Does anyone know of a source for rebuilding/replacing rechargable batteries for cprdless tools (drills)? I bought a cheap 14.4V drill from one of the discount houses and the battery is dead in no time. I know, I should better quality stuff but in the meantime there must be someone out there that replaces units.
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Syeven,
Go to http://www.eurobatteries.net and you will find all sorts of useful info. I have contemplated rebuilding the packs of a14.4v Craftsman drill that has given me 4 yrs.!! of good service with daily use. The drill works fine, but 1 pack refuses to take a charge at all and the other one will only charge after hours in the charger at the ''soft start" rate. Each new pack is about $65 from Sears, and I could get a whole new drill for $70 to $80 on sale so that option is out. New cells from the above site would come to $60 for two packs so I dont think I'll chance it as the aged drill moter could go T.U. at any time. If I had a higher priced unit to begin with,Dewalt,
Makita,Bosch,E.T.C.,I would probably go for it. I suspect you will feel the same way, given the source + price of your drill. There are other sources of 1.2v NiCad subC cells to be found with a Google search and some have these cells alot cheaper,but I gave this site as it had good how to info. Also,not all subC cells are equal in amp rating so you have to be sure you are comparing the same cells. I hope this helps and if any one else has any experience with rebuilding battery packs,I would really like to hear about it.
Good luck!
Chris
I had Batteries Plus re-cell one of my 12volt Panisonic packs a few months back for about $30 and it has worked well.
Batteries Plus has many stores around the midwest, think someone mentioned they had a web site as well several months ago.
I would say go for it, if the drill is worth having work.
These folks http://www.futureelectronics.com/ , have a few stores http://www.activestores.com/ and a web/catalog outlet http://www.future-active.com/ and do they have batteries http://www.future-active.com/subcat.asp?cat=PTE19
In any case, if you can get into the battery pack (and get it closed again - that's the real trick), then you can replace the cells. You almost have to take the attitude that the pack is shot, so you've nothing to lose by pulling it apart.
Oh, these folks are also my main source for Loctite adhesives.
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario