Replace NiCd's in cordless drill battery pack?

[Slickone]

The NiCd's in both of the battery packs for my Black and Decker drill aren't usable anymore. Am I able, or is it worthwhile, to replace them? It does have those torx screws w/ the extra 'tab' in the middle, but I can break the tabs off. The packs are 12V. What size are the batteries in there?

 

[Heisenberg]

You can buy the tamper-proof torx bits...

 

[eplebnista]

I thought about doing the same years ago, but decided it was too time consuming. Most likely it has several 1.2v cells in series(typically AA size with solder tabs-like these-> http://www.thomas-distributing.com/maha-tab-batteries.htm ).

 

[Slickone]

Ouch. That's $30 something in batteries just for one new pack. That's about what the drills cost.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Try here:
http://www.batteriesplus.com/models/50-...Tool-Batteries/Black-BPLUS-Decker.aspx

 

[Slickone]

Thanks but that's even worse at $40.

Is there somewhere I can get really cheapy single cell tabbed batteries for?
And can I use NiMH or will the charger only with with NiCd?

 

[Mill]

A 12v B&D isn't exactly an expensive or fancy drill, so most likely I would just replace it. Buy something higher quality with better batteries that use new technology like Makita. If that is out of your price range then just buy a similar B&D 12v for less than 35 bucks at Wal-Mart, Target, HD, or Lowe's.

 

[Slickone]

Yep. That's why I said earlier "That's $30 something in batteries just for one new pack. That's about what the drills cost. "

I was originally thinking I could get individual batteries cheap, and didn't know how many there were.

I don't do enough to need an expensive drill. How about the Firestorm? Maybe something for about $50. I probably should have gotten something on black friday.

 

[BHeemsoth]

My father just buys new drills most of the time instead of buying batteries, as it costs about the same, or sometimes even less.

FWIW, my father uses DeWalt, which runs slightly more expensive than B&D.

 

[eplebnista]

Originally posted by: rpbri2886
My father just buys new drills most of the time instead of buying batteries, as it costs about the same, or sometimes even less.

FWIW, my father uses DeWalt, which runs slightly more expensive than B&D.

Interesting info

 

[NoShangriLa]

Most power tools uses sub-c cells

Sub C NICD Batteries Bulk

Ni-MH Batteries Sub C Size Series Batteries

Price of new drill kit often is the same price as 1-2 replacement battery packs.

 

[Mday]

Originally posted by: eplebnista

Originally posted by: rpbri2886
My father just buys new drills most of the time instead of buying batteries, as it costs about the same, or sometimes even less.

FWIW, my father uses DeWalt, which runs slightly more expensive than B&D.

Interesting info

knew that already. But the quality of the drill is different ; ).

 

[tm37]

Originally posted by: Mday

Originally posted by: eplebnista

Originally posted by: rpbri2886
My father just buys new drills most of the time instead of buying batteries, as it costs about the same, or sometimes even less.

FWIW, my father uses DeWalt, which runs slightly more expensive than B&D.

Interesting info

knew that already. But the quality of the drill is different ; ).

I recently got a dewalt to replace my old tired makita and I can tell you it is the nicest drill I have owned.

I love it

My brother in law has a 12V Black and decker (new) and the Old makita has more tork (12V) and the new dewalt (14.4) blew them both away.

I have used even the higher end black and decker stuff and if you do alot I would invest in a good quality drill.

I actually ran across the dewalt kit with the circular saw drill and recp saw (and a flash light) for $240 and I swiped it up. I have used all three tools and They all are really nice.

 

[jupiter57]

I did it once on my 18V Ryobi set.
I found an 18V battery pack at Advance Auto for $15 (Ryobi price: $50+).
Took the cells out & re-worked the connectors to fit my pack and VOILA: new battery for >1/3 the cost. Took > 30 minutes.
Gonna have to do it again soon for my second battery pack, it is getting weak.

 

[xgsound]

* jupiter57 * Home Depot now has a 2 battery pac for 18V Ryobi for $38 when you need them.

* Slickone * Consider getting a 18V Ryobi drill or set to replace the 12V B&D altogether.

The starter kit is $99 for a rechargable drill, circular saw, and flashlight with 2 batteries, charger, and toolbag. If you can go to $159 they add a Sawzall and hand Vaccum. That's a deal if you never need them.

Jim

 

[jupiter57]

Originally posted by: xgsound
* jupiter57 * Home Depot now has a 2 battery pac for 18V Ryobi for $38 when you need them.

* Slickone * Consider getting a 18V Ryobi drill or set to replace the 12V B&D altogether.

The starter kit is $99 for a rechargable drill, circular saw, and flashlight with 2 batteries, charger, and toolbag. If you can go to $159 they add a Sawzall and hand Vaccum. That's a deal if you never need them.

Jim

Many thanks, Jim!
Just ordered two!

 

[Slickone]

I opened my 12V battery pack and it has 9 sub-C batteries.

Originally posted by: xgsound
* jupiter57 * Home Depot now has a 2 battery pac for 18V Ryobi for $38 when you need them.

* Slickone * Consider getting a 18V Ryobi drill or set to replace the 12V B&D altogether.

The starter kit is $99 for a rechargable drill, circular saw, and flashlight with 2 batteries, charger, and toolbag. If you can go to $159 they add a Sawzall and hand Vaccum. That's a deal if you never need them.

Jim

Thanks but I only need a drill.

 

[xgsound]

If all you need is a drill, Lowes has this 18V B&D with radio/charger for $21.75. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=p...oductId=3103-79992-PS1801RC&lpage=none I can't say how good it is, but that's less than a battery.


Jim