Most manufacturers will state that the life of batteries in terms of
the number of charging and discharging cycles. I remember reading from
somewhere that rechargeable batteries has a shelf life even when the
batteries are not used.

For e.g., when the batteries are not being used, they will still be
"dead" say after 24 months or so. I also heard that for infreqently
used rechargeable batteries, it is necessary to store them at a very
low temperature (about 10 deg. C) in order to to prolong the shelf
life.

I intend to buy a cordless screw driver mainly for use in driving
screws on cabinets, walls etc. And I will use it only about 3 to 4
times per year. And if the batteries really have shelf life, it would
not be econimcal. Would it be better to get the corded tool instead?

Thanks!

On Feb 20, 9:14 am, "a1esta" wrote:
Most manufacturers will state that the life of batteries in terms of
the number of charging and discharging cycles. I remember reading from
somewhere that rechargeable batteries has a shelf life even when the
batteries are not used.

For e.g., when the batteries are not being used, they will still be
"dead" say after 24 months or so. I also heard that for infreqently
used rechargeable batteries, it is necessary to store them at a very
low temperature (about 10 deg. C) in order to to prolong the shelf
life.

I intend to buy a cordless screw driver mainly for use in driving
screws on cabinets, walls etc. And I will use it only about 3 to 4
times per year. And if the batteries really have shelf life, it would
not be econimcal. Would it be better to get the corded tool instead?

Thanks!

Just to clarify what I said:

For e.g., when the batteries are not being used, they will still be
"dead" say after 24 months or so. I also heard that for infreqently
used rechargeable batteries, it is necessary to store them at a very
low temperature (about 10 deg. C) in order to to prolong the shelf
life.

The "dead" means it cannot be recharge or revived again.

a1esta wrote:
On Feb 20, 9:14 am, "a1esta" wrote:

Most manufacturers will state that the life of batteries in terms of
the number of charging and discharging cycles. I remember reading from
somewhere that rechargeable batteries has a shelf life even when the
batteries are not used.

For e.g., when the batteries are not being used, they will still be
"dead" say after 24 months or so. I also heard that for infreqently
used rechargeable batteries, it is necessary to store them at a very
low temperature (about 10 deg. C) in order to to prolong the shelf
life.

I intend to buy a cordless screw driver mainly for use in driving
screws on cabinets, walls etc. And I will use it only about 3 to 4
times per year. And if the batteries really have shelf life, it would
not be econimcal. Would it be better to get the corded tool instead?

Thanks!


Just to clarify what I said:

For e.g., when the batteries are not being used, they will still be

"dead" say after 24 months or so. I also heard that for infreqently
used rechargeable batteries, it is necessary to store them at a very
low temperature (about 10 deg. C) in order to to prolong the shelf
life.


The "dead" means it cannot be recharge or revived again.

Hi,
Self discharge is through the internal resistance. Warm temp. makes the
chemicals more active. There are many different kinds of rechargeables.
They have individual charge/discharge characteristics.

a1esta wrote:
Most manufacturers will state that the life of batteries in terms of
the number of charging and discharging cycles. I remember reading from
somewhere that rechargeable batteries has a shelf life even when the
batteries are not used.

For e.g., when the batteries are not being used, they will still be
"dead" say after 24 months or so. I also heard that for infreqently
used rechargeable batteries, it is necessary to store them at a very
low temperature (about 10 deg. C) in order to to prolong the shelf
life.

I intend to buy a cordless screw driver mainly for use in driving
screws on cabinets, walls etc. And I will use it only about 3 to 4
times per year. And if the batteries really have shelf life, it would
not be econimcal. Would it be better to get the corded tool instead?

Thanks!

Battery technology keeps changing. My experience tells me that current
batteries are good for maybe 3-8 years total time if treated well.

In your case I would suggest making a plan to recharge them on a
schedule maybe every two or three months. Letting them totally discharge is
not good.


--
Joseph Meehan

Dia 's Muire duit

On Feb 19, 9:33�pm, "Joseph Meehan"
wrote:
a1esta wrote:
Most manufacturers will state that the life of batteries in terms of
the number of charging and discharging cycles. I remember reading from
somewhere that *rechargeable batteries has a shelf life even when the
batteries are not used.

For e.g., when the batteries are not being used, they will still be
"dead" say after 24 months or so. I also heard that for infreqently
used rechargeable batteries, it is necessary to store them at a very
low temperature (about 10 deg. C) in order to to prolong the shelf
life.

I intend to buy a cordless screw driver mainly for use in driving
screws on cabinets, walls etc. And I will use it only about 3 to 4
times per year. And if the batteries really have shelf life, it would
not be econimcal. Would it be better to get the corded tool instead?

Thanks!

* * Battery technology keeps changing. *My experience tells me that current
batteries are good for maybe 3-8 years total time if treated well.

* * In your case I would suggest making a plan to recharge them on a
schedule maybe every two or three months. Letting them totally discharge is
not good.

--
Joseph Meehan

*Dia 's Muire duit- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I use almost all corded tools, having tired of batteries dying at the
worst possible time......

usually their capacity just gets less over time accelerating near end
of life, about 3 years for most battery packs today.

comanys should be required to make them accept standard cells for easy
replacement

"a1esta" wrote in message
I intend to buy a cordless screw driver mainly for use in driving
screws on cabinets, walls etc. And I will use it only about 3 to 4
times per year. And if the batteries really have shelf life, it would
not be econimcal. Would it be better to get the corded tool instead?

Batteries have improved, but they will still deteriorate over time. Keeping
them cold is not going to help in the long run. In your situation, it is
difficult to monetarily justify a cordless tool knowing you will never get
full value of the batteries. If you get three to four years out of them,
you'd be about average, longer is a big plus. Only you can put a value on
the convenience of cordless.

"Joseph Meehan" wrote in message
...
a1esta wrote:
Most manufacturers will state that the life of batteries in terms of
the number of charging and discharging cycles. I remember reading from
somewhere that rechargeable batteries has a shelf life even when the
batteries are not used.

For e.g., when the batteries are not being used, they will still be
"dead" say after 24 months or so. I also heard that for infreqently
used rechargeable batteries, it is necessary to store them at a very
low temperature (about 10 deg. C) in order to to prolong the shelf
life.

I intend to buy a cordless screw driver mainly for use in driving
screws on cabinets, walls etc. And I will use it only about 3 to 4
times per year. And if the batteries really have shelf life, it would
not be econimcal. Would it be better to get the corded tool instead?

Thanks!

Battery technology keeps changing. My experience tells me that current
batteries are good for maybe 3-8 years total time if treated well.

In your case I would suggest making a plan to recharge them on a
schedule maybe every two or three months. Letting them totally discharge
is not good.

Chuckle. If you use them daily, and deep-cycle them, you get near the
supposed lifespan. If you use them once in a while, or don't deep-cycle
them, expect them to die young. I have exactly one rechargable tool at
home, a 24v drill that I bought on sale (and on impulse) and like for small
jobs, but realistically I almost never work far from an outlet. At work, I
am Mama to about 100 rechargable walkie-talkies (real ones, like cops use),
and I only get 2-3 years out of the batteries, because I can't get the users
to deep-cycle them. When they are at their desks, they leave them in the
charger, and the battery exercisor can only do so much once they stop
holding a charge. And these are fancy supposedly memory-resistant batteries,
about 60 bucks a piece. If I ever replace this analog system with a trunked
digital, I'm gonna hang a dozen gang chargers on the wall by the coffee pot
or something, so they can't help but drain them.

But having said that- rechargeables are a whole lot better than they were 20
years ago. In an earlier life, I took pictures, and had several rechargable
flashes. Under occasional use, they all died in a year or so. My current
grab-first camera is a digital, and it holds a charge unused for at least a
month, where the old stuff would drain down in a couple days.

aem sends...

"a1esta" wrote in message
ups.com...
Most manufacturers will state that the life of batteries in terms of
the number of charging and discharging cycles. I remember reading from
somewhere that rechargeable batteries has a shelf life even when the
batteries are not used.

For e.g., when the batteries are not being used, they will still be
"dead" say after 24 months or so. I also heard that for infreqently
used rechargeable batteries, it is necessary to store them at a very
low temperature (about 10 deg. C) in order to to prolong the shelf
life.

I intend to buy a cordless screw driver mainly for use in driving
screws on cabinets, walls etc. And I will use it only about 3 to 4
times per year. And if the batteries really have shelf life, it would
not be econimcal. Would it be better to get the corded tool instead?

Thanks!


After my Makita 7V went bad I bought the 9.6V Makita the batteries
seemed last at best 2 years I did use it a lot. After that I bought a Dewalt
14V they said the batteries could be charged about 1200 times. well I'm a
little over two years no where near 1200 and they charge but don't last
long. So hear I am again $50 for each battery or a whole new set up. I also
think Dewalt tools are way over rated. But now I just read about a new
design drill. what's deferent it has a electrical type cord attached to it,
then that hooks into a central power supply ( they do make extra length
cords you can add to it) The good part is you never have to charge it and
they say it should last over 20 years and best of all there actually
cheaper.

"Sacramento Dave" wrote in message
So hear I am again $50 for each battery or a whole new set up. I also
think Dewalt tools are way over rated.

Check out www.primecell.com to have it rebuilt, often better than new


But now I just read about a new design drill. what's deferent it has a
electrical type cord attached to it, then that hooks into a central power
supply ( they do make extra length cords you can add to it) The good part
is you never have to charge it and they say it should last over 20 years
and best of all there actually cheaper.

What a concept. Next thing you know, they may start making telephones like
that.

"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message
. net...

"Sacramento Dave" wrote in message
So hear I am again $50 for each battery or a whole new set up. I also
think Dewalt tools are way over rated.

Check out www.primecell.com to have it rebuilt, often better than new


But now I just read about a new design drill. what's deferent it has a
electrical type cord attached to it, then that hooks into a central power
supply ( they do make extra length cords you can add to it) The good part
is you never have to charge it and they say it should last over 20 years
and best of all there actually cheaper.

What a concept. Next thing you know, they may start making telephones
like that.

I'll check out primecell. I know there is a couple places in Sac. that
rebuild batteries also. A telephone with a cord I bet it's the same CO.
making the drills. The possibilities are endless, modern science always
amazes me.

"a1esta" writes:
Most manufacturers will state that the life of batteries in terms of
the number of charging and discharging cycles. I remember reading from
somewhere that rechargeable batteries has a shelf life even when the
batteries are not used.

Batteries differ. LiIon hold charge for a long time on the shelf, but
they also slowly self-destruct whether they are used or not. They will
have much less capacity in 2 or 3 years even if you only use them a few
times a year.

NiMH are more robust, in that they can last many years if treated well.
They do self-discharge at a faster rate, so if you only use the battery
3 times a year expect to have to charge it *before* using it. NiMH can
also be charged in well under an hour, while LiIon takes an hour or two.

I intend to buy a cordless screw driver mainly for use in driving
screws on cabinets, walls etc. And I will use it only about 3 to 4
times per year. And if the batteries really have shelf life, it would
not be econimcal. Would it be better to get the corded tool instead?

Corded tools have more power and run forever without recharging
batteries. But if you're working where there is no 120 VAC, cordless is
better than the alternatives (gas generator, big battery and inverter).

If you do get a cordless screwdriver, try to get one with an
interchangeable battery pack instead of an internal battery. This lets
you (a) replace the battery easily when the battery dies, and (b) have
more than one battery so you don't run out of power at a bad time.

Dave

"a1esta" wrote in
ups.com:

Most manufacturers will state that the life of batteries in terms of
the number of charging and discharging cycles. I remember reading from
somewhere that rechargeable batteries has a shelf life even when the
batteries are not used.

For e.g., when the batteries are not being used, they will still be
"dead" say after 24 months or so. I also heard that for infreqently
used rechargeable batteries, it is necessary to store them at a very
low temperature (about 10 deg. C) in order to to prolong the shelf
life.

No,they don't like cold either.
Regardless of what you do,they have self-discharge.


I intend to buy a cordless screw driver mainly for use in driving
screws on cabinets, walls etc. And I will use it only about 3 to 4
times per year. And if the batteries really have shelf life, it would
not be econimcal. Would it be better to get the corded tool instead?

Thanks!



Or buy the newer,more costly lithium-ion battery models.
They will hold a charge for at least six months.

--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net

"Joseph Meehan" wrote in
:

a1esta wrote:
Most manufacturers will state that the life of batteries in terms of
the number of charging and discharging cycles. I remember reading
from somewhere that rechargeable batteries has a shelf life even
when the batteries are not used.

For e.g., when the batteries are not being used, they will still be
"dead" say after 24 months or so. I also heard that for infreqently
used rechargeable batteries, it is necessary to store them at a very
low temperature (about 10 deg. C) in order to to prolong the shelf
life.

I intend to buy a cordless screw driver mainly for use in driving
screws on cabinets, walls etc. And I will use it only about 3 to 4
times per year. And if the batteries really have shelf life, it would
not be econimcal. Would it be better to get the corded tool instead?

Thanks!

Battery technology keeps changing. My experience tells me that
current
batteries are good for maybe 3-8 years total time if treated well.

In your case I would suggest making a plan to recharge them on a
schedule maybe every two or three months. Letting them totally
discharge is not good.



My first Makita 9.6V stick lasted 10 years when used daily,6095DW
drill,light usage,but daily,charged when drill speed began to drop.The next
stick only lasted a couple of years because it got very infrequent use.

--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net

On 19 Feb 2007 17:14:16 -0800, "a1esta" wrote:


For e.g., when the batteries are not being used, they will still be
"dead" say after 24 months or so. I also heard that for infreqently
used rechargeable batteries, it is necessary to store them at a very
low temperature (about 10 deg. C) in order to to prolong the shelf
life.

Don't know for sure, but I keep my photographic film, my yet to be
used prescription medicine, my nice candles, and my rechargeable and
non-re. batteries in the refrigerator. They sometimes take up more
room than the food, I think.

A guy I met at a hamfest who bought out four RadioShacks and is
selling what he bought said that NiCd batteries need a cool dry place
iirc but not a fridge. I only have a couple of those in the fridge,
but I may move them when I find a good spot. I don't really know what
power tools use.

On Tue, 20 Feb 2007 04:32:54 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski"
wrote:


"Sacramento Dave" wrote in message
So hear I am again $50 for each battery or a whole new set up. I also
think Dewalt tools are way over rated.

Check out www.primecell.com to have it rebuilt, often better than new


But now I just read about a new design drill. what's deferent it has a
electrical type cord attached to it, then that hooks into a central power
supply ( they do make extra length cords you can add to it) The good part
is you never have to charge it and they say it should last over 20 years
and best of all there actually cheaper.

What a concept. Next thing you know, they may start making telephones like
that.

They even have a design for earth satellites like this. The problem
used to be that one needed a longer and longer cord, but the new
design uses a copper ring around the earth and a fixed length wire
with a contact that slides across the ring. To complete the circuit,
they use a "space ground" which is the astronomic equivalent of an
earth ground.

On Feb 19, 7:14 pm, "a1esta" wrote:

I intend to buy a cordless screw driver mainly for use in driving
screws on cabinets, walls etc. And I will use it only about 3 to 4
times per year. And if the batteries really have shelf life, it would
not be econimcal. Would it be better to get the corded tool instead?!

Assuming you don't have any drill/driver at all then you should get a
corded one first. Cordless drills/drivers are populare and fun to
use. Corded drills are real workhorses in comparison. They are less
expensive, more powerful, and more cost effective. You might be happy
with a cheap drill but mine are all Milwaukeee brand which has a great
reputation.

If the corded one doesn't please you or you have some money to blow
then you can alway buy a cordless drill/driver later. They are maybe
better suited to driving screws since they have slower speeds and an
adjustable clutch.

On Feb 20, 1:11 am, Jim Yanik wrote:

No,they don't like cold either.
Regardless of what you do,they have self-discharge.


I think he confused cold with nicads instead of alkalines. I have
kept alkalines in the refrig for years, many times years beyond their
expiration date, and they stay fresh that way. Not the same with
nicads however.

Bob

If you decide to get a cordless drill, here's a tip to get the most life out
of your batteries:

When you detect the speed of the drill slowing down, an indication that the
battery has discharged, stop using the drill immediately. Swap batteries and
put the discharged one in the charger.

Running batteries completely flat causes the cells to heat up. Batteries
don't like heat, and will decrease their life if heated up regularly.

Good luck,
--
John English

"Red" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Feb 20, 1:11 am, Jim Yanik wrote:

No,they don't like cold either.
Regardless of what you do,they have self-discharge.


I think he confused cold with nicads instead of alkalines. I have
kept alkalines in the refrig for years, many times years beyond their
expiration date, and they stay fresh that way. Not the same with
nicads however.

Bob


Alas, apparently this well-meant advice is exactly backwards. Nicads benefit
somewhat from the freezer, alkalines (as a practical matter) do not.

See this:

http://ask.yahoo.com/20011219.html

Cue

On Feb 21, 10:02 am, "Cue Miller" wrote:
..

I think he confused cold with nicads instead of alkalines. I have
kept alkalines in the refrig for years, many times years beyond their
expiration date, and they stay fresh that way. Not the same with
nicads however.

Bob

Alas, apparently this well-meant advice is exactly backwards. Nicads benefit
somewhat from the freezer, alkalines (as a practical matter) do not.

See this:
http://ask.yahoo.com/20011219.html

I don't care what other's opinions are, I'm talking from 20+ years of
experience with LOTS of batteries. You are a fool if you believe
every article you read on the 'net. And I said refrig, not freezer.
-Red

"Red" wrote in message
ups.com...
On Feb 21, 10:02 am, "Cue Miller" wrote:
.

I think he confused cold with nicads instead of alkalines. I have
kept alkalines in the refrig for years, many times years beyond their
expiration date, and they stay fresh that way. Not the same with
nicads however.

Bob

Alas, apparently this well-meant advice is exactly backwards. Nicads
benefit
somewhat from the freezer, alkalines (as a practical matter) do not.

See this:
http://ask.yahoo.com/20011219.html

I don't care what other's opinions are, I'm talking from 20+ years of
experience with LOTS of batteries. You are a fool if you believe
every article you read on the 'net. And I said refrig, not freezer.
-Red


Don't be a bonehead, Red. Listen and you might learn something new.

Cue

For those who care to learn something from alt.home.repair:



Refrigerating batteries doesn't help much

You may have heard that keeping batteries in the refrigerator will help them
keep their charge. Is that true? According to Consumer Reports, the answer
is "not really". They compared 432 Duracell AA, C, and D batteries in a
refrigerator with some at room temperature. After 2.5 years, refrigerated
AA's had kept their charge perfectly, but the unrefrigerated batteries lost
only 4% of their charge. (The unrefrigerated C's & D's lost only 10%.) So
while it's true that refrigeration helps, the savings is negligible and not
worth it, unless you live in a hot climate without air conditioning...

http://michaelbluejay.com/batteries/tips.html


Does putting batteries in the refrigerator actually help them keep their
charge or charge them better?
W.B.

Boston

A. There is no need to store your batteries in the refrigerator or freezer,
says Keith Schapp, a spokesman for Eveready Battery Co. in St. Louis.

Decades ago, when battery technology was not as good and when few houses had
air conditioning, people could extend the shelf life of batteries by keeping
them cool.

``Heat and moisture are a battery's worst enemies,'' says Schapp. In cool
refrigerators, the chemical reactions that cause a battery to lose power
take place much more slowly.

Keeping batteries in a fridge will extend the shelf life -- but only
minutely, says Schapp, ``and most batteries now have a shelf life of five
years now, so it's not necessary to keep them in the fridge.''

The ideal storage conditions are a dry, cool place. About 70 degrees is
ideal, Schapp says.

Now, if you are set on keeping your batteries in the fridge or freezer, make
sure to store them in a tightly-sealed plastic bag. The bag will keep
moisture away from the batteries. And allow them return to room temperature
for 24 hours before using them. This will prevent any problems that could be
caused by putting frozen batteries into a device that generates heat when it
is on. Extreme cold has a negligible effect on batteries, says Schapp.
(Boston Globe)





"How to Care for Your Batteries"

By Bryan Noonan
Zbattery.com
July 24, 2002

Caring for your batteries can be a confusing process. One conventional
myth circulating about battery care is that you should store your batteries
in the refrigerator to maximize your battery life. This is not entirely
true.

Caring for your batteries is actually quite simple. You can get the
most from your batteries by following these simple rules:
1.. Don't overheat. Do not attempt to charge non-rechargeable
batteries. This will overheat them and could cause a fire. Keep batteries
out of hot places, like your car. Your car can be an oven, and baking your
batteries shortens their life.


2.. Store properly. Keep your batteries in a cool, dry place. The
refrigerator is cool, but not dry. You could store your batteries in the
refrigerator and maximize their life by using a silica gel to keep the
batteries dry. This however, is an expensive and inconvenient option.


3.. Don't short the connections. Keep your batteries organized. Don't
let the ends touch the wrong thing or you'll short the battery.


4.. Don't mix and match. Use the same chemistry and brand. Never mix
rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries.


5.. Properly dispose of used batteries. Go to www.RBRC.org to find
the recycling location nearest you.
Following these simple steps will end up saving you money and hassle
in the long run.




http://www.zbattery.com/batterycare.html




Does it help to store batteries in refrigerator?
Not really. Batteries should be stored in a dry location at room
temperature. There is a minimal benefit to storing them at a lower
temperature, but generally it is not recommended since the high humidity
levels inside of the refrigerator can cause the battery cell container to
rust. If you currently have batteries stored in a refrigerator, be sure to
allow them to warm up to room temperature before using them in your device

http://www.batteriesplus.com/t-faq2.aspx#37



Cue




"Red" wrote in message
ups.com...
On Feb 21, 10:02 am, "Cue Miller" wrote:
.

I think he confused cold with nicads instead of alkalines. I have
kept alkalines in the refrig for years, many times years beyond their
expiration date, and they stay fresh that way. Not the same with
nicads however.

Bob

Alas, apparently this well-meant advice is exactly backwards. Nicads
benefit
somewhat from the freezer, alkalines (as a practical matter) do not.

See this:
http://ask.yahoo.com/20011219.html

I don't care what other's opinions are, I'm talking from 20+ years of
experience with LOTS of batteries. You are a fool if you believe
every article you read on the 'net. And I said refrig, not freezer.
-Red

On Thu, 22 Feb 2007 11:59:44 -0500, "Cue Miller"
wrote:

For those who care to learn something from alt.home.repair:

Refrigerating batteries doesn't help much

You may have heard that keeping batteries in the refrigerator will help them
keep their charge. Is that true? According to Consumer Reports, the answer
is "not really". They compared 432 Duracell AA, C, and D batteries in a
refrigerator with some at room temperature. After 2.5 years, refrigerated
AA's had kept their charge perfectly, but the unrefrigerated batteries lost
only 4% of their charge. (The unrefrigerated C's & D's lost only 10%.) So
while it's true that refrigeration helps, the savings is negligible and not
worth it, unless you live in a hot climate without air conditioning...

These are the kind of results I fairly often see, and I wonder why
they say it shows one thing, when I think it shows the opposite.

I don't know how one can call 3+% or 10% negligible.

I would also like to know exactly what they meant by "their charge".
They might mean ampere-hours but they might not. The easiest thing to
measure is voltage, and 10% of 1.5 volts is a tremendous amount. The
batteries when new are somewhat more than 1.5 volts and if they are
the same amount over 1.35 volts (1.5 - 10%), I'd consider them
worthless.

And I'm suspicious about their finding a difference between AA vs. C
or D. Electrically, they are the same. Only the size is different.
Is there really a difference or did they do something wrong?

So for simplicity, let's assume exactly 1.5 volts for a AA battery.
And that they are judging charge by voltage. Minus 3.5% is minus 0.052
volts, giving 1.45 volts. That is low. 1.5 is good. 1.45 is
marginal.

And what about batteries that are kept more than 2.5 years? I have
special sizes that have been in the frigde much longer than that.
(They were removed from somthing that broke, and I'm saving them until
I need them.)

What I do find valuable from their report is that the ones in the
fridge they found "kept their charge perfectly".
http://michaelbluejay.com/batteries/tips.html

This is another comment at that page:
Usually, only one battery in a set is bad
When a device that takes two or more batteries stops working, probably
only one of the batteries is fully exhausted. The others probably have
some juice left in them. I was in Radio Shack a while back and a guy came
in to get new batteries for his TV remote control. He brought the
four "dead" alkaline batteries so he'd know what size to buy. He was
going to throw the old four away, so I asked if I could have them,
and he gave them to me. I took them home, and found that only one was
dead. The other three still had close to a full 1.5 V charge.
Whoo-hoo, three free batteries!

He seems to go from one example to saying "Usually" at the top.
That's ridiculous. In addition, it is my experience that batteries
weaken at the same rate when used in the same thing. That's what my
voltmeter shows. And how could it be any other way? Unless one
battery was defective, they are all going to have the same amount of
current going through them, etc. etc.

So I don't think this tips page does much to vet their statments,
which come from more than one person.

Boston

A. There is no need to store your batteries in the refrigerator or freezer,
says Keith Schapp, a spokesman for Eveready Battery Co. in St. Louis.

Decades ago, when battery technology was not as good and when few houses had
air conditioning, people could extend the shelf life of batteries by keeping
them cool.

``Heat and moisture are a battery's worst enemies,'' says Schapp. In cool
refrigerators, the chemical reactions that cause a battery to lose power
take place much more slowly.

Keeping batteries in a fridge will extend the shelf life -- but only
minutely, says Schapp, ``and most batteries now have a shelf life of five
years now, so it's not necessary to keep them in the fridge.''

This is nonsense. If it has a shelf-life of 5 years, that means at 5
years and one day it might be too weak to use. If the fridge would
extend the shelf life even minutely, it would still be good that day.
In fact it would be better every day than it would have been if not
kept in the fridge. They say things like this to encourage people to
buy batteries,

And I can't trust his use of "minutely". Just yesterday in this news
group someone called a horseshoe peg "minuscule" because it was 2
centimeters tall. That is not minuscule and who knows if this guy
(who in the next paragraph misuses the word "cool" knows what
"minutely" means?

The ideal storage conditions are a dry, cool place. About 70 degrees is
ideal, Schapp says.

I was impressed by Schapp, because he is said to be a spokesman for
Everyready Battery. But he's lost my respect. First he says a dry,
cool space. Then he says 70 degrees is ideal. 70 degrees is not
cool. For most it is room temperature. For me it is hotter than room
temperature. (I like 68.) Cool is 45 to 60.

Now, if you are set on keeping your batteries in the fridge or freezer, make

No one is suggesting keeping batteries in the freezer.

sure to store them in a tightly-sealed plastic bag. The bag will keep
moisture away from the batteries. And allow them return to room temperature
for 24 hours before using them. This will prevent any problems that could be
caused by putting frozen batteries

So the moisture matters if the batteries freeze?

So then none of this applies to all those who put batteries in the
fridge and not the freezer. STrangly, I've noticed that everything
seems to work fine when I take batteries out of the fridge and put
them in something as quickly as possible. I thought they would have
to warm up, but I haven't seen that.

into a device that generates heat when it
is on. Extreme cold has a negligible effect on batteries, says Schapp.
(Boston Globe)

"How to Care for Your Batteries"
By Bryan Noonan Zbattery.com July 24, 2002
Caring for your batteries can be a confusing process. One conventional
myth circulating about battery care is that you should store your batteries
in the refrigerator to maximize your battery life. This is not entirely
true.

If it is only partially true, why is that not enough? Below he seems
to say that it is not dry in the fridge. I haven't seen any
consequences from that. The Consumers Reprot study at the top said
that batteries didn't lose any charge in 2.5 years in the fridge, and
that paragraph said nothing about efforts to keep them dry/

Caring for your batteries is actually quite simple. You can get the
most from your batteries by following these simple rules:
1.. Don't overheat. Do not attempt to charge non-rechargeable
batteries. This will overheat them and could cause a fire. Keep batteries
out of hot places, like your car. Your car can be an oven, and baking your
batteries shortens their life.


2.. Store properly. Keep your batteries in a cool, dry place. The
refrigerator is cool, but not dry. You could store your batteries in the
refrigerator and maximize their life by using a silica gel to keep the
batteries dry. This however, is an expensive and inconvenient option.


3.. Don't short the connections. Keep your batteries organized. Don't
let the ends touch the wrong thing or you'll short the battery.


4.. Don't mix and match. Use the same chemistry and brand. Never mix
rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries.


5.. Properly dispose of used batteries. Go to www.RBRC.org to find
the recycling location nearest you.
Following these simple steps will end up saving you money and hassle
in the long run.




http://www.zbattery.com/batterycare.html




Does it help to store batteries in refrigerator?
Not really. Batteries should be stored in a dry location at room
temperature. There is a minimal benefit to storing them at a lower
temperature, but generally it is not recommended since the high humidity
levels inside of the refrigerator can cause the battery cell container to
rust. If you currently have batteries stored in a refrigerator, be sure to
allow them to warm up to room temperature before using them in your device

http://www.batteriesplus.com/t-faq2.aspx#37



Cue




"Red" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Feb 21, 10:02 am, "Cue Miller" wrote:
.

I think he confused cold with nicads instead of alkalines. I have
kept alkalines in the refrig for years, many times years beyond their
expiration date, and they stay fresh that way. Not the same with
nicads however.

Bob

Alas, apparently this well-meant advice is exactly backwards. Nicads
benefit
somewhat from the freezer, alkalines (as a practical matter) do not.

See this:
http://ask.yahoo.com/20011219.html

I don't care what other's opinions are, I'm talking from 20+ years of
experience with LOTS of batteries. You are a fool if you believe
every article you read on the 'net. And I said refrig, not freezer.
-Red

On Feb 19, 10:49�pm, "Sacramento Dave" wrote:

* * After my Makita 7V went bad I bought the 9.6V Makita the batteries
seemed last at best 2 years I did use it a lot. After that I bought a Dewalt
14V they said the batteries could be charged about 1200 times. well I'm a
little over two years no where near 1200 and they charge but don't last
long. So hear I am again $50 for each battery or a whole new set up. I also
think Dewalt tools are way over rated.

That's an understatement. Dewalt tools always have been and always
will be overpriced Black and Decker junk. As a construction
electrician, I remember when Dewalt first came out, guys were buying
them right and left because they weighed less and cost less than
Milwaukee (who ruled the market at the time, IMHO, still does). Now I
don't see them very often on jobsites. A couple of years ago I even
saw a guy with 4 Dewalt cordless drills trying to get ONE to work.

To the OP, the old adage, "use it or lose it" applies to cordless
tools, even quality ones. I had a Milwaukee 9.6 volt cordless drill
that the original two batteries, charged per manufacturer's
instructions, used almost daily, lasted for 10 years. I even changed
out the chuck to 1/2" and used 4" holesaws. They were still working
well past the specified limitations until I suffered a rotator cuff
injury and couldn't work for 6 months. The Batteries had to be
replaced. I bought new batteries, which remained trouble free with
almost daily use until I sold that drill 3 years later in good
condition. IMHO, there is something to be said for a quality tool.
Paying $80 for one Milwaukee battery may seem a lot, but compared to
buying 3 or 4 $20 Ryobi's in the same time period, where's the
savings?