Rechargeable cordless tools are convenient, portable, and ready to work at a moment’s notice. Power tool batteries last for several years. With proper care and storage, you can extend battery life and your investment. Here’s what you need to know about caring for your cordless rechargeable battery.
Caring for Your Rechargeable Battery
Cordless power tools don’t always get the best of treatments. To keep your battery-powered tools at their optimal run time, taking care of the battery is important.
Maintain a Full Charge
You’ll want to keep your battery charged. Put the battery on the battery charger when you notice a decrease in power. Most batteries last longest if you recharge when they reach 70% capacity. Even NiCd batteries (with their “memory effect”) only need to be completely discharged every month or so to retain their charge memory.
Use Tools Regularly
Battery life decreases with lack of use, so use your tools regularly. If you rarely use a tool, you may want to consider a plug-in version or plan to charge batteries before starting a project. Be sure to leave the cordless tool’s battery plugged in until it’s completely charged. Most chargers have an indicator to let you know when the battery is fully charged.
Properly Store Batteries
You’ll want to properly store batteries to help with their longevity. Cordless tool batteries last longer if you store them in a dry, climate-controlled area. It’s best to store batteries at room temperature in the original carrying case or in a cushioned bag. Use the plastic cap that comes with your battery to stop it from shorting out and to protect the terminals from breaking or getting wet.
When storing batteries, charge them at about 40–50% before putting them away. This will work to extend the life span of the battery.
Adjust torque setting on drills.Have a Backup Battery
It’s a good idea to have a backup battery available and charged for your cordless tool, so you can switch out mid-job. And, while batteries may seem invincible, be gentle with your new battery. A damaged or cracked battery is a dead battery.
Operate Your Tool Using the Right Setting
Lastly, be sure to use the right tool setting for the job. For example, higher torque settings can run a cordless drill battery down faster, so you’ll get more battery life if you use the setting that’s needed.
Rechargeable Tool Battery Mistakes
Don’t make these errors with your tools.
Don’t Drain Your Battery
Despite popular myths, don’t completely drain your battery. Deep draining (letting a rechargeable battery run all the way down) can permanently damage the poles and shorten battery life. Instead, recharge the battery as soon as your tool starts to slow down. Never deep drain unless you have a NiCd battery that’s showing decreased capacity due to the memory effect.
Avoid Leaving a Battery on the Charger
Unless your tool instructions say to keep the battery on the charger, don’t leave it on the charger. Take it off after charging is done. Overcharging can damage a battery and shorten its life, and not all chargers shut off automatically.
Never Overheat a Battery
Be sure that you don’t overheat the battery. Heat is deadly to rechargeable batteries and can even cause them to explode. If the battery gets hot to the touch, let it cool down before recharging or using it. Don’t store rechargeable batteries in a hot car, attic, or overheated storage area.
Don’t Get a Battery Wet
It may go without saying but don’t get the battery wet. You shouldn’t expose your cordless (or corded) tools or batteries to water. Immediately wipe away any moisture on the tool or battery.
Caring for Your Rechargeable Batteries
Homeowners who own their own tools understand how much their toolboxes are worth. It’s important to take care of your Milwaukee, Ryobi, or DeWalt tools — sometimes, that involves a rechargeable battery.
If you charge your battery as the instructions say, store it correctly, avoid high temperatures, protect it from liquids and metals, and use the power tool often, then your battery should last a long time. For rechargeable battery applications, watch the following videos:
FAQs About Caring for Rechargeable Cordless Tool Batteries
I don’t recommend completely draining modern rechargeable batteries. Doing so can reduce their overall life span and capacity.
Most modern batteries perform best when kept between 20% and 80% charge, and battery technology often won’t allow the battery to fully drain. Sometimes letting a device run down (but not completely) can help calibrate its battery indicator.
When storing rechargeable batteries, it’s generally best to keep them partially charged rather than completely discharged or at a full charge.
Some manufacturers suggest 30%-50% charge for lithium-ion batteries. But it’s best to store most rechargeable batteries at about 40%-50% charge. Battery storage with a partial charge prevents stress on the battery from being fully charged and avoids deep discharge issues if left for extended periods.
You should store your battery pack in a dry place with cool temperatures. Be sure to avoid extreme heat, or direct sunlight, as heat can cause the battery to self-discharge.
Yes, power tool batteries can freeze, especially when exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Most batteries can freeze at temperatures below 32°F (0°C), but the exact freezing point depends on the battery chemistry and percentage of charge.
There are many battery types, but Li-Ion batteries are more resistant to freezing but can still be affected. NiCad (nickel-cadmium) and NiMh batteries (nickel-metal hydride) are more likely to freeze.
To prevent freezing, avoid extreme temperatures and store batteries in a temperature-controlled environment. Remember, while sometimes being cold may not hurt a battery right away, repeated freezing and thawing cycles can greatly shorten its life.
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