Caesar Romano wrote:
Wow!

I just checked what it would cost to rebuild the battery pack on my
Black & Decker rechargeable 12v drill. At

http://www.primecell.com/pctools.htm

For a 12.0 Volts rebuild:

Replace NICD with high capacity upgrade: $ 33.00

plus $9 return shipping and I assume approximately $9 to ship the
battery TO primecell.com. That a total of $51. The cost of a new
12v B&D rechargeable in Lowes is $39.97.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_295344-79992-BD12PSK_0__?productId=1208731&Ntt=black+decker+12+ rechargeable&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Db lack%2Bdecker%2B12%2Brechargeable&facetInfo=

Would the rebuilt battery pack be better than that which comes with a
new drill?

Or should I just avoid rechargeables, as is my inclination.

A rebuild battery can be much better than the factory-supplied one.

Or you can rebuild it yourself. In addition to the bulk batteries, you'll
need to fashion a capacitive-discharge welder. Won't cost much: A big
honkin' capacitor, a 12-volt DC supply (like a battery charger), a thyatron,
and a switch.

Google for "capacitve welder" and you'll find plans and supplies.