Most power tools use Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) because they are the best re-chargeable batteries for high current applications
and proven to be rugged in harsh conditions.
However, batteries don't last forever. The average lifespan is 1-1/2 to 3 years depending on how much you use it.
The more you use it the shorter it's life. If you have had yours longer than this and it is still working - congratulations - you are above the industry average.
Skil and Bosch batteries and chargers are also another niche product of ours. We have the lowest prices anywhere on 95% of Skil and Bosch batteries and chargers. When you need a replacement remember
www.BoschPowerToolSource.com
If you need help in determining the correct battery or charger for your
tools, refer to the Bosch Battery/Charger Conversion Table or the
Skil
Battery/Charger Conversion Table.
We try to keep this up to date as much as possible but these things change from time to time. So if you can't find your model number, email us and we
can find the
correct item(s) and update the tables accordingly.
Also, we carry Bosch and Skil items that you can't find anywhere else such
as the Skil
92590 14.4 Volt 3 Hour Charger.
Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Batteries
- Do not leave a nickel-based battery (Ni-Cad & Ni-MH) in a charger for more than a day after full charge is reached.
- Apply a monthly full discharge cycle. Running the battery down in
the equipment may do this sufficiently. This exercises the battery
which helps
prevent the "memory effect".
- Do not discharge the battery before each recharge. This would put
undue stress on the battery.
- Avoid elevated temperature. A charger should only raise the battery
temperature for a short time at full charge, and then the battery
should cool off.
- Avoid extreme temperatures. Room
temperature is ideal.
- Use quality chargers to charge batteries*.
*Fact: Did you know that your Ni-Cd
batteries will last longer with a smart charger?
That is true. A smart charger like the
BC004 senses when a battery is fully charged and reverts to trickle charge
mode where it only "tops off" the battery. Whereas, a normal charger
will try to continue to charge at the same rate.
Testing has proven that overcharging reduces the life
span of a Ni-Cd battery. Also, the quick charging current has shown to increase
battery life as well. Reference Isidor Buchmann's "Batteries
in a Portable World".
Think of it as an investment in your
batteries.
