Cordless Tools vs. Other Options

[JohnnyMX]

So I have a Dewalt 18V drill and like the flexibility. I don't like however that most of the time I use it both batteries are dead and need a re-charge. I do not do this work for a living and many times find myself just reaching for the corded and grabbing an extension cord. I am wondering if the newer stuff is any different in terms of holding charge or if you are still just always charging stuff all the time like a second job.

I hate the idea of being tied into battery make and therefore tool brand. Has anyone gone a different route and just bought a Jackery (or other) battery generator and still just used your tools? It seems like the batteries on those last a long time from experience. It could also be a dumb
idea. You can get one for the price of a few smaller batteries let alone the 60/80v stuff. Any you can take it camping on the weekend so it isnt' just for tools or use it to keep things going if the power goes out. Seems like it would be more versatile.

Most of the time I work, I'm near a plug so all of this is irrelevant.

 

[sea2summit]

Any battery will have a X% drain per day it sits. Some drain very slowly, others not so much and temperature/storage conditions can contribute to that.

If you don't want to maintain batteries you'll need to go corded. OTH many chargers now are also tenders so you can just leave the battery in the charger and pull it when you need it.

 

[RoostersGarage]

I am in the middle of switching from Makita to Milwaukee, but still cordless. Some of my Makita batteries are from 2002 and are starting to show their age in the runtime loss, not to mention they are all 3Ah batteries and my Milwaukee batteries I've bought so far are 5Ah. The main reason for the switch was the tool power and tools produced for the maintenance I do on my equipment.

If you are moving from the old NiCad batteries to lithium, you'll notice a HUGE improvement in charged shelf time. Even my 2002 Makita batteries will sit on a shelf for months holding a nearly full charge. I do see some drop in runtime after that long without a charge, but it's only about 30 minutes or so when the tool runs for hours.

On a side note: I've always pulled my batteries off the charger shortly after they were charged because even lithium batteries have a memory although it's easier to correct than a NiCad battery memory.

 

[Roadworthy]

Lithium batteries do seem to run stronger and longer in addition to being lighter in weight than their NiCd or NiMH counterparts. The downside to me is that while in use there seems to be no slow down or tapering off of power when they run out. They transition instantly from good to dead. With the older batteries I knew when charge was getting low.

 

[RoostersGarage]

Absolutely! When using one of my work lights, it's full light until it shuts off. The worst is being on a roof and the battery dies. That's another reason I like the new batteries - they have a gauge I can check before I go to one of those really inconvenient situations.

 

[chim]

I went from DeWalt 18V tools to DeWalt 20V tools and the difference is great. The old 18V NiCad batteries do drain while sitting and discharge fairly quickly in use. The new 20V Lithium Ion batteries (still really 18V, but renamed so they're "different" sounding) can sit for months and have a full charge when you pick them up and use them. Their run time is a lot longer, especially with the brushless tools.

I only kept a couple of the 18V tools that I rarely use, and bought an adaptor to use them with the 20V batteries. A few 18V tools don't play well with the 20V battery adaptor due to clearance issues. The battery door on the little vacuum prevents using one, and the circular saw wouldn't cut to the full depth because the extra length of the adaptor makes the battery hit the wood at full depth.

 

[fidowanttobe]

Started in the siding/doors/windows business when cordless was started out. 9.6, then 12, 14.4 18, now 20 volt. Yeah, old to new, . . the new 20v Dewalts are amazing with their run time and power. RARELY do I plug in anymore. A grinder with no cord!! I'm spoiled. I gifted one to my skeptic brother, he's now a believer.
I now have the vacuum, light, fan, sawzall, oscillator, skill saw, grinder, drill, impact, and grease gun. Amazing tools.
At work I love my Milwaukee 12v kit as it is much lighter and completely handles all the tasks asked from it.

 

[kenmbz]

I use M12 and M18 and find the batteries still hold a decent charge for months.
I just used my M12 and one battery was full, the other 3/4 after some light usage over the last 2 months.

The M12 are at least 6-7 years old. All lithium.

The Makita 9/12v I have are NICAD and drain down fast once about 5 years old, so the newer batteries are a big improvement.

 

[newbury]

I'm addicted to cordless battery powered tools, mainly DeWalt 20V and Flexvolt, all lithium. I've been using them since 2012/2013 and am just starting to see failure in the older batteries. I had used nicads for years but they never lasted.
There have been a couple of times over the years I've picked up what I consider great bargains. But I only buy the batteries when they are a bargain, I've been shooting for $12/Ah, but have not seen great bargains since 2019.
I bought the DeWalt "generator"/powerbank that holds 4 batteries and will run 120V tools. I use that as an emergency power source.
With the dozen or so batteries (2 dozen? 3 dozen??) I've got and the variety of tools, including most of their flashlights, I've always got charged batteries around.
And DeWalt just introduced a new battery, the DEWALT POWERSTACK™ 20V MAX, compatible with their 20V max line.

 

[TractorGuy]

Upgrade to 20v. You can get an adapter for the 18v tools.

I even bought an adapter to use my Dewalt 20v batteries on my Craftsman 19.2v tools.

Chunk the old nicad batteries.

 

[Root Cause]

I keep a dewalt radio with me on projects. It has to be plugged in to charge a battery but it is convenient to swap out. Most times, 2, 20v batteries keep me going. Besides liking music, I can charge the phone and hear it ring or chirp through the radio. I don't like it in my pocket, it gets dirty and I can't hear when a text comes in. A bit off topic but collectively, it works.

Finally, cords can be a trip hazard when on a ladder or roof so - cordless for me.

 

[ericm979]

When I put a battery tool away I check the battery level and if its less than full the battery goes on the charger. If you do that you'll always have a full or nearly full battery to start your next job with.

 

[deezler]

Just upgrade to Dewalt's 20V Li-ion batteries. The 18V niCads SUCK in comparison. I used to have dead batteries all the time too. Now on 20v, they can sit in my cold garage for 3 weeks and still run a drill for hours.

Also, if you like your current tools ok, you can buy a $13 transformer/adapter to run your old 18v tools on the new 20V batteries.

https://smile.amazon.com/Biswaye-Battery-Adapter-DCA1820-Convert/dp/B074V7QPTJ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=dewalt+18v+to+20v+battery+adapter&qid=1634661943&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExWFNLTUdaVVdXVFAwJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTI4NzUyMzlVR0NMMDhYNUw3TyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDMwNDIwMlJVSUgzR0xXVDVRRSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

But really, consider going to all 20V brushless tools. So lightweight, powerful and efficient compared to the heavy old 18v stuff.

 

[Bearsixty7]

I have a couple old DeWalt 12V drills still but I switched over to Milwaukee 18V a few years ago and such a big improvement. I keep a 1/2" Impact in the truck with an old Jif peanut butter jar with 3 or 4 of the sockets I need for lugnuts on the truck, various trailers, etc and it will hold a charge for 6-8 months no problem. I can always press the battery check button and see how much charge it has before leaving the house. I haven't used a tire tool or 4 way since!

 

[Torvy]

When I put a battery tool away I check the battery level and if its less than full the battery goes on the charger. If you do that you'll always have a full or nearly full battery to start your next job with.

That really depends on what type of battery...

How To Care for Rechargeable Cordless Tool Batteries - Today's Homeowner

Rechargeable cordless tools are convenient, portable, and ready to use at a moment's notice. Cordless tool batteries last for several years; and with proper care and storage, you can extend battery life and your investment. Read on for some dos and don’ts to help you get the most out of cordless...

todayshomeowner.com

 

[deezler]

I bought the DeWalt "generator"/powerbank that holds 4 batteries and will run 120V tools. I use that as an emergency power source.
With the dozen or so batteries (2 dozen? 3 dozen??) I've got and the variety of tools, including most of their flashlights, I've always got charged batteries around.
And DeWalt just introduced a new battery, the DEWALT POWERSTACK™ 20V MAX, compatible with their 20V max line.

Dang, didn't know about that powerbank. Pretty neat product but too bad it's $500, without any batteries!

Powerstack batteries sound promising. Are they on the market yet?

My favorite thing about my brushless 20v drill and impact driver is how light they are. Can just hang them from my pants pocket! Super handy when going up/down ladders.

 

[PuffyC]

My batteries live in the charger when not attached to the tool. I've been doing it for many many years and never saw any ill effects or found myself needing a battery but it was dead. For most I get a 2nd battery anyway so when you have big jobs you can have one charging while the other is being used allowing you to work all day long. Affordable generic batteries for virtually all tools can be found on Amazon and eBay. I think the last battery I bought for my Porter Cable stuff was like $25 and that was for the bigger version.

 

[4570Man]

The newer lithium batteries are much better than the old 18 volt nicad batteries. They will hold a charge for months no problem. If your infrequent use is once a year they’ll probably still be dead. You can buy an adapter to use 20 lithium volt batteries on the old stuff. They’re kinda clumsy but might be a good compromise for occasionally use.

 

[sea2summit]

That really depends on what type of battery...

How To Care for Rechargeable Cordless Tool Batteries - Today's Homeowner

Rechargeable cordless tools are convenient, portable, and ready to use at a moment's notice. Cordless tool batteries last for several years; and with proper care and storage, you can extend battery life and your investment. Read on for some dos and don’ts to help you get the most out of cordless...

todayshomeowner.com

I wouldn't reference that article. It's far outdated.

 

[Torvy]

I wouldn't reference that article. It's far outdated.

Sorry, just a quick search. The point is that different batteries need to be treated differently.