Cordless Tools vs. Other Options

[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.