On 02 Jun 2008 14:52:21 GMT, newsomer wrote:
Hello, first post here.

I know NiCad recharging has been discussed extensively here. I know this
because I tried to research my answer by searching previous discussions
and didn't find anything that would answer my question completely.

I have a three year old set of Craftsman 18 volt NiCad cordless drill and
flashlight. What I would like to know is that if I use the battery in the
drill until it is to weak to perform satisfactorily then swap it into the
flash light and leave it burning until the light goes out will there be
enough resistance in the light bulb to prevent the battery from
discharging completely and ruining the battery pack?

1) nobody uses nicads any more. It is probably NIMH which work similarly but
give longer life and require more carefull charging. Lithium Ion is now
replacing NIMH.

2) When the the drill starts to run slower, discontinue use of the battery
IMMEDIATELY! What kills rechargeable batteries is when the weakest cell is
discharged and the rest of the battery is forcing current through it, in effect
charging the weakest cell in reverse which will short it out.

Then charge it! Don't **** around by swapping it around. The only place to put
the battery is back in the charger. If you put it in the flashlight and keep
running it, you'll quickly ruin it.

I've also found that batteries left discharged will get ruined. I've used
rechargeables for decades and the only time they've ever failed me is when I've
stopped using a set for a long time. Recharge them periodically to prevent
discharging.