Aftermarket tool batteries VS factory batteries.

[4570Man]

I bought a load of Makita tools at an auction a while back. The problem is I only got one working battery. I'm looking for opinions on factory vs aftermarket batteries. I use them a lot so I really need to buy a second battery. I don't know how I got by without a cordless sawzall, impacts, and a grinder. At one point I thought they were useless and I wouldn't have bought them new. It was the best $140 I've spent. I have 2 dead batteries. Does anyone think they contain enough good cells to make one working battery?

 

[bcp]

There are many websites and Youtube videos on rebuilding battery packs.

Bruce

 

[mcfarmall]

I bought a set of rebuilt DeWalt XRP packs from Battery Rebuilders (I think) and they did not have the run time of factory OEM packs despite being built with higher amp/hour cells supposedly. For me it's new OEM or nothing.

 

[Gunny]

^+1

I tried two different aftermarket batteries and neither was as good as the OEM. From the start, it looked like I was saving some money, but the batteries didn't run as long and didn't last as long, so I've stuck to OEM since.

I don't know what size batteries your Makita tools use, but it you can get them in Li-Ion, you'd be way ahead.

 

[Rocky J]

I went into a Interstate Battery Warehouse to make a pick up and saw them rebuilding the battery packs. He had 5 gallon buckets full of the Dewalt battery packs. When he opened them up they were half full but he was filling up the space with the new cells. I am not sure if they all come half full with the little cardboard covered what looked like C batteries or just the ones at the Big Box stores.I ask him if it was cheaper then new, he said not when you fill them up ,it would be the same as new but they last twice as many hours in use, and warranty was same as new through them. I figured as many buckets of them he had to do they must be making somebody happy some where.HOW TO REBUILD A DEWALT BATTERY voltmanbatteries.com - YouTube

 

[newbury]

I've bought aftermarket "20vMax" 4 Ah Li-ion batteries for my DeWalts. They cost about half as much as OEM. Had one "die" prematurely. Mfg replaced w/ no problem.
They seem to last during use just as long as OEM.
I'd rather have 2 after market than 1 OEM.

 

[4570Man]

I've bought aftermarket "20vMax" 4 Ah Li-ion batteries for my DeWalts. They cost about half as much as OEM. Had one "die" prematurely. Mfg replaced w/ no problem. They seem to last during use just as long as OEM. I'd rather have 2 after market than 1 OEM.

It's really more like 3 after market or 1 OEM.

 

[fidowanttobe]

Anyone tried "flashing" them with a welder like on YouTube? Would love to but I'm too chicken.

 

[EddieWalker]

Outstanding deal on the tools!!!!!

I also have Makita tools and have found that the cheaper brands of batteries don't last very long. I bite the bullet and pay for Makita brand batteries. I buy the two packs off of Amazon. With Prime, they have been the best deals that I've been able to find. I like to have six batteries and at least two chargers with me all the time.

The also found that with my camera, the off brand batteries also lose their charge very quickly, so I pay the price for Canon brand. The difference in how long they last is worth the extra money to me.

 

[ArlyA]

I go to Amazon and look for aftermarket replacements with LOTS of high reviews. Its still a crap shoot but better than just guessing. I've got some cordless tools so old that OEM batteries are no longer available