WoodWorkers Guild of America » Tools

1. 

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   Joined: Apr '10
   Posts: 171

   Sep. 08, 08 - 10:24AM

   I have a lot of battery tools and the batteries are all shot. Is it worth while to replace the batteries or just purchase new tools?

   Submitted: Chisler

   # Posted 3 years ago
2. 

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   Member Comment
   Joined: Apr '10
   Posts: 171

   Sep. 08, 08 - 02:18PM

   Hmmm- I think it depends... for instance, I had an 1 year old Panasonic 15.6 volt cordless drill, and a 3 year old 12 volt Makita impact driver. I use both a ton and like both a lot. My Makita batteries were flagging, and I bought two off market batteries to replace them for about $40.00 apiece. One year after buying the Panasonic, I am regretful that I didn't just invest in a cordless drill/driver combo. The off market batteries just weren't as powerful as the originals, and the new combo packs have a couple of things going for them... first, new battery technology is incredible. First, so much power for so little weight!!! Second, the new tools are better designed (weight/size/balance). Last, if you buy a combo, if you ever leave your shop to go to a job site, friend's house, or your cabin, you only have to manage one charger! I learned this one the hard way... I'm off to buy myself another combo within the year...

   Submitted: Seth

   # Posted 3 years ago
3. 

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   Joined: Apr '10
   Posts: 171

   Oct. 23, 08 - 03:56PM

   Purchase new tools. I agree with Seth. By the time your original batteries go bad, new and much better tools are available. If you were to buy the manufacturer's batteries for your tool, you'd quickly realize that two batteries costs almost the same as buying an new and updated tool.

   Submitted: Bruce Kieffer

   # Posted 3 years ago
4. 

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   Joined: Apr '10
   Posts: 171

   Feb. 03, 09 - 11:46AM

   The best bet is #1: Buy top=of-the-line tools to start with. The battery cells are better quality. #2: Go to a battery place like "Batteries Plus" and have the batteries rebuilt. These places can put in cells of high quality, more amps, etc. depending on what you want.

   Submitted: Pops Toy Shop

   # Posted 3 years ago
5. 

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   Joined: Apr '10
   Posts: 171

   Mar. 09, 09 - 06:07PM

   Been there-done that. For example replacing a 14v battery on my favorite (only) craftsmen drill was going to cost more than the price of a new drill,two batteries and charger. I discovered a chain of stores that saved me. For about 1/3rd -1/2 the cost of new "Batteries Plus" did the job and they informed me that they dispose of battery products in accordance with green methods when ever possible. Check them out on the net if you don't have one locally.

   Submitted: Lpage6

   # Posted 3 years ago

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