Batteries not keeping charge in electric shaver

[JEDI]

I have a Remington electric shaver (foil).

is it easy to replace the rechargable batteries?

or just buy a new electric shaver?

 

[arcenite]

Just keep the shaver plugged in while you shower.*


*Do not do this.

 

[theflyingpig]

It's not worth it to replace the batteries. In fact, it's not worth having an electric razor. It's time for you to buy a real razor. A straight razor. Everyone knows this.

 

[dud]

OP,

Rechargeables have a limited life-span of time/charges. If you have any experience/confidence in your ability to solder take the unit apart.

You'll be amazed how easy it is to replace most batteries.

 

[Matthiasa]

Or you could just shave when the water isn't running and just plug it in...

 

[ecom]

I have a Remington electric shaver (foil).

is it easy to replace the rechargable batteries?

or just buy a new electric shaver?

How much was the shaver and can you see the batteries and are they easy to access?

Most shavers use NiCad or NiMH batteries of some sort, you have to open it to find out what you have. There are a few that use Li-ion but those are not nearly as common. The batteries should be replaced with the same chemistry because the charging system is designed for a specific chemistry.

When you take it apart, don't be surprised if the diameter is the same as a regular AA battery but the length is shorter or longer. For example 2/3 AA and 4/5 AA are standard battery sizes for rechargeable. Some use batteries based on AAA size also.

The battery is likely assembled in a cartridge of some type and likely uses solder tabs. It is possible to weld tabs on a regular rechargeable battery but it's not easily accomplished with a standard soldering iron. With a 200W soldering gun you may be able to do it. However, you can also buy batteries with tabs already installed. Digikey or Thomas Distributing (both reputable e-tailers) should have the batteries.

The batteries usually cost maybe $2-4 each but require maybe an hour of work.

NiMH batteries can be cycled about 500 time and NiCads about 2000 cycles so if you have the skill to replace the batteries, you can get many more years of use out of the shaver for a few dollars in parts. The two shavers that I've purchased were both about $120 each, so for me it is cost effective to replace the batteries.

 

[Paperdoc]

Yep, depends on:
1. Your skill at soldering and assembling
2. How easy is it to open and re-close the case of the shaver?
3. Once you're inside, you'll be able to see exactly what the batteries are. Can you get some?

In my case I have had a Phillips (Norelco) for MANY years, and I have replaced its NiCd batteries several times. The case is held together with plain screws with Philps heads, so dis- / re-assembly is easy. The 2 batteries are exactly the size of common "C" cells, but with soldering tabs already spot-welded on the battery ends for connecting to wires. I can assure you that it is EXTREMELY difficult to solder directly to the end of a plain battery. Typically I have found that my shaver will run about 35 shaves on a new fully-charged set of cells, but it decreases slowly over several years until it's down to 2 or 3. On my last replacement I bought from what used to be Radio Shack and they have been delivering over 60! shaves per recharge.

In choosing replacement cells, you need to get ones that physically can fit into the space, with the same chemistry inside and the same voltage ratings. Ideally you should also have the mAhr rating pretty much the same, too.

When I do this job, I also thoroughly clean out the entire interior of the case with a small brush, including all the gears and their teeth. Then I put a tiny bit of light sewing machine oil on bearing surfaces. Removing the dust and providing light lubrication reduces motor load and increases battery life.