Replies

1. 
   DanH | Jul 25, 2015 08:45am | #1

   I've always gone to my local Batteries Plus (now called "Batteries Plus Bulbs").  I'm sure they're more expensive than the online outfits, but you get to deal with real people.

1. 
   jimmiem | Jul 25, 2015 02:55pm | #2

   Batteries Plus Bulbs

   I called the nearby Batteries plus Bulbs to check their price.  I've seen some on-line rebuilders that are more expensive and some that are less expensive than Batteries Plus.  Batteries Plus price is closer to the more expensive rebuilders.  Ever heard of Bluff Valley Battery Rebuilders.  They send the batteries already soldered together.  You just have to open the case, take out the old and install the new.

2. 
   deadnuts | Jul 26, 2015 01:04pm | #3

   JImmie,

   Why waste your time and money on old cordless tool techology? IMO, the best thing you can do is properly dispose of the old and buy the new. Chances are your new lithium ion battery powered tool will be more powerful, lighter, run longer, and charge quicker. You will also enjoy probably enjoy your work more when using it..

1. 
   MarkH | Jul 29, 2015 07:43pm | #4

   I have to agree with that, lithium ION is so much better, other than dieing with no warning, but even that's not a bad thing.

1. 
   deadnuts | Jul 31, 2015 09:47pm | #5

   Most of the Lith Ion cordless tools come with some form of onboard charge indicator to handle MarkH's concern. Most even come with an onboard LED flash light(s) for working in dark spaces. I pick up drill and impact driver sets (Rigid, Milwaukee, Makita) on CPO for less than $150 when I see them. I have some Hilti sets, but they cost alot more and don't perform any better. I keep sets on the jobsite, in my van, my shop, my home, etc. At these prices I cant afford not to be ready when I need them. What a wonderful world of tool technology we live in today.

3. 
   Tommy2000 | Oct 31, 2018 08:31pm | #6

   Rebuilding power tool batteries is a possibility. But this largely depends on the type of batteries that you would want to rebuild. For instance, NICAD do come in lower voltage. Most of them are 12V to 18V. Low voltage batteries pose less danger in case something goes awfully wrong.

   cite: https://www.powertoollab.com/best-power-tool-battery/#Rebuilt_Power_Tool_Batteries

    While the cheap cells can be used to rebuild a battery, you won't be getting the same performance that a new pack will give. I know because I have rebuilt dozens of batteries and I run them hard at work every day.

1. 
   jimmiem | Nov 02, 2018 06:52pm | #7

   I bought the rebuild NiCad packs from Bluff Valley.  The cells are already soldered and wrapped. All I had to do was take the case apart (screwed shut) remove the old pack and insert the new pack.  The new packs seem better than the originals.  The cost of a rebuild pack was half the price of a whole new battery.