Best option?

[Buck91]

Well, the 14.4v batt pack for my dewalt drill has pretty seen its last days, barely holds any charge at all now, though I suspect its due to 1 or 2 bad cells. Anyways, I have plenty of options between factory "XRP" replacement, DIY rebuild with various cells and 3rd party new and rebuild packs. Now I don't use this drill very often, though it would not be an issue topping up before andafter use either. When I do use it it could be for a little 1-hole drill job or polishing out some severely wethered headlamp lenses so nothing too heavy but a little variety. Wht would you guys recommend as the most cost effective and useful option? Due to pricing I suspect the new dewalt XPR 14.4v pack is the best deal, especially since the local rebuilders want almost $60 to rebuild it with nicad cells. Or would I best be served with a DIY job and some NIMH cells from batteryjunction?

Edit: Found a 3rd party battery by "Pwr+" which seems to get good reviews- any thoughts?

 

[Buck91]

Suprised there is no replies yet! Any thoughts guys?

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Buck91,

I might suggest a multifaceted approach... :)

Follow all 3 options and see what works out the best.

If you only want to follow 2 options, don't rebuild the pack with NiCd cells. That would leave you with rebuilding with NiMh cells (CheapBatteryPacks may help with this) and purchasing a new replacement pack.

OK, back to reality...

If you don't use the drill very much, just purchase a replacement battery pack. It is better to put effort into something that you can get some enjoyment from.

Tom

 

[alpg88]

i would recell the pack.
since you use the tool not too often, and not for long, i'd stay with nicd cells, however there is only 1 brand that still makes good nicd cells, sanyo cadmica, the rest is waste of money.
nimh on papaer will get you longer runtimes, but some are not able to supply enough current (it can be 30+amps) and die fast cuz too much load, also nimh don't like to sit drained, nicd are a lot more durable. they do have less capacity. wich in most diyer case isn't an issue.

i also noticed battery for my milwaukee 14,4v drill that came wirth the drill didn't last as long, and didn't have same power, as replacment pack, that had sanyo original cells, that i bought as a replacment from mcmaster carr. now a days manufacturers don't use top of the line cells, 10 years ago, big brands at least used big brand cells. so buying a replacment pack , might be not the best solution, compared to recelling with sanyo cadmica cells. it is a lotto. sanyos are expencive for nicd cells, about $5-7 for a subc cell, but they are worth it.

 

[Yourfun2]

I looked into this a few months back. I went with the original batt. Think on Amazon. When I need my drill, I don't want to be upset with a prior decision. Go with the best.