The lighter outlet will probably be fused at somewhere between 10 and 20
amps in the car's fuse block, depending on if it's actually a lighter outlet
or an Aux. Power Outlet (same size, but the Aux. Power Outlets sometimes
have higher fuse ratings and heavier gage wiring to power external devices,
and also may not have the clips at the bottom to retain the lighter element
when it's pushed in). In any case, make sure you either use wires that are
large enough to support the maximum fuse rating of the outlet, or put in a
smaller fuse to prevent turning your "extension" wires into a heater
(especially if there is an internal short in the drill that destroyed the
original battery). There's not much danger of a hydrogen explosion of the
car battery, since the car's fuse will blow before you can draw that much
current from it.


"Steve Kraus" wrote in message
ink.net...
Yes but whatever you do make sure it's fused. A lighter outlet on your
car
is of course at the car's fuse panel and you can also use a type of
lighter
plug that contains a fuse but if you're doing anything involving direct
connection to a car or other similarly large battery use some kind of in-
line fuse holder. A car battery can put out a huge amount of current in a
short, enough to melt small gauge wire and there's always the possibility
of a hydrogen explosion at the battery.