Battery Care

Battery operated tools are just about everywhere now, and the cordless drill seems to be the most common. Maintaining the battery is the most important aspect of these tools.

First, keep in mind that heat is a battery's biggest enemy. Store cordless tools in a cool place; don't let them lay around in the sun. If a battery is heavily used and run down, let it cool before putting it into the charger because chargers themselves generate heat. Also, use the tool until the battery is obviously running down before recharging. Second, while quick chargers are commonplace, they don't always bring all the cells up to full charge. If you've used your cordless tools several times and given them eight or ten quick charges after those uses, leave the battery in the charger overnight to top it off. Finally, if you use your cordless tool infrequently, the battery will run down from lack of use. Plan ahead and charge the tool the day before a big project.

- Stephen Corwin

PS, a friend gave us a solar powered small battery charger...seems to work great. He is now creating portable solar powered units for whole homes.....and will soon be taking orders for them.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001