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What to do with/for Ryobi batteries.

jonnyGURU

jonnyGURU

Moderator <BR> Power Supplies
Moderator
We've got two of the 18V Ryobi cordless drills and between the two of them we have four dead batteries. Pop them in the charger and the charger lights up with "fully charged."

Before I run out and buy a couple more, does Ryobi have a core program for these batteries?

Another thing: Is there a better alternative for this drill than a Ryobi battery? The drill is great, but these batteries don't last long.

 
Get rid of that crap. I have gone thru batteries and chargers with RYOBI crap. I switched to the 18V RIDGID. I work in commercial consrtuction, so my tools have to be somewhat quality.
 
I'll consider your suggestion once new drills are in the budget. I believe the Ridgid 18V is about $150, right?
 

If you have the receipts and the battery is less than years old, RYOBI will replace it...

I had a RYOBI battery that was just under two years old and they would have replaced it if I had the receipt...I talked to their C/S about this last year....

Customer Service
1(800) 525-2579

Good luck...

Not sure if it is sad or funny in that instead of buying another battery for my 7.2V drill for $29.99, I bought a new 12V one with 2 batteries for $39.99...
 
All the manufacturers are using the same Sub-C Cells, so don't expect much difference from one to another. Try to use them up pretty much before throwing them in the charger, and pull them out after 90 minutes or so. Only top them off overnight once per month. Keep them out of the heat too, that hurts 'em. I think Ridgid's charger actually has a fan on it, which is a VERY good idea.

Pull them apart and track down the dead cells. The dead ones will measure zero volts. You could swap those with good cells from other packs. Maybe make up a couple good packs out of the four.
 
I bought the Ridgid 18V right after the 1st of the year and got it for $99 at HD. I like it, but I'm not overly impressed with the battery life. They come with 2 batteries and a double charger, though.
 
i have a 14.4 v ryobi,that seems to be fine,
The 18v Milwaukees at my work are so-so,for battery life.

One battery out of 8 is good,after 3 years.
One more will hold a charge for 1/4the the time of the other good one,the others are all dead.

Take the dead ones to Home Depot,to recycle.
 
Originally posted by: Ornery
All the manufacturers are using the same Sub-C Cells, so don't expect much difference from one to another. Try to use them up pretty much before throwing them in the charger, and pull them out after 90 minutes or so. Only top them off overnight once per month. Keep them out of the heat too, that hurts 'em. I think Ridgid's charger actually has a fan on it, which is a VERY good idea.

Pull them apart and track down the dead cells. The dead ones will measure zero volts. You could swap those with good cells from other packs. Maybe make up a couple good packs out of the four.
Click to expand...

You can get them like 4000 mAH now😉 That should make a difference😉
 
I'm kind of wondering what took so long to go with NiMHs instead. Either the cost, or they might not work so well in such a rapid discharge use, over & over. 😕
 
Originally posted by: Ornery
All the manufacturers are using the same Sub-C Cells, so don't expect much difference from one to another. Try to use them up pretty much before throwing them in the charger, and pull them out after 90 minutes or so. Only top them off overnight once per month. Keep them out of the heat too, that hurts 'em. I think Ridgid's charger actually has a fan on it, which is a VERY good idea.

Pull them apart and track down the dead cells. The dead ones will measure zero volts. You could swap those with good cells from other packs. Maybe make up a couple good packs out of the four.
Click to expand...

I'd recommend just buying a whole set of new cells from batteryspace.com or something...because if the pack has a lot of bad cells and some good ones, the good ones are probably on their way out anyway.

I saved a CRAPLOAD of money by replacing the cells on my laptop battery, rather than buying a new one.
 
You're right about the others being on the way out, but I figured it's worth a shot... who knows? You have to go with the C-sub size though, or they physically won't fit in the pack. Not sure if BatterySpace carries those...
 
Originally posted by: Ornery
I'm kind of wondering what took so long to go with NiMHs instead. Either the cost, or they might not work so well in such a rapid discharge use, over & over. 😕
Click to expand...

NiMH's are better batteries and will likely last longer (minimized memory effect). Hence the manufacturers can't sell as many replacement packs. The cells can handle high discharge no problem (RC car typically can draw 20 amps and they've been running NiMH for a few years now). Another factor might have been higher cost of cells. They've only recently become more abundant and the prices have certainly come down.
 
Well I'm sold, but I've already committed to Milwaukee stuff, and they're still using NiCD. I'll make the switch as soon as it's feasible!
 
Originally posted by: NutBucket
Originally posted by: Ornery
I'm kind of wondering what took so long to go with NiMHs instead. Either the cost, or they might not work so well in such a rapid discharge use, over & over. 😕
Click to expand...

NiMH's are better batteries and will likely last longer (minimized memory effect). Hence the manufacturers can't sell as many replacement packs. The cells can handle high discharge no problem (RC car typically can draw 20 amps and they've been running NiMH for a few years now). Another factor might have been higher cost of cells. They've only recently become more abundant and the prices have certainly come down.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the only real advantage NiCd has these days is the ability to hold a charge for longer in storage. NiMH is better for high-drain devices like digicams, RC cars, and *gasp* drills.
 
Originally posted by: Ornery
Well I'm sold, but I've already committed to Milwaukee stuff, and they're still using NiCD. I'll make the switch as soon as it's feasible!
Click to expand...

You can get 3rd party NiMH packs on ebay. Not sure if they're a marked improvement over NiCad though.
 
Good info, guys.

So what I'm hearing is....

1. Take old batteries to Home Depot for recycling.

2. Pretty much they're all the same for life, etc.

That's pretty much what I was looking for. I'm surprised to hear cavemanmoron having a similar experience with a Millwuakee.

I used to have a Makita when I worked at a bike shop and I'm pretty sure I didn't go through so many batteries, but I guess I could be mistaken.
 
Originally posted by: Batti
These guys do rebuilds of battery packs with higher grade cells.
Click to expand...


NICE!

Thanks!

I think I'll go ahead and buy a couple at Home Depot to hold me over and send my old ones to those guys to get "built right." 😉
 

Hey Batti, have you used these guys before?

Thinking about having them rebuild that 9.6 battery for me since I still have that thing laying around in the garage...
 
Originally posted by: jonnyGURU
Originally posted by: Batti
These guys do rebuilds of battery packs with higher grade cells.
Click to expand...


NICE!

Thanks!

I think I'll go ahead and buy a couple at Home Depot to hold me over and send my old ones to those guys to get "built right." 😉
Click to expand...

Yes, they are 2 for $40 everyday. If anyone needs any Dewalt 18 volt batteries HD and Lowes has them 2 for $99, regularly $90 a piece.
 
Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
I bought the Ridgid 18V right after the 1st of the year and got it for $99 at HD. I like it, but I'm not overly impressed with the battery life. They come with 2 batteries and a double charger, though.
Click to expand...

True, the batteries don't last as long as they should, but hey, its only a 20 minute charger. Very handy.
 
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