[Closed] Battery tool dilemma.

Given the age of the tools I would be inclined to go knock-off with the plan to replace the set next time round. I have 2 copy ryobi batteries that work fine have taken multiple charges from both fast and normal chargers. At least you havent spent loads on old tools with this route but still have the option of new knockoff batteries again if the tools last.

Honestly, i'd just go knock off, they've got the design specs to do this, which points to me that they've got a bit of info on this stuff, either through tear down, or being the factory, or sister factory of those who manufacture the OEM stuff.

I'm also pretty confident these days that stuff like this isn't a huge way off the normal stuff like it was 10 or 20 years ago, lithium ion battery technology is pretty widespread now with a lot of variants in price, not a bad thing for a lot of stuff, as so many factories are knocking them out it's reducing cost.

You should be able to get the existing batteries recelled. Thats what I would do

https://toolbatteriesrepair.co.uk/ from a quick google and there must be others

I'd definitely not spend that much on nicad so genuine'd be out.

But at the same time, I had some knockoff Makita LXT batteries and they weren't good. Way lower capacity than claimed and they both died after less than a year. The trouble really is that there probably are good copies out there, but how do you know which you're getting, good or bad? I suppose even the crap ones I had still did the job for a while

As TJ says recelling might be an option- did this myself once with a lipo and tbf it wasn't worth the hassle, but your needs are different to what mine were.

Knock off Dewalt batteries are a complete lottery so i guess others are aswell.

I have a 25 quid 5 ah dewalt knock off thats been great and another that went in the bin

Any further thoughts on this or does anyone know anything about getting the existing batteries refurbished with new cells?

I've never had it done, but... part of the lottery of buying off-brand batteries is the cells inside them aren't necessarily new. So if the price of getting your existing ones re-celled is comparable I'd do that over buying cheap new ones.

Drill drivers are still fairly useful with underwhelming batteries but a circular saw will let you know if the batteries are in poor. At 2.6ah you're on the threshold of 'useful' anyway with a saw, less than that and they're not really a viable tool.

I reckon 'compatible' batteries are likely to be much better than 'knock-off/fake' batteries.

I've got a 12.5v set of compatible batteries for a driver and an impact and they seem to be as good as the originals, and to think I was considering whether to replace the tools...would have been a massive waste.

Screwfix are doing a Makita LXT drill driver, 2 x 5Ah batteries and charger for £150. I'd go for that plus an adapter for your existing other tools.

I'd be loathed to throw away working tools too but technology has moved on. The newer kit is so much better. As Murray suggests. Buy a new drill with charger and batteries. Get the adapter to keep the others running and you can start migrating over. You can always sell the old ones. I'm sure there's someone out there who will want them.

Ok, thanks for all of the excellent replies. I've had knock off batteries before for a blue Bosch Combi drill & the drop in performance was night & day from the originals. Getting the batteries re-celled is definitely an option. I'll get an estimate from that company TJ & see how that compares.

The other option of buying a new 18v combi and a couple of the adaptors also appeals. The circular saw is harsh on these & you can hear the power dropping off a cliff. I've definitely had my monies worth out of this stuff. I'll report back once prevaricated for a bit longer.

Thx, Dave.

I bought the Makita LXT powered tools a couple of years ago having used the same at work since 2010.

We had some cheap knockoff replacement batteries for the few bits that were still being used at work, infrequent use, low powered drivers etc. Some of the knockoffs are still fine, others died within a few months. All from the same supplier.

I’d buy a new drill driver with large capacity batteries and an adapter for your existing tools, then buy new tools when you need them.

What makes re celling any different from the other “compatible” battery options.

What makes re celling any different from the other “compatible” battery options.

My understanding is it's down to the quality of the cells used & whether or not the cells in the compatible batteries are in fact brand new or 2nd hand. The compatible battery for my Bosch Combi were down on power from almost new.

So the assumption is that the recell company has access to a more reliable battery source than simply sticking a pin in the eBay or Google.

So the assumption is that the recell company has access to a more reliable battery source than simply sticking a pin in the eBay or Google.

I'd assume if you're in the business of recelling power packs you wouldn't last long if you used cheap crap. So yes, that's the assumption.

I have 3 of these batteries, quite honestly I can't tell the difference in performance.

https://www.eplusbatteries.com/collections/for-makita-18v-1

I'd buy more again

@bruneep. Good shout but the ones I need are sold out :o(

What makes re celling any different from the other “compatible” battery options.

Also that you can be confident any circuitry in the battery pack is up to standard.

its also the greenest option

repair, reduce, reuse, recycle

I did however just pick that one from google without any more knowledge. Just as an example

I'm with you on this.  Have a bosch blue drill that must be 15 years old and shows no sign of dying.  First time round I re-celled the battery myself and next time just bough a compatible battery.  Newer equipment is nicer but the old one still works well enough for practical purposes so no need to sling it quite yet although new is always nice 🙂

NiCads? Chuck it all away and start again, you're throwing good money after bad.

Yes as above nicad and nimh are dead ducks don't be buying more of them

Can you get li-ion battery to fit using an adapter? if so I'd be buying a new li-ion battery and charger.

I missed the fact these are nicads. I'd buy new tools 🙂

I missed the fact these are nicads. I’d buy new tools 🙂

Mine are NiMh.

The new makita 18v stuff is excellent and also you have the option of dual battery 36v tools on the same system (chainsaws, hedge trimmers, brush cutters etc).

£150 for an LXT drill/driver and 2x 5Ah batteries+ charger is a great deal - I just paid that for 2x batteries and charger