[LesB]

I didn't mention Lithium batteries but they are great if you want to pay the extra bucks. Even these have some maintenance suggestions to prolong the life. One being that if you intend to leave them unused for any length of time (30 days or so) they should be at a 1/2 charge state, not fully charged or discharged. I don't know the reason for that.
Finally Remember to recycle your batteries. Most of them are toxic to the environment.

 

[TopamaxSurvivor]

Does anyone have any actual experience reviving batteries?

 

[gator9t9]

I got ahold of Batteries Plus near me here in Washington State …..to replace my batteries the cost is 64.99 ea …I did not ask about reviving of this particular battery ….and they warrant the replacement batteries they sell for 1.5 yrs also their estimate of the lifetime of batteries for power tools is 1-2 yrs …..

So with that in mind ….my 5-6 yrs i got out of these batteries ....I was very lucky …..hmmmmmmm
I am out 2 very expensive batteries …and do not consider myself lucky …. Lucky is getting hit by lightning and then knowing how to get home ….......

thanks all for your comments and thoughts … we all love those cordless tools tho dont we….lol

mike in Bonney Lake
gator9t9

 

[RedShirt013]

Google up "Battery University". That site has tons and tons of information on batteries, kind of like the Bill Pentz of battery. Also shows you how to properly maintain your batteries, and how to recondition them after a long time in storage.

As for a deep discharge, it works well for Ni-CAD but please nobody tries it on their Lithium tool batteries. Same thing goes with taping the trigger on a lithium cordless to "run down the battery". Li-ion batteries will die after a deep discharge. Years ago before I knew better I killed a laptop battery that way.

 

[mmtool]

Here are some informational and interesting articles about power tool batteries.
Clarifying Battery Myths and Misconceptions
Lithium Ion Batteries: What You Need to Know About Li-ion Technology
Power Tool Battery Guide: Nicad, Nimh, And Li-ion

 

[jeny]

Yeah this definately an old set of tools. Unfortunately, i don't think there is anything you can do. You can either 1) buy a new battery for your old series or 2) buy-into an LXT.

Makita's new LXT series is way better than any previous series.

AAND on top of that i think they are doing some kind of promotion where you buy a tool and you get one for free or something. I tried it and im still waiting on my free tool. This might be a good time for you to buy!

http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/Promotions/Default.aspx

 

[gator9t9]

Hey Jeny …thanks for the note and the info on the Makita promotion….Those promotions are nice if they have a tool a person wants ….lol …but good info anyway ….I remember a few years ago i got a Dewalt Chop saw …..and got a free powered corded 3/8 in drill …and that took about 3 mo to get it also ….promotions yeah …
And Please don't take this the wrong way …but I don't consider my 5 yr old tools an "OLD SET"...yes it is a few yrs older than the Lithium Ion technology …but still none of my other Ni CD or Ni MH cordless batteries have failed on me …how come BOTH of my Makita batteries fail ? at the same time ????...
I did get a replacement battery (1 battery ) for my Drill and I will be good …..got it saturday as a matter of fact ….
As you can prob tell i have a bad attitude right now about Makita and Cordless tools in general ….
But i will prob keep on buying them …
thanks again all for your comments ..

Mike in Bonney Lake