Replies

1. 
   ram | Sep 16, 2005 02:12am | #1

   I have no idea whether a rebuilt battery is a good idea. Just me but I would worry about leaks and such. Batteries are considered hazardous waste for a reason I 'spect.

   I get quality batteries for a reasonable price at http://www.batterybarn.com/

   -robert

1. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 16, 2005 02:40am | #2

   I checked out the link, and I must say the batteries for the Panasonics don't seem to be much of a bargain. They're the old Nicads, and only 2.2 Ah, yet they want $64.What type of batteries do you buy from these folks?********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   ram | Sep 16, 2005 07:10pm | #10

   I got some NiCad and NiMH batteries: 12V for older Panasonic drills, and a smaller ones for small Milwaulkie screwdrivers. At one point they pulled the 12V NiMH for Panasonic with a note that on certain drill models there was a risk of overheating. The batteries I got for the Panasonics (NiCad) seem to last about 50% (subjective) longer on a charge than the originals did.

   I don't remember the prices -- when I was shopping around they were at least 20% less than the local dealer. Sorry if I directed you to a false bargain!

   -robert

1. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 17, 2005 06:32am | #11

   No problem -- it appears it costs much more to rebuild a NiMH than the older Nicads. After today, I have my eighth Panasonic drill; there's a local wwing show and they were running a special on the 15.6 drill (6432), and including 3 batteries for $215 -- which is just slightly more than the online price of having 3 of these batteries rebuilt. Don't know what i'm going to do with all these drill bodies, though.........********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   nicobie | Sep 17, 2005 09:33pm | #12

   Sell them on ebay. It's shocking what tools sell for there. 

2. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 18, 2005 03:49am | #15

   Good idea (selling them on Ebay), but I don't have the first idea how one goes about getting set up there.I think I would rather give them to some worthy soul that finds their way into my orbit.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

3. 
   Troy | Nov 04, 2005 12:17am | #17

   I would second the e-bay recomendation. I have also bought new makita batteries on ebay also and they have been fine. I do wonder if they "fell" off a truck sum where.Troy

2. 
   LeeGrindinger | Sep 16, 2005 02:41am | #3

   Here's some info for you, http://www.primecell.com/pctools.htm

   Lee

   
   

   ---

   Edited 9/15/2005 7:43 pm ET by LeeGrindinger

1. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 16, 2005 03:16am | #6

   Lee,That was slick -- no prices, but they do include a form so you can get a quote.have you used these people?********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   LeeGrindinger | Sep 16, 2005 05:27am | #7

   No prices? Look again, 15.6 Volts Replace NiCds with higher capacity - > 2100mAh $ 42.0015.6 Volts Replace NIMH / or Upgrade NiCd to 3300mAh NIMH $ 61.00 I've sent some out.Lee

1. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 16, 2005 06:58am | #8

   thanks ----- must have missed that part of the site with prices.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

2. 
   GrGramps | Nov 03, 2005 11:39pm | #16

   Lee, I just read your post of 9/15 regarding battery rebuilding. I gather you gave it a try. Could you tell us what your experience was and whether you would recommend? I have 14.4 Dewalts that are getting very sluggish after several years of use. I don't feel that they owe me anything, so I need to decide to buy new or go for the rebuild.
   Roy

3. 
   RickL | Sep 16, 2005 02:43am | #4

   http://www.voltmanbatteries.com/
   Rebuilt batteries are great. I've been using voltman for our shop batteries and have no problems. There's a number of places that specialize in all types of specialized batteries and some even offer a few grades above OEM batteries. It's a great option for obsolete batteries no longer available to keep a perfectly good electronic component working. I paid around half of what you were quoted on battery rebuilding.

1. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 16, 2005 03:04am | #5

   I looked at the Voltman site, and it was a little confusing; they talk about NiMH batteries (in the FAQ), but only quote prices for Nicad rebuilds. does that mean they would take a NiMH and rebuild it with Nicad cells. Also, there is no mention of the Amp hour business; if I send them a 3.5 Ah, will it come back with the same rating. I really don't want a 2-2.2 Ah battery, since the run time is substantially less than 3.5,Given your experience with these people, can you give me any guidance on these questions? I suppose I should just call them................Thanks for the info.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

2. 
   triplenet | Sep 16, 2005 07:06am | #9

   I had 3 Dewalt 14.4 rebuilt by Voltman(?). Haven't used them a lot, but seems to hold a charge a long time. I think they were about $35 each.Bob

4. 
   wrudiger | Sep 17, 2005 11:40pm | #13

   There has been a similar thread going in Breaktime including an interesting DIY altarnative:

   http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=63186.1

1. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 18, 2005 03:46am | #14

   Yeah I know; there's always somebody who can buy the cells dirt cheap and do their own rebuild. I wish I had that kind of DIY moxie. But in this case you'd also have to have whatever equipment you need to redo the plastic welds.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-