Hoping someone can help with this so here goes. I have an old B&D Cordless Drill. When I try to charge either of the batteries the charger informs me that the bateries are defective. I am assuming that the reason for this is that one or more of the cells are dead. I also have serveral more batteries for this cordless so I was wondering if I took some good cells from some of the other batteries I would be able to make up two batteries so I could use this cordless.I have checked and these batteriews are no longer available so I wondered if this was possible just to be able to use an old very good cordless I have lying around.
Many thanks in advance
Ed
Replies
Couple of options
1. You could swap out the good cells.
2.wwwvoltmanbatteries.com and others like it can rebuild your batteries. Do a google search for more. Some companies offer several cell level options
3 Pick up an RC model magazine (radio control) Plenty of sources that sell the cells by themselves. Cheapest option.
Check in the yellow pages under batteries. Many places will repack old battery packs for a fraction of the cost of new. THe cost will depend on size, voltage, etc, and usually are welded tabs like the original equipment. n
I believe those old BD batteries had a recall/replacement order on them for explosion or fire hazard. You might be able to get a replacement from B&D on them.
If you choose to have your battery packs rebuilt or you do it yourself, I would recommend a couple of other things be done to minimize the risk of fire hazzard.
Regardless of who repairs the battery packs make sure ALL of the cells get replaced with new ones. Don't ever use surplus or used cells it is not worth the risk. Also, you should insure that your charging station has the correct "charging profile" for the battery technology you are using. Charging a battery pack at an incorrect charging rate will allow the battery to overheat, drastically reducing it's life and increasing the risk of fire from a blown up cell. At the very least make sure that the charger has an automatic shutoff timer on it that will shut it off after 3-4 hours. If iit doesn't spend five bucks at your local "rat shack" and buy one. Older cordless equipment usually came equipped with very primitive charging stations and did not have internal shut off timers, this alone contributed to shorter battery life and risk of fire. Now, interestingly enough, all cordless equipment I've seen new has "smart charging" and auto shutoff, even the no-name cheapies. Lastly, make sure your homeowners fire insurance is paid up and offers full replacement value in case of fire. If it sounds as if I have done a little research on the topic it was not by choice, my shop and everything in it went up in flames two summers ago due to a drillmaster charger and battery pack that started a fire during the night.
Hope this is of value to you and anyone else who might read this. Joe.
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