On 9/17/2014 8:42 AM, Terry Coombs wrote:
Bob F wrote:
Terry Coombs wrote:
I managed to fry one of the batteries to my DeWalt 18v drill , and
I'm a bit confused ... My batteries are model DC9098 . I find all
kinds of replacement batteries , and one of the most common is a DW ,
not a DC 9098 . I see a difference in the A/Hour ratings , and wonder
if this is the difference in the letter designation . I'd match the
battery to the model of the drill , but the tag with the number is
damaged . I've been a fan of the Dewalt drills for over 20 years ,
and until now the only battery failures I've seen were due to not
completely draining them to dead before charging .

Running batteries to "dead" is the worst thing you can do to them.

Not NiCad's , they'll never take a full charge again if you don't
discharge them fully before charging . I and a coworker both got identical
new drills at the same time . He would slap a fresh battery in as soon as
his slowed a little , I'd run mine all the way down . My batteries lasted an
average of 4+ years , his were being replaced on average in less than a year
.

Different strokes. I do it like your buddy does and I have several
packs that are nearly 12 years old and work fine. If you take them down
much below 1.1V/cell you are not doing them any favors. Your drill may
refuse to run before you get there. Thus your good fortune so far.