Battery String Trimmer

[nonobaddog]

All the battery models.
Cycle those batteries through the charger once in a while.
If the battery gets too low, the charger assumes it it damaged.

Right. I am guessing by repeatedly attempting to charge my low battery it was getting a tiny charge each time until it had enough to take off.

 

[actaeon277]

Right. I am guessing by repeatedly attempting to charge my low battery it was getting a tiny charge each time until it had enough to take off.

I've watched videos to try to recoup a couple of my BRAND NEW batteries that I stored on the shelf and never even unwrapped.
They all failed.
If they are barely below the voltage, the charger doing the test will bump the voltage up a "bit".
Do it enough times, it can work.
Not for mine.
I tried a solution I saw, it didn't work.

Later, when I get more important stuff done, I will try to charge each individual cell in the pack, and if that doesn't work, buy new cells to install.
But, I have 3 working batteries, so that's low on my list.

 

[nonobaddog]

I've watched videos to try to recoup a couple of my BRAND NEW batteries that I stored on the shelf and never even unwrapped.
They all failed.
If they are barely below the voltage, the charger doing the test will bump the voltage up a "bit".
Do it enough times, it can work.
Not for mine.
I tried a solution I saw, it didn't work.

Later, when I get more important stuff done, I will try to charge each individual cell in the pack, and if that doesn't work, buy new cells to install.
But, I have 3 working batteries, so that's low on my list.

I have seen videos where they test and replace faulty cells in the EGO batteries. It looked a little tedious but very doable.

 

[Jaybird1980]

I certainly understand. My tools rest more than they are used, with an exception or two. When you need your investment to work, it needs to do just that though, right?

I'm not a builder, but occasionally I build things. I'm not a mechanic, but I work on my own vehicles.

That's why I decided to go the Milwaukee trimmer/blower direction. I see other Milwaukee battery tools in my future.


.

Yeah, my stuff sits more than it gets used nowadays. We used Milwaukee and Metabo at work, I just can't justify the price for home use.

 

[MRockwell]

I certainly understand. My tools rest more than they are used, with an exception or two. When you need your investment to work, it needs to do just that though, right?

I'm not a builder, but occasionally I build things. I'm not a mechanic, but I work on my own vehicles.

That's why I decided to go the Milwaukee trimmer/blower direction. I see other Milwaukee battery tools in my future.


.

I don't have any cordless outdoor tools, so can't help there. However, just wanted to pass along an online link to where I have gotten tools from in the past. Saw they have a free battery deal for Milwaukee outdoor tools.

Milwaukee - FREE M18 5.0Ah Battery w/ Select Outdoor Tools - On Sale

Since 1994, the family owned and operated Tool Nut has been developing a loyal following. Our unrivaled customer service, follow up, personalities and competitive pricing are what have helped us stand apart. Call us toll free @ 1-877-TOOLNUT, stop by our 10,000 square foot superstore in...

www.toolnut.com

 

[bwframe]

I don't have any cordless outdoor tools, so can't help there. However, just wanted to pass along an online link to where I have gotten tools from in the past. Saw they have a free battery deal for Milwaukee outdoor tools.

Milwaukee - FREE M18 5.0Ah Battery w/ Select Outdoor Tools - On Sale

Since 1994, the family owned and operated Tool Nut has been developing a loyal following. Our unrivaled customer service, follow up, personalities and competitive pricing are what have helped us stand apart. Call us toll free @ 1-877-TOOLNUT, stop by our 10,000 square foot superstore in...

www.toolnut.com

Thank you sir! I signed up for their email list. Got a $10 coupon off $150 purchase.


.

 

[indyblue]

I've watched videos to try to recoup a couple of my BRAND NEW batteries that I stored on the shelf and never even unwrapped.
They all failed.
If they are barely below the voltage, the charger doing the test will bump the voltage up a "bit".
Do it enough times, it can work.
Not for mine.
I tried a solution I saw, it didn't work.

Later, when I get more important stuff done, I will try to charge each individual cell in the pack, and if that doesn't work, buy new cells to install.
But, I have 3 working batteries, so that's low on my list.

Are they lithium or NiCad?

If they’re NiCad batteries then they can grow dendrites (filament like metallic crystals) across the anode and cathode and eventually they will bridge and short it. You can sometimes restore them back to life by zapping them with high current for one or two seconds. This vaporizes the dendrites. I do it by using a pair of jumper cables connecting them to my car battery and touching terminals to the battery for a second or two. You’ll get a spark and the battery will get hot but will be OK if you don’t go too long (can be dangerous)

LiOn batteries should be stored at 40% of charge versus NiCad should be stored completely discharged.

I have a bunch of 15-year-old porter cable 18 V tools no longer made or supported and I have kept them going this way. The battery still have about 90% of their original capacity.

 

[actaeon277]

Are they lithium or NiCad?

If they’re NiCad batteries then they can grow dendrites (filament like metallic crystals) across the anode and cathode and eventually they will bridge and short it. You can sometimes restore them back to life by zapping them with high current for one or two seconds. This vaporizes the dendrites. I do it by using a pair of jumper cables connecting them to my car battery and touching terminals to the battery for a second or two. You’ll get a spark and the battery will get hot but will be OK if you don’t go too long (can be dangerous)

LiOn batteries should be stored at 40% of charge versus NiCad should be stored completely discharged.

I have a bunch of 15-year-old porter cable 18 V tools no longer made or supported and I have kept them going this way. The battery still have about 90% of their original capacity.

LiIon

 

[indyblue]

LiIon

They suffer from the same degradation, however I wouldn’t recommend the same method to restore them as lithium batteries are much more volatile as we all know.

 

[actaeon277]

They suffer from the same degradation, however I wouldn’t recommend the same method to restore them as lithium batteries are much more volatile as we all know.

Which is why I'll try to charge the cell, with a pwr supply.
And if that don't work, see how much replacement cells are.

 

[KLB]

that's what I do. I have two 2.5 and one 5.0. I use the charger that came with the mower I no longer have.

So how well does the chainsaw cut? How much can you get done with it until the battery dies?

I have never drained a battery with my chainsaw. It isn't like I have a huge amount to use it for though. I actually bought it because it came with a 5Ah battery for only $50 over the tool without a battery and was cheaper than a battery.

 

[Cameramonkey]

I havent found a bad battery chain saw. As long as you are only doing trim work, they all seem to work fine. At least Greenworks and 40v Ryobi.

My mom has a cheap greenworks. I have taken down 5" limbs and 6" diameter trees, and never had a problem. Was able to take them down and chop them up with plenty of juice to spare.

The only thing I dont like is they arent as smooth because the chain doesnt run as fast. But for a quick hit, they are great. I need to get one.

 

[jamil]

I have never drained a battery with my chainsaw. It isn't like I have a huge amount to use it for though. I actually bought it because it came with a 5Ah battery for only $50 over the tool without a battery and was cheaper than a battery.

Hmm. I was pleased to find out that you can get the chainsaw without the battery and charger, since I already have 3 batteries and 3 chargers. Storing another charger wasn't all that appealing. I didn't notice that it came with a with a 5Ah battery for only $50 more. For that I can discard or give away the charger and add another 5Ah battery to the collection. I am almost sold on the idea.

 

[KLB]

Hmm. I was pleased to find out that you can get the chainsaw without the battery and charger, since I already have 3 batteries and 3 chargers. Storing another charger wasn't all that appealing. I didn't notice that it came with a with a 5Ah battery for only $50 more. For that I can discard or give away the charger and add another 5Ah battery to the collection. I am almost sold on the idea.

I got mine a couple of years ago. Looks like it is $70 more now. $40 for a 2.5Ah

 

[Cameramonkey]

Hmm. I was pleased to find out that you can get the chainsaw without the battery and charger, since I already have 3 batteries and 3 chargers. Storing another charger wasn't all that appealing. I didn't notice that it came with a with a 5Ah battery for only $50 more. For that I can discard or give away the charger and add another 5Ah battery to the collection. I am almost sold on the idea.

Yeah, you REALLY gotta watch the pricing on these tools. I started to buy the best blower but balked at first at the $300 price tag. So I started to buy the $200 model. Then I realized for $100 more I not only got a better blower, but also an extra battery, a $150 value. Uh, yes please!

 

[KLB]

Yeah, you REALLY gotta watch the pricing on these tools. I started to buy the best blower but balked at first at the $300 price tag. So I started to buy the $200 model. Then I realized for $100 more I not only got a better blower, but also an extra battery, a $150 value. Uh, yes please!

Exactly. Extra batteries cost a fortune by themselves. Add another tool to it and the price isn't bad.

 

[jamil]

Exactly. Extra batteries cost a fortune by themselves. Add another tool to it and the price isn't bad.

Now see, I think I can convince the wife using that logic. It's essentially the "I saved money buying all this stuff on sale" argument.

Uh, yeah honey, I bought all these tools, but look how much I saved on all these batteries.

That's GOT to work.

 

[KLB]

Now see, I think I can convince the wife using that logic. It's essentially the "I saved money buying all this stuff on sale" argument.

Uh, yeah honey, I bought all these tools, but look how much I saved on all these batteries.

That's GOT to work.

Worked for me

Plus she is less likely to complain about yard tools

 

[radar8756]

You also have to watch the Marketing they use to Justify the higher price on the "Premium" batteries

Ryobi 4ah HP (high power) $99 each
Ryobi 4ah standard $79 pk/2

Watched several YouTube video's of Real Life tests - minor differences

 

[Cameramonkey]

You also have to watch the Marketing they use to Justify the higher price on the "Premium" batteries

Ryobi 4ah HP (high power) $99 each
Ryobi 4ah standard $79 pk/2

Watched several YouTube video's of Real Life tests - minor differences

Careful. Some high power tools REQUIRE the high power batteries to work. So there IS a difference.

Standard tools have a + and - on either side of the battery. HP packs and tools use ANOTHER set of contacts in the front (?) of the battery. So when you look inside the battery well you see 3 contacts instead of 2. To my knowledge, there are VERY few HP tools.

EDIT: since the extra contacts are only to provide more current to the tool, a HP battery in a standard tool will perform more or less equal to a standard battery.