InHisName
Enlightened
I have several 'dead' drills due to bad battery packs. Now even the mfgr is not selling the replacement pack any more for that model. Take the poll. Give links to sources. Add your success / fail comments here.
Re-building drill battery packs
- Thread starter InHisName
- Start date
Help Support Candle Power Flashlight Forum
I rebuilt one pack, with solder-tab cells. I don't think the solder tabs make for good enough connections for the amperage of a 19.2 volt cordless tool. The solder joints would get hot, and let off smoke, if the drill was loaded down heavily. The pack had reasonable performance and runtime, other than that, but only lasted for several cycles, before it quit altogether. I didn't even autopsy the failed battery. It's just sitting in the recycle bucket. I will either recycle it, or send it off to a professional rebuilder that can weld battery bars on a rebuild pack.
I rebuilt several tool battery packs with my battery pack spot welder. They all work better than before.
jamesmtl514
Flashlight Enthusiast
by the time the battery pack dies there is a much better drill on the market for less than what one would pay to replace said packs.
InHisName
Enlightened
LuxLuthor - if you live in the Philadelphia USA area, I would REALLY like to borrow that tool of yours after I order the cells I need.
NeonLights
Flashlight Enthusiast
Only one choice can be made in the poll, but there were several that applied to me. In the past I've bought factory replacement battery packs, I've bought aftermarket battery packs, I've thought about rebuilding my own but haven't gotten around to it yet, and I'll probably have someone else rebuild some of mine in the near future.
For the cheaper cordless tools I own like Ryobi and Sears tools, I tend to just buy replacement battery packs every few years since they are only $20-30 each if you wait for a sale. My cordless Dewalt impact is due for new batteries soon (still on the originals after 5-6 years), and if I can get the battery packs rebuilt for cheaper than buying new ones, I'll get them rebuilt.
For the cheaper cordless tools I own like Ryobi and Sears tools, I tend to just buy replacement battery packs every few years since they are only $20-30 each if you wait for a sale. My cordless Dewalt impact is due for new batteries soon (still on the originals after 5-6 years), and if I can get the battery packs rebuilt for cheaper than buying new ones, I'll get them rebuilt.
Hank Zudd
Newly Enlightened
I have 2 Dewalt 14.4 volt drills; the batts. died on both. I called the Black & Decker outlet near my house, and (off the record) the person there told me the B & D batteries would fit the DeWalt tools, once you removed either a tab in the drill mounting bay, or shaved off a post on the outside of the B & D battery.
I noticed the 2nd drill I had the tab was already broken off. The DeWalt batts. are stronger, but $80; the B & D batts are $20 each (IIRC). I wish I had the time & tool money to invest in rebuilding battery packs, but with reloading for Appleseed shoots, rainwater collection for the gardens, hosting a home bible study, hunting, fishing, helping wifey raise 2 boys & working I'm lucky to still be online.
Another B & D saw I have, only came with one 19V batt; it's slowly dieing, but batts. are $25 for that; a cordless weedeater was on sale for $30 & came with 2 of the same batts.
The local battery store wanted +$50 each to rebuild the original DeWalt batts. Was thinking about biting the bullet & getting one of the newer lighter LiIon drills, but hell, in 2 or 3 years I'll be back in the same boat, battery wise.
I'm keeping the DeWalt drills till they die, then LiIons will be cheaper.
I noticed the 2nd drill I had the tab was already broken off. The DeWalt batts. are stronger, but $80; the B & D batts are $20 each (IIRC). I wish I had the time & tool money to invest in rebuilding battery packs, but with reloading for Appleseed shoots, rainwater collection for the gardens, hosting a home bible study, hunting, fishing, helping wifey raise 2 boys & working I'm lucky to still be online.
Another B & D saw I have, only came with one 19V batt; it's slowly dieing, but batts. are $25 for that; a cordless weedeater was on sale for $30 & came with 2 of the same batts.
The local battery store wanted +$50 each to rebuild the original DeWalt batts. Was thinking about biting the bullet & getting one of the newer lighter LiIon drills, but hell, in 2 or 3 years I'll be back in the same boat, battery wise.
I'm keeping the DeWalt drills till they die, then LiIons will be cheaper.
Last edited:
