (generally tools of lower quality) will waste excessive power simply transferring energy to the business end of the tool, which will severely decrease the runtime of a battery.

by: judylive

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