Replies

1. 
   junkhound | Aug 22, 2003 03:14am | #1

   Ripoff. 

   Short'em out for 10 seconds, if the wire don't get hot, leav'em shorted for 5 minutes. then recharge. same as the ripoff buggers would do.  Likely only one cell bad, cut the stack apart, replace the cellwith a sub-C from another old stack (you do save the old ones, don't you??) and you are  back in business.

1. 
   joeh | Aug 22, 2003 06:17am | #2

   Art, Makita 9.6V sticks get "Fat" right about death time. It's not nikkid eye fat, but they don't want to go in the tool or the charger and then they are junk.

   Haven't taken any apart to see what's up, but someday I'll have more dead than alive. If I ever find all the tools at once, I might need to get more batteries.

   Joe H

   Edited 8/21/2003 11:17:56 PM ET by JoeH

1. 
   junkhound | Aug 25, 2003 05:50am | #10

   Joe: 

   Have found one of the "fat" ones in about 8 or so of the used 9.6 V I'v scrounged, the bulge was apparently due to KOH crystallization (the white power crap) from a leaky cell bulging the case.  You are right in the assessment that  "they are junk" since a leaky cell with that much KOH blowout means a severe overcharge and the other cells are also likely damaged.  Only way to salvage even the case was to heat with a heat gun and kinda press back into shape for 'newer' cells (not cost effective except for DIY satisfaction). 

2. 
   DavidThomas | Aug 22, 2003 07:54pm | #3

   I can't offer personnel experience on "refreshing" old Ni-cads.  I did know an electronics geek who claimed some success with something like johhnyd's technique.  He also described some other exciting results.  As did a friend who designed high-tech batteries (for cruise missle).  The take home message:

   WEAR GOGGLES! at a minimum.  Better yet, if you are going to short batteries, it is better done in another room by another person.

   David Thomas   Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska
1. 
   johnnyd | Aug 22, 2003 09:03pm | #4

   I took 'em in...they put them on thier machine for 24 hours.  After the treatment, if the battery rates 80% of new in terms of run-time, it's $10.  If it's anything less than 80% they give it back, no charge. If it's zero, free disposal.

   ....I'll let you know how it comes out.

1. 
   Luka | Aug 24, 2003 05:58am | #5

   They are going to offer free disposal.

   Then they'll repack the cartridge, and sell it to the next guy that asks.

   A good heart embiggins even the smallest person.

   Quittin' Time

1. 
   andybuildz | Aug 24, 2003 04:38pm | #6

   Luka

         that was the 1st thing that came to my mind too.....lol.

   Personally I buy off of Ebay and the batteries I've gotten are up to date and half the price of anywhere else. Its way worth it.

   The 2 new 18V DW batteries I got for 1/2 the price of HD were also the extended time batteries unlike the old ones.

   Be well

             andy 

    

   In his first interview since the stroke, Ram Dass, 66, spoke with great difficulty about how his brush with death has changed his ideas about aging, and how the recent loss of two old friends, Timothy Leary and Allen Ginsberg, has convinced him that now, more than ever, is the time to ``Be Here Now.''

   http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

1. 
   RalphWicklund | Aug 24, 2003 06:41pm | #7

   When you buy those batteries on Ebay are you dealing with an individual via auction or are you dealing with an established business with a set price for the product all the time?

   Provide a link to the vender?

2. 
   andybuildz | Aug 24, 2003 09:49pm | #8

   I deal with individual vendors...check it out Ralph 

    

   In his first interview since the stroke, Ram Dass, 66, spoke with great difficulty about how his brush with death has changed his ideas about aging, and how the recent loss of two old friends, Timothy Leary and Allen Ginsberg, has convinced him that now, more than ever, is the time to ``Be Here Now.''

   http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

3. 
   gstringe | Aug 25, 2003 05:13am | #9

   There is more to it than just erasing the memory effect.  Sometimes they can be brought back to a reasonable level but they don't last any where as long as original.

   If you really want the correct advice go to:http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&safe=active&group=sci.chem.electrochem.battery

1. 
   junkhound | Aug 25, 2003 05:56am | #11

   Good comment, Ya got that right. 

   Oeiginal post method described is akin to the decades old practice of used car dealers of shaking up a 'dead' lead acid battery, pouring the guts into a inert pan, let settle for an hour, then refill & add water & charge-- battery will often last for a few weeks, even months.

1. 
   G80104 | Aug 25, 2003 06:06am | #12

         This group from Ohio rebuilds batteries, http://www.voltmanbatteries.com  After you add shipping I don't know if its the best deal around?