How To Keep Battery Life Long On A Cordless Power Tool

How To Keep Battery Life Long On A Cordless Power Tool12th October 2018

Cordless Power Tools have a come a long way in a short amount of time. They’ve always been a great investment, being easy to transport and use as you need them, but in recent years there have been leaps forward in battery technology which means that cordless power tools are even more reliable and convenient. The newer Li-Ion batteries are a significant improvement on their predecessor. With the right care, a cordless power tool is an investment that you’ll be using for years to come.

Even though they are the best choice, a Li-Ion battery still takes upkeep to work at its best. Some of the rules that stood for NiCd batteries apply and some don’t, so it’s important to know the golden rules of battery care.

Keep it charged

We all know that we should charge our devices, but there’s often a question regarding how much and when. Whereas old fashioned batteries had ‘memory’, meaning that if put on charge at 25% battery it would only charge 75% from then on, modern batteries don’t have this issue. In fact, it’s best not to completely wear out a battery and simply charge when you start to notice a decrease in power when you use it. When you do charge it, make sure it’s charged to full and then removed from the charger to avoid overcharging.

Store it properly

Your batteries will last far longer when stored in their original case, in a safe, dry place. There are some who suggest storing batteries in the freezer, but this is a myth - in fact, moisture and cold environments will have a negative effect. Similarly, hot cars and cold garages won’t do your power tools any good. As always with electrical equipment, make sure you keep it away from liquids.

Be aware of the temperature

The main killer of a Li-Ion battery is temperature. If it’s too hot (above 40°C) or too cold (below 4°C), your battery won’t charge properly and is likely to have a permanent effect on your power tools if you charge in these conditions. In a moderate climate like the UK it’s unlikely you will need to be too concerned about this, but in the event of an especially cold snap it’s important to bear in mind when charging.

Adjust your settings

Different jobs will have different requirements of your cordless power tools, so don’t settle for a setting that will end up harming your tool. A cordless drill battery will be negatively affected if you’re using a higher torque setting at all times, so only use this if it’s necessary. This way, you’ll save power on jobs that don’t need the extra force.

Treat it well!

The main thing to know is that it’s vital you treat your cordless power tool well. It simply takes common sense to know that overheating it to the point of a hot battery means you’ve pushed it a little far. Let it cool before you charge it, don’t overtax the tool by drilling into reinforced materials that will make the device work harder than it should, and make sure it’s kept in a safe place.

If you’re bearing these tips in mind, your cordless power tool is likely to last for years. If you’ve got more questions, or you’re ready to buy your next set of power tools, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help. Otherwise, take a quick look through our range and see why we’re one of the biggest independent tool suppliers in the country.

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