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I have a few Ni-MH batteries that seem to charge and show the correct voltage but are barely capable of powering my drills etc.. Is there any way to 'refresh' them?
Is it possible to strip them down, identify the dodgy cells and cobble together a replacement?
What tests do I need to do to identify the damaged cells?
Many thanks
[url= http://www.amazon.co.uk/BC-700-Alpha-intelligent-Battery-Charger/dp/B000WILI42 ]The only way is to buy a good charger.[/url]
It can refresh batteries, or the very least tell you what ones you need to throw away.
Thanks but these are Makita/Dewalt batteries for power tools either 14.4v or 18v, so won't fit into AA/AAA battery chargers or conditioners.
I don't know a way of refreshing this type of battery.
When you first get power tools with these batteries you have fully charge then run the battery completely flat about 10 to 12 times, if you don't do this the battery can get a 'charge memory' and won't accept a full charge any more.
Sorry I can't be any more help but I think you're looking at new batteries.
Thanks but as I understand it the benefit of Ni-MH over Ni-CD batteries is that they don't have a charge memory?
I'm really just trying to avoid binning a stack of batteries when replacements cost £40 upwards
Thanks but as I understand it the benefit of Ni-MH over Ni-CD batteries is that they don't have a charge memory?
However, they discharge themselves more quickly and a deep discharge will kill them.
how long have they been left without use ?
Thanks to Cougar, plenty to consider.
Update.
After reading from the website Cougar linked to I have carried out a double charge and full discharge cycle on a battery at work today and it has improved markedly. Hopefully that's saved me having to buy a replacement?
Thanks again to Cougar.
You might have some cells that have become negatively charged. You can either buy some cells and rebuild the packs yourself (you'll need a powerful soldering iron), or there are people that can rebuild them for you.