End of an Era

[k0ua]

I just received my Ryobi 18 volt drill from Amazon yesterday. I bought it without battery and charger as I have plenty of both. It was $20. It replaces my 25 Plus year old 9.6 bolt Ryobi 3/8 drill. It was a good one and has went thru probably nearly half a dozen battery packs in its lifetime. but the cost to put a new battery on it was more than buying a whole new drill, and since I have started down the 18 volt Ryobi road with so many other tools it seemed like a waste to spend the money on a new battery for such and old drill. Yes there is some wear and tear on the old fellow, the chuck doesn't grip quite like it used to and the poor old thing is worn in about every way.

I paid over $100 for it all those years ago at Sears. It was my only portable handheld drill for so many years, but of course now I have others, including a 1/2 inch Ryobi hammer/combo drill and have ran thru a 14.4 volt Dewalt in that time frame also. It sits too now on the shelf, still in pretty good shape, but I can't bring myself to buy a battery for it either.

The 9.6 Ryobi will still turn, but the Nicad battery is very weak and any task requiring real torque it is not up to it. I saw where one member here used his 9.6 volt drill body to raise and lower the door for his chicken coop under control of a photoelectric cell. Maybe I will keep it for some such purpose. It seems like a sin to just throw away such an old friend that has served me so well for so many years. I think I got my moneys worth.

View attachment IMG_20161230_082822707.jpg

 

[m35techa2]

k0ua Amazon does carry replacement batteries....not that expensive either,

 

[KubotainNH]

Disconnect the cells internally and wire in a wire with battery alligator clips (or cig lighter plug) on the other end. Attach it to a car battery as a backup. You may burn it out on high speed but maybe not. That's what my plan is for my old 12volt drill.

 

[dickfoster]

I just received my Ryobi 18 volt drill from Amazon yesterday. I bought it without battery and charger as I have plenty of both. It was $20. It replaces my 25 Plus year old 9.6 bolt Ryobi 3/8 drill. It was a good one and has went thru probably nearly half a dozen battery packs in its lifetime. but the cost to put a new battery on it was more than buying a whole new drill, and since I have started down the 18 volt Ryobi road with so many other tools it seemed like a waste to spend the money on a new battery for such and old drill. Yes there is some wear and tear on the old fellow, the chuck doesn't grip quite like it used to and the poor old thing is worn in about every way.

I paid over $100 for it all those years ago at Sears. It was my only portable handheld drill for so many years, but of course now I have others, including a 1/2 inch Ryobi hammer/combo drill and have ran thru a 14.4 volt Dewalt in that time frame also. It sits too now on the shelf, still in pretty good shape, but I can't bring myself to buy a battery for it either.

The 9.6 Ryobi will still turn, but the Nicad battery is very weak and any task requiring real torque it is not up to it. I saw where one member here used his 9.6 volt drill body to raise and lower the door for his chicken coop under control of a photoelectric cell. Maybe I will keep it for some such purpose. It seems like a sin to just throw away such an old friend that has served me so well for so many years. I think I got my moneys worth.

View attachment 493207

Just so you know you can lithium replacement batteries for not much for that 14.4V DeWalt from Battery Ship Battery Replacement for Dewalt, Makita, Garmin, Milwaukee, Magellan, Hitachi, TomTom. I did and it's great having my 14.4V tools in use again. Be sure to ask for the free charger if you get one or two. I got two since I'm using them with several tools including the hammer drill, a trim saw and a sawzall. I was just not going to buy anymore NiCd batteries since they just won't last and won't hold a charge worth a hoot.

 

[Retiredguy2]

Just saying here that I have a huge number of Craftsman 19.2 volt nicad cordless drill batteries that crapped out and will not take a charge. I have been using nicad battery powered tools since 1996 and have been bitterly disappointed with the short service life they deliver. I am sorry those were all that were available before I stopped buying cordless tools.

 

[kenmac]

I just received my Ryobi 18 volt drill from Amazon yesterday. I bought it without battery and charger as I have plenty of both. It was $20. It replaces my 25 Plus year old 9.6 bolt Ryobi 3/8 drill. It was a good one and has went thru probably nearly half a dozen battery packs in its lifetime. but the cost to put a new battery on it was more than buying a whole new drill, and since I have started down the 18 volt Ryobi road with so many other tools it seemed like a waste to spend the money on a new battery for such and old drill. Yes there is some wear and tear on the old fellow, the chuck doesn't grip quite like it used to and the poor old thing is worn in about every way.

I paid over $100 for it all those years ago at Sears. It was my only portable handheld drill for so many years, but of course now I have others, including a 1/2 inch Ryobi hammer/combo drill and have ran thru a 14.4 volt Dewalt in that time frame also. It sits too now on the shelf, still in pretty good shape, but I can't bring myself to buy a battery for it either.

The 9.6 Ryobi will still turn, but the Nicad battery is very weak and any task requiring real torque it is not up to it. I saw where one member here used his 9.6 volt drill body to raise and lower the door for his chicken coop under control of a photoelectric cell. Maybe I will keep it for some such purpose. It seems like a sin to just throw away such an old friend that has served me so well for so many years. I think I got my moneys worth.

View attachment 493207

I bought that same drill. I don't like the chuck much. It won't grip drill bits very well and when things get tight the bit slips in the chuck. I have to grind a flat spot on the bits so they won't slip. I can't say I'll ever buy another. I like my other cordless drills better

 

[k0ua]

k0ua Amazon does carry replacement batteries....not that expensive either,

I know, but the whole new drill was cheaper and I get a new drill besides...

 

[k0ua]

Just saying here that I have a huge number of Craftsman 19.2 volt nicad cordless drill batteries that crapped out and will not take a charge. I have been using nicad battery powered tools since 1996 and have been bitterly disappointed with the short service life they deliver. I am sorry those were all that were available before I stopped buying cordless tools.

All the more reason to put your woes behind you and get on the Lithium Ion bandwagon with one brand or another. I have started down Ryobi road with their 18v LiOn battery system and I will never invest in another Nicad.. Yes Lithium Ion batteries are that much better for so many reasons.

 

[Retiredguy2]

I know, but the whole new drill was cheaper and I get a new drill besides...

That is what makes the situation so obscene...you can buy a new drill and batteries cheaper than what just new batteries cost. Pretty much explains why we have what is called a "throwaway society"....BTW yesterday I purchased a Bosch PS-20 12 volt mini-drill at the local Goodwill store for $9.99 and tax. It came with a 30 minute charger and a pair of OEM Lithium batteries...the manual with it shows a 2008 date yet the batteries still charge in 15-20 minutes and hold a charge well. Best used tool buy I ever made. I only wish nicads would have the same service life.

 

[k0ua]

Just so you know you can lithium replacement batteries for not much for that 14.4V DeWalt from Battery Ship Battery Replacement for Dewalt, Makita, Garmin, Milwaukee, Magellan, Hitachi, TomTom. I did and it's great having my 14.4V tools in use again. Be sure to ask for the free charger if you get one or two. I got two since I'm using them with several tools including the hammer drill, a trim saw and a sawzall. I was just not going to buy anymore NiCd batteries since they just won't last and won't hold a charge worth a hoot.

Well I looked it up $65. If you want this Dewalt drill and will send me a prepaid shipping box, I will put the drill in it and send it to you. I am too far gone down Ryobi road and their One Plus 18volt system to turn back now. Like you I will never buy another NiCad battery or have another pack rebuilt. Not since I have started down the Lithium Ion path. For one thing their shelf life is much longer as they don't self discharge just sitting around. When you pick them up you can expect them to work. And when they are discharged the circuitry inside just cuts them off. No gradual loss of power.. Just goes dead when it is time to charge them. No memory effect like NiCads either. Just better to use in so many ways, not to mention it makes the whole tool lighter too.

Again if you want that 14.4v Dewalt you are welcome to it. It is in good shape, or it was the last time I used it, but I am just not investing in any more NiCad or NiMH batteries and that LiOn battery is too expensive to have just a one-of When I have 3 18 volt Ryobi batteries.

 

[KubotainNH]

Just so you know you can lithium replacement batteries for not much for that 14.4V DeWalt from Battery Ship Battery Replacement for Dewalt, Makita, Garmin, Milwaukee, Magellan, Hitachi, TomTom. I did and it's great having my 14.4V tools in use again. Be sure to ask for the free charger if you get one or two. I got two since I'm using them with several tools including the hammer drill, a trim saw and a sawzall. I was just not going to buy anymore NiCd batteries since they just won't last and won't hold a charge worth a hoot.

My Milwaukee drill batteries are almost done, or at least one is. I may go this route. Cool that you got a free charger out of the deal.

 

[Thomas]

Indeed you got your money worth,to bad more makers products would last longer like they use to.

 

[k0ua]

Indeed you got your money worth,to bad more makers products would last longer like they use to.

Indeed I was surprised it lasted so long, especially as Ryobi is not exactly know as the "top notch" brand anyway. But that old drill doesn't owe me a thing. I know it is at least 25 years old, and may be closer to 30.

 

[dickfoster]

Well I looked it up $65. If you want this Dewalt drill and will send me a prepaid shipping box, I will put the drill in it and send it to you. I am too far gone down Ryobi road and their One Plus 18volt system to turn back now. Like you I will never buy another NiCad battery or have another pack rebuilt. Not since I have started down the Lithium Ion path. For one thing their shelf life is much longer as they don't self discharge just sitting around. When you pick them up you can expect them to work. And when they are discharged the circuitry inside just cuts them off. No gradual loss of power.. Just goes dead when it is time to charge them. No memory effect like NiCads either. Just better to use in so many ways, not to mention it makes the whole tool lighter too.

Again if you want that 14.4v Dewalt you are welcome to it. It is in good shape, or it was the last time I used it, but I am just not investing in any more NiCad or NiMH batteries and that LiOn battery is too expensive to have just a one-of When I have 3 18 volt Ryobi batteries.

Thanks but I don't really need it. I too have jumped on the lithium bandwagon and won't be looking back. I already have the 14.4V DeWalt drill and have also gotten into DeWalt's 20Vmax lithium ion brushless tools with a hammer drill, impact screwdriver and a grease gun so far. I got the lithium replacement batteries to extend the life of my old DeWalt 14.4V NiCd tools. Now I have another drill, a trim saw and sawzall and everything is running on lithium batteries. The lithium replacements were cheaper than new tools plus they gave me the charger to use with them into the bargain. I thought it was a pretty good deal considering the choice of either buying more NiCd batteries to keep using the tools for the same money DeWalt want's for another NiCd battery or just tossing the tools. Now I have some time before I need to replace the saws and I can keep a drill in both the upstairs and down stairs shops. I have a hard time throwing perfectly good stuff away.

I had an an old Ryobi 12V NiCd drill that I modified to run from the 12V in a car or truck. I just tore an old battery pack apart and put a cigarette lighter socket in it. With a cigarette lighter plug on each end of an extension cord I made up, I just plug the drill into a car or truck and I'm good to go with pretty much unlimited power. I suppose I could run it off the tractor now too. Maybe I'll adapt my screwdriver it to run off of a 12VDC vehicle source too. You might even want to do that with your 14.4V drill. With the car running it should be running at right about 14.4Volts, it'll just run a bit slower with the engine off. Use a decent wire gauge and keep the extension cord length as short as practical.

If they'd had a replacement lithium battery for my 9.6V screwdriver I'd have bought that too. However all they have as far as NiCad to lithium replacements is for the 14.4V DeWalt stuff I think.

 

[dickfoster]

My Milwaukee drill batteries are almost done, or at least one is. I may go this route. Cool that you got a free charger out of the deal.

I don't know if they have anything for Milwaukee NiCad tools. All I've seen is the 14.4V DeWalt stuff.

 

[k0ua]

I had an an old Ryobi 12V NiCd drill that I modified to run from the 12V in a car or truck. I just tore an old battery pack apart and put a cigarette lighter socket in it. With a cigarette lighter plug on each end of an extension cord I made up, I just plug the drill into a car or truck and I'm good to go with pretty much unlimited power. I suppose I could run it off the tractor now too.

That is not a bad idea.. Or a repair benchtop drill running off your benchtop power supply. Always on, always "charged" and tied to the benchtop so you don't misplace it..

 

[dickfoster]

That is not a bad idea.. Or a repair benchtop drill running off your benchtop power supply. Always on, always "charged" and tied to the benchtop so you don't misplace it..

I know it's converting a cordless tool to corded but it's at least better than nothing. Plus it's the green thing to do. LOL

 

[KubotainNH]

I don't know if they have anything for Milwaukee NiCad tools. All I've seen is the 14.4V DeWalt stuff.

They do, it's $40 for the 12v one that fits my drill. They also have a charger for it. I'll have to look at my charger, it does multiple batteries so maybe already does Ni-Mh. As for the wiring a cig lighter, that's what I was trying to get across earlier in the thread. I have a 12v Ryobi I think that I will be butchering up, original plan was to be able to plug it into my 7 wire trailer plug on my tow vehicle so I could quickly drop the levelers on my camper. I have yet to do that and just use my milwaukee cordless. I like the idea of unlimited power though.

 

[dickfoster]

They do, it's $40 for the 12v one that fits my drill. They also have a charger for it. I'll have to look at my charger, it does multiple batteries so maybe already does Ni-Mh. As for the wiring a cig lighter, that's what I was trying to get across earlier in the thread. I have a 12v Ryobi I think that I will be butchering up, original plan was to be able to plug it into my 7 wire trailer plug on my tow vehicle so I could quickly drop the levelers on my camper. I have yet to do that and just use my milwaukee cordless. I like the idea of unlimited power though.

Oh they have replacement batteries for most stuff like many do. It's just the NiCad to Lithium conversion that they don't for anything but the DeWalt 14.4V that I've seen.
Remember the drill wants to pull a lot of current when it loads up so watch the wire gauge and length or it won't work very well. Some clips to the battery posts along with some decent gauge wire and not overly long cord will work well.

 

[k0ua]

Oh they have replacement batteries for most stuff like many do. It's just the NiCad to Lithium conversion that they don't for anything but the DeWalt 14.4V that I've seen.
Remember the drill wants to pull a lot of current when it loads up so watch the wire gauge and length or it won't work very well. Some clips to the battery posts along with some decent gauge wire and not overly long cord will work well.

I wonder what a fully loaded 12 or 14 volt drill would pull current wise? maybe 5 or 6 amps? More? Enquiring minds want to know