Hi All,

I maintain & repair houses houses on a daily basis.

I've been using Dewalt cordless tools for many years and I like their
tools. Unfortunately, I'm only getting about 2 years of useable life
per battery. I'm really tired of the very high cost of replacement
batteries.

Does anyone make a generic 18V battery that will fit Dewalt tools?

anonymous wrote:
....
I've been using Dewalt cordless tools for many years and I like their
tools. Unfortunately, I'm only getting about 2 years of useable life
per battery. I'm really tired of the very high cost of replacement
batteries.

Does anyone make a generic 18V battery that will fit Dewalt tools?

The local battery-packaging places can rebuild existing packs w/
equivalent or better cells than OEM; typically for 1/2-2/3rds the cost
ime.

Not used any DW, all I have are red (Milwaukee). 2-yr lifetime seems
quite low to me; I've one pair that are at least 8 that are seemingly as
good as new still...

--

dpb wrote:
....
Not used any DW, all I have are red (Milwaukee). 2-yr lifetime seems
quite low to me; I've one pair that are at least 8 that are seemingly as
good as new still...
....
Another thought...the limited lifetime would make me suspect cheap
charger(s) maybe.

--

On Jul 1, 1:02*pm, dpb wrote:
dpb wrote:

... Not used any DW, all I have are red (Milwaukee). *2-yr lifetime seems
quite low to me; I've one pair that are at least 8 that are seemingly as
good as new still...

...
Another thought...the limited lifetime would make me suspect cheap
charger(s) maybe.

--

"Another thought...the limited lifetime would make me suspect
cheap charger(s) maybe."

Wouldn't that mean the chargers supplied with the DW tools are
actually detrimental to the batteries, assuming of course, that the OP
is using the DW chargers that came with his DW tools?

Planned obsolescence on DW's part?

Are they purposely limiting the life of their batteries?

DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jul 1, 1:02 pm, dpb wrote:
dpb wrote:

... Not used any DW, all I have are red (Milwaukee). 2-yr lifetime seems
quite low to me; I've one pair that are at least 8 that are seemingly as
good as new still...
...
Another thought...the limited lifetime would make me suspect cheap
charger(s) maybe.

--

"Another thought...the limited lifetime would make me suspect
cheap charger(s) maybe."

Wouldn't that mean the chargers supplied with the DW tools are
actually detrimental to the batteries, assuming of course, that the OP
is using the DW chargers that came with his DW tools?

Planned obsolescence on DW's part?

Are they purposely limiting the life of their batteries?

A) Possibly
B) Unlikely (imo)
C) See B)

What is more probable (again imo, keep reading ) is they're
relatively inexpensive tools and one of the places manufacturers cut
cost is in less sophisticated chargers. Of course, they may use less
expensive batteries in the packs, too.

Milwaukee chargers (at least for the packs I've experience with) are
processor-controlled and shut off when the pack is fully charged; that
feature isn't present on some (many?) of the more inexpensive tools.
There's also more sophisticated charging rate control and so on in some
chargers as compared to others.

I've not researched DW; I'd expect their high end stuff is similar to M
but I _think_ they have a fairly wide range of products in their lineup
so if OP has less expensive group might be an issue.

Again, it was a thought of possible contributing cause...

--

On Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:56:16 -0500, dpb wrote:


The local battery-packaging places can rebuild existing packs w/
equivalent or better cells than OEM; typically for 1/2-2/3rds the cost
ime.

Not used any DW, all I have are red (Milwaukee). 2-yr lifetime seems
quite low to me; I've one pair that are at least 8 that are seemingly as
good as new still...

--



Hmmmm. Maybe I should be looking at Milwaukee tools instead of
replacement batteries....

On Wed, 1 Jul 2009 10:18:41 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:


Wouldn't that mean the chargers supplied with the DW tools are
actually detrimental to the batteries, assuming of course, that the OP
is using the DW chargers that came with his DW tools?

Planned obsolescence on DW's part?

Are they purposely limiting the life of their batteries?



I'm using three Dewalt 18V chargers and one Dewalt 36V charger.

I've started writing the date on batteries on the day I put them in
service. I'm alarmed at the rate these 18V batteries are dying. I
have not had any 36V volt batteries die yet but I've only got about
1.5 years on those so far.

In article ,
(anonymous) wrote:

On Wed, 1 Jul 2009 10:18:41 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:


Wouldn't that mean the chargers supplied with the DW tools are
actually detrimental to the batteries, assuming of course, that the OP
is using the DW chargers that came with his DW tools?

Planned obsolescence on DW's part?

Are they purposely limiting the life of their batteries?



I'm using three Dewalt 18V chargers and one Dewalt 36V charger.

I've started writing the date on batteries on the day I put them in
service. I'm alarmed at the rate these 18V batteries are dying. I
have not had any 36V volt batteries die yet but I've only got about
1.5 years on those so far.

Your anecdote leaves out an important piece of the puzzle -- charge
cycles. Are you charging a battery 50 times per year or 1000 times per
year?

anonymous wrote:
....

I'm using three Dewalt 18V chargers and one Dewalt 36V charger.
....
See other note above...

Still no real data/information to go on -- models would be good; what
does DW indicate about charging cycles/battery life? Are these the "top
of line" DW tools or a more modestly-priced tool?

I've no really current knowledge of what DW has out there now for
cordless; all I have of the brand is a 10+ chopsaw and a 40+ circular
saw (both of which I like very much; what current versions of the same
are I also have no clue altho the chopsaws still superficially _look_
the same on the shelf.

--

On Jul 1, 1:38*pm, dpb wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jul 1, 1:02 pm, dpb wrote:
dpb wrote:

... Not used any DW, all I have are red (Milwaukee). *2-yr lifetime seems
quite low to me; I've one pair that are at least 8 that are seemingly as
good as new still...
...
Another thought...the limited lifetime would make me suspect cheap
charger(s) maybe.

--

*"Another thought...the limited lifetime would make me suspect
cheap charger(s) maybe."

Wouldn't that mean the chargers supplied with the DW tools are
actually detrimental to the batteries, assuming of course, that the OP
is using the DW chargers that came with his DW tools?

Planned obsolescence on DW's part?

Are they purposely limiting the life of their batteries?

A) *Possibly
B) *Unlikely (imo)
C) *See B)

What is more probable (again imo, keep reading ) is they're
relatively inexpensive tools and one of the places manufacturers cut
cost is in less sophisticated chargers. *Of course, they may use less
expensive batteries in the packs, too.

Milwaukee chargers (at least for the packs I've experience with) are
processor-controlled and shut off when the pack is fully charged; that
feature isn't present on some (many?) of the more inexpensive tools.
There's also more sophisticated charging rate control and so on in some
chargers as compared to others.

I've not researched DW; I'd expect their high end stuff is similar to M
but I _think_ they have a fairly wide range of products in their lineup
so if OP has less expensive group might be an issue.

Again, it was a thought of possible contributing cause...

--- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

As far as I know, DW doesn't have high-end and low-end tools in the
manner that I think you mean.

For example, they have "standard" drills and they have impact drills,
but these are different tools, not high-vs-low end.

They have different lines of batteries (XR, XR2, XR+) but the chargers
are all the same, at least within the 7.2 to 18V range. I can't speak
to the 36V tools since I don't own any - yet. g The different
batteries (XR, XR2, XR+) have different run time specs.

Yes, their chargers do shut off once the pack is fully charged. See
here for info on their chargers as well as some charging "best-
practices".

http://www.dewalt.com/us/articles/ar...dless&ID=702#4

My favorite charger is this one - it runs on the battery when not
plugged in to an AC outlet and charges the battery when plugged in. I
swap my batteries in and out to keep them exercised, typically running
the device on the battery until the reception begins to weaken.

http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/to...productID=8042

I often plug my GPS into the CD-player port and listen to MP3's. My
kids use it with their iPods at picnics, camping, etc.

On Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:13:12 -0700, Smitty Two
wrote:


I'm using three Dewalt 18V chargers and one Dewalt 36V charger.

I've started writing the date on batteries on the day I put them in
service. I'm alarmed at the rate these 18V batteries are dying. I
have not had any 36V volt batteries die yet but I've only got about
1.5 years on those so far.

Your anecdote leaves out an important piece of the puzzle -- charge
cycles. Are you charging a battery 50 times per year or 1000 times per
year?



Depending on the job, sometimes I charge the batteries daily.
Sometimes once a week (or two). Average is most likely 75 charges per
year.

The 18V batteries are XRP series.

On Jul 1, 3:02*pm, (anonymous) wrote:
On Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:13:12 -0700, Smitty Two

wrote:

I'm using three Dewalt 18V chargers and one Dewalt 36V charger. *

I've started writing the date on batteries on the day I put them in
service. *I'm alarmed at the rate these 18V batteries are dying. *I
have not had any 36V volt batteries die yet but I've only got about
1.5 years on those so far.

Your anecdote leaves out an important piece of the puzzle -- charge
cycles. Are you charging a battery 50 times per year or 1000 times per
year?

Depending on the job, sometimes I charge the batteries daily.
Sometimes once a week (or two). *Average is most likely 75 charges per
year. *

The 18V batteries are XRP series.

Have you been following the best practices listed here?

http://www.dewalt.com/us/articles/ar...dless&ID=702#4

DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jul 1, 1:38 pm, dpb wrote:
....
What is more probable (again imo, keep reading ) is they're
relatively inexpensive tools and one of the places manufacturers cut
cost is in less sophisticated chargers. Of course, they may use less
expensive batteries in the packs, too.
....
Yes, their chargers do shut off once the pack is fully charged. See
here for info on their chargers as well as some charging "best-
practices".

http://www.dewalt.com/us/articles/ar...dless&ID=702#4
....
OK, assuming OP's gear is in the same series and not something much
earlier w/ less sophistication that should remove that as a likely culprit.

It leaves the other points of how to best handle/charge/use the battery
packs addressed therein as things for OP to consider.

At this point I've no additional input; don't know that my Milwaukee
reds would have lasted OP any longer than his yellow DeWalts lasted him,
only that I've gotten significantly longer than 2-yr life from every
pack I've had. As the brokers are required to say, "past results do not
imply future performance". (Or known as $0.02, ymmv, etc., ...)

--

On Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:13:44 -0500, dpb wrote:


Still no real data/information to go on -- models would be good; what
does DW indicate about charging cycles/battery life? Are these the "top
of line" DW tools or a more modestly-priced tool?




Estimate batteries are charged 75X per year.

The current tools were a combo 4 pack of XRP tools in a hardshell
case. It does not appear to be current stock:

DC988 hammerdrill
DC385 recip saw
DC390 circle saw
and a light

anonymous wrote:
On Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:13:44 -0500, dpb wrote:

Still no real data/information to go on -- models would be good; what
does DW indicate about charging cycles/battery life? Are these the "top
of line" DW tools or a more modestly-priced tool?




Estimate batteries are charged 75X per year.

The current tools were a combo 4 pack of XRP tools in a hardshell
case. It does not appear to be current stock:

DC988 hammerdrill
DC385 recip saw
DC390 circle saw
and a light
....

See answer in subthread above to DerbyDad...in short, if following "best
practices" as someone else notes, seems short lifetime to me but I've no
firm solution nor would my experience be certain to translate to yours.

The DW site info seems to contradict the hypothesis of a fundamentally
weak concept; one could always, I suppose, question the implementation
as opposed to someone else's. No data or reason to think it so, though.

--

I haved used PRIMECELL.COM thewy do a excellent job. Rebuild for 18
volt pack is under 50 bucks and you will likely see 3 times the
capacity\\

anyhow this is from their website./.........

Please notice that we do not offer new battery packs for cordless
power tools. We specialize in rebuilding and upgrading your
existing equipment for superior performance. The battery you send to
us is the battery that will be serviced and returned to you. Our
upgrades may be used with any of the chargers sold for use with the
original battery. FOR ANY BRAND NAME - Price is based on Battery
Voltage.

Drills, Hammer Drills, Screw Drivers, Saws, Wrenches, Nail Guns,
Grease Guns, Sanders, Grass Trimmers, Lights, Grinders, All Other
Cordless Tools and test equipment. For Ace, Aeg, Amstron, Battery
Barn, Blue Point, Bobs Tools, Builders World, Cox, Chicago Pneumatic,
Disston, Duracraft, Eureka, Fromm, Black and Decker, B&D, Bosch,
Craftsman, Delta, DeWalt, Festool, Grainger, Grizzly, Hilti, Hitachi,
Hoover, Jepson, Lincoln, Mac Tools, Master Mechanic, Max USA, Metabo,
Miller, Makita, Milwaukee, Porter Cable, Panasonic, Proto Zip,
Paslode, Premium Gold, Puckett, Ramset Redhead, Roto, Ryobi, Skil,
Singer, Signode, Snap On, Senco, Sun, Shop Vac, Tajima, Tanaha,
Tillman, Tough Test, Ultralast, US Power, Wahl, WEN, Wirsbo
Cordless Power Tool Batteries - we make them work like they should.

We do not offer new tool battery packs. Our quotes are for rebuilding
your old battery pack. (It must be sent to us.)

If you are considering the purchase of new battery packs from the
original manufacturer.. remember this: If your tool is 5 years old...
it is likely that the existing replacement packs are also 5 years
old. They stopped making the battery packs... when they released the
new model, and the gadgets that go with it.. If you do not care
about the gadgets that draw most customers into the "buy a new one"
trap - then you are our intended customer. Our purpose is to provide
improved performance... for use by those who require only the best.
It is not our intention to compete with low cost replacement
batteries. Remember that the poor quality battery problem will
continue... it is sold to you along with the new gadgets and doo-dads.
If you do not require more than a casual use of your cordless tools,
then you should probably search for the lowest price.

Others claim that batteries without screws cannot be rebuilt - NOT
TRUE - WE REBUILD BATTERIES WITH SEALED CASES.

When rebuilding your old battery - we only use factory fresh cells,
that exceed the original specifications. There have been considerable
increases in the capacity of all rechargeable cells, and they continue
to improve every day. Your power tool has never had it so good.
Battery packs for cordless tools may be viewed as three categories.

They are typically graded by voltage and capacity. The voltage
indicates how many 1.2 Volt cells are used. (10 cells = 12 V). The mAh
or AH refers to how much energy can be stored. (2.1 AH is the same as
2100mAh etc) The higher the number, the better the ability to provide
continued use without recharging. The physical size of the cells, and
if they are NiCd or NiMh ... determine what can be used as a
replacement. Battery capacity measurements are based upon finished
product testing with top quality cells. Often times cells may be
marked with capacity ratings that are misleading - some perform better
- others less - we test to make sure.

Standard capacity packs: They are usually sold in pairs, in kits with
do-everything attachments. They were made at minimum cost, with small
size cells, that provide little operating time. These batteries often
spend more time in the charger, than they do in the tools. The
batteries are usually only 1.0 AH cells, we rebuild them with the
highest available capacity. (depending of the model the upgrade can be
1.3 AH or higher. The result is usually a 25 to 35% increase in run
time.

Extra, XR or Maxi etc. battery packs. These are large capacity NiCd
packs, they are usually 1500 to 1700. We only replace these with 2.1
to 2.4 AH cells for a 40% increase in run time.

NIMH -Maximum capacity packs: NiMh batteries are usually available in
two battery sizes. Small packs were 1.5 AH and large battery packs
were 2.2 AH to 2.6 AH We rebuild the small case with 2.1 AH and the
larger packs are improved to 3.3 AH. Either rebuild usually adds 50%
more run time.

Our price to rebuild Tool Batteries is based on the voltage and cell
type (NiCd or NiMh). FOR ANY BRAND NAME. The brand name or model
number does not change the price.

"Think Better than New." (not cheaper than new) Our rebuilds are
designed to be superior in capacity, and of the highest possible
quality, for use with your existing equipment. We do not offer poor
performance for cheap prices.

Click here to see what magazines are reporting about PRIMECELL rebuild
service.

Make it easy .. A printer friendly order form is available for
download at this web address: http://www.primecell.com/PDF/OF062808-BT-2PG
Download the file and use it to send your batteries for quotation or
rebuild.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~

Prices for rebuilding cordless power tool batteries (including
performance upgrades) are listed below:

Locate the voltage of your cordless Power Tool Battery Brand name is
not important.

Identify chemistry -- Read the markings on the battery to determine if
it is NiCd or NiMh.

"anonymous" wrote in message
...
Hi All,

I maintain & repair houses houses on a daily basis.

I've been using Dewalt cordless tools for many years and I like their
tools. Unfortunately, I'm only getting about 2 years of useable life
per battery. I'm really tired of the very high cost of replacement
batteries.

Does anyone make a generic 18V battery that will fit Dewalt tools?


No, but you can have them rebuilt cheaper with a better battery.
www.primecell.com The higher the rating, the less charges needed and the
more life you can expect.

bob haller wrote:
I haved used PRIMECELL.COM thewy do a excellent job. ...

anyhow this is from their website./.........

....
If you are considering the purchase of new battery packs from the
original manufacturer.. remember this: If your tool is 5 years old...
it is likely that the existing replacement packs are also 5 years
old. They stopped making the battery packs... when they released the
new model, and the gadgets that go with it.. ...

I don't know these folks in particular and if you've had good luck with
them, that's good; I won't argue that.

But the above quote makes me extremely suspicious--it's simply untrue
for most vendors unless they completely shift battery pack designs which
few do because of compatibility.

Milwaukee has used the "slide-on" design "since forever"--it's certainly
not true they've not manufactured a new battery pack in nearly 15 years;
in fact they replaced under warranty a whole series of 18V packs owing
to a possible problem w/ the internal venting mechanism within the last
year or so for a tool of over 5-yr's age at the time. Manufacturing
dates will be on the packs.

I get really leery really quickly of any outfit with such obvious
nonsense as a sales tactic.

--

On Jul 1, 3:47*pm, dpb wrote:
bob haller wrote:
I haved used PRIMECELL.COM thewy do a excellent job. ...

anyhow this is from their website./.........

...
If you are considering the purchase of new battery packs from the
original manufacturer.. remember this: *If your tool is 5 years old....
it is likely that the existing replacement packs are also 5 years
old. *They stopped making the battery packs... when they released the
new model, and the gadgets that go with it.. * ...

I don't know these folks in particular and if you've had good luck with
them, that's good; I won't argue that.

But the above quote makes me extremely suspicious--it's simply untrue
for most vendors unless they completely shift battery pack designs which
few do because of compatibility.

Milwaukee has used the "slide-on" design "since forever"--it's certainly
not true they've not manufactured a new battery pack in nearly 15 years;
in fact they replaced under warranty a whole series of 18V packs owing
to a possible problem w/ the internal venting mechanism within the last
year or so for a tool of over 5-yr's age at the time. *Manufacturing
dates will be on the packs.

I get really leery really quickly of any outfit with such obvious
nonsense as a sales tactic.

--

This is not an endorsement, since I've never tried PrimeCell. This is
nothing more than a slightly different interpretation of what they are
saying.

I *think* what they may mean is that if I have a 5 year old 18V drill
and they are now selling 36V drills, then they aren't making any more
18V packs. If I want to buy a replacement 18V pack, I'm going to get
one that is as old as my original one.

Now, that's not saying that it's going to be as bad as the one I've
been discharging/charging for 5 years, but it's not going to contain
batteries with newer technology.

In other words PrimeCell appears to be claiming that the original
manufacturer is going to give me 2004 technology, while they'll put
2009 technology in my 2004 case.

DerbyDad03 wrote:
....
I *think* what they may mean is that if I have a 5 year old 18V drill
and they are now selling 36V drills, then they aren't making any more
18V packs. If I want to buy a replacement 18V pack, I'm going to get
one that is as old as my original one.
....

But that simply isn't true--manufacturers aren't ceasing to make 18V (or
most other voltages, either) product, they're simply adding other models.

Milwaukee has three: 12, 18 and 28, they have quit the 14.4
DeWalt still has five choices in current product: 24, 18, 14.4, 12, 9.6

I'm sure the others all similar--there's not a market for only one size
fits all.

It's ludicrous to think they had all the possible number of battery
packs they ever expected to sell for a complete product line built at or
shortly after the same time the line was introduced, even if the voltage
is dropped as was the 14.4 by Milwaukee. The packs are still available
and I'm quite certain if you were to order one it would have a quite
recent date of manufacture--it's simply not economical to maintain any
more inventory in storage than needed for near-term demand.

At some point, eventually they will discontinue them when demand for new
packs diminishes to the point of it being uneconomical to keep them in
stock, but that won't happen until a very high percentage of all the
existing 14.4 tools in existence have ceased to be used and I would
expect that to be quite some time yet to come.

--

DerbyDad03 wrote:
....
In other words PrimeCell appears to be claiming that the original
manufacturer is going to give me 2004 technology, while they'll put
2009 technology in my 2004 case.

Sorta' overlooked this part, sorry...

The part of what they may do may be so; I don't think the other portion
is necessarily true, however...Milwaukee has Li-ion replacement packs in
the same form factors as the originals and I've already noted they sent
out an upgraded pack design for everybody on registration of a new
design some 3-5 years past the original design time.

Maybe they mean something that's so but I think it's overblown at a best
interpretation from their standpoint and and blatantly wrong at worst.

--

On Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:47:56 -0500, dpb wrote:

bob haller wrote:
I haved used PRIMECELL.COM thewy do a excellent job. ...

anyhow this is from their website./.........

...
If you are considering the purchase of new battery packs from the
original manufacturer.. remember this: If your tool is 5 years old...
it is likely that the existing replacement packs are also 5 years
old. They stopped making the battery packs... when they released the
new model, and the gadgets that go with it.. ...

I don't know these folks in particular and if you've had good luck with
them, that's good; I won't argue that.

But the above quote makes me extremely suspicious--it's simply untrue
for most vendors unless they completely shift battery pack designs which
few do because of compatibility.

Milwaukee has used the "slide-on" design "since forever"--it's certainly
not true they've not manufactured a new battery pack in nearly 15 years;
in fact they replaced under warranty a whole series of 18V packs owing
to a possible problem w/ the internal venting mechanism within the last
year or so for a tool of over 5-yr's age at the time. Manufacturing
dates will be on the packs.

I get really leery really quickly of any outfit with such obvious
nonsense as a sales tactic.

You have to send in your battery packs! Primecell just replaces the
cells to newer types. Nothing to do with replacing the case itself.

It is a family business - in the USA. You print the order form,
complete it and ship your batteries.

On Wed, 1 Jul 2009 13:03:15 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

In other words PrimeCell appears to be claiming that the original
manufacturer is going to give me 2004 technology, while they'll put
2009 technology in my 2004 case.

The exact way I read it.

Oren wrote:
On Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:47:56 -0500, dpb wrote:

bob haller wrote:
I haved used PRIMECELL.COM thewy do a excellent job. ...

anyhow this is from their website./.........

...
If you are considering the purchase of new battery packs from the
original manufacturer.. remember this: If your tool is 5 years old...
it is likely that the existing replacement packs are also 5 years
old. They stopped making the battery packs... when they released the
new model, and the gadgets that go with it.. ...
I don't know these folks in particular and if you've had good luck with
them, that's good; I won't argue that.

But the above quote makes me extremely suspicious--it's simply untrue
for most vendors unless they completely shift battery pack designs which
few do because of compatibility.

Milwaukee has used the "slide-on" design "since forever"--it's certainly
not true they've not manufactured a new battery pack in nearly 15 years;
in fact they replaced under warranty a whole series of 18V packs owing
to a possible problem w/ the internal venting mechanism within the last
year or so for a tool of over 5-yr's age at the time. Manufacturing
dates will be on the packs.

I get really leery really quickly of any outfit with such obvious
nonsense as a sales tactic.

You have to send in your battery packs! Primecell just replaces the
cells to newer types. Nothing to do with replacing the case itself.
....
I understand that--my first suggestion to the OP was to get his packs
rebuilt...

But I disagree wholeheartedly w/ the "If your tool is 5 years old...
it is likely that the existing replacement packs are also 5 years
old. They stopped making the battery packs... when they released the
new model, ..."

My point is that the OEMS do NOT in general cease making the battery
packs for existing models when a new model is introduced; the continue
w/ production of multiple voltages at any one time and even if a
particular voltage is discontinued there will be new packs available for
them for quite a long time.

It's marketing hype, granted, but imo very misleading hype.

--

DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jul 1, 3:47 pm, dpb wrote:
bob haller wrote:
I haved used PRIMECELL.COM thewy do a excellent job. ...
anyhow this is from their website./.........
...
If you are considering the purchase of new battery packs from the
original manufacturer.. remember this: If your tool is 5 years old...
it is likely that the existing replacement packs are also 5 years
old. They stopped making the battery packs... when they released the
new model, and the gadgets that go with it.. ...
I don't know these folks in particular and if you've had good luck with
them, that's good; I won't argue that.

But the above quote makes me extremely suspicious--it's simply untrue
for most vendors unless they completely shift battery pack designs which
few do because of compatibility.

Milwaukee has used the "slide-on" design "since forever"--it's certainly
not true they've not manufactured a new battery pack in nearly 15 years;
in fact they replaced under warranty a whole series of 18V packs owing
to a possible problem w/ the internal venting mechanism within the last
year or so for a tool of over 5-yr's age at the time. Manufacturing
dates will be on the packs.

I get really leery really quickly of any outfit with such obvious
nonsense as a sales tactic.

--

This is not an endorsement, since I've never tried PrimeCell. This is
nothing more than a slightly different interpretation of what they are
saying.

I *think* what they may mean is that if I have a 5 year old 18V drill
and they are now selling 36V drills, then they aren't making any more
18V packs. If I want to buy a replacement 18V pack, I'm going to get
one that is as old as my original one.

Now, that's not saying that it's going to be as bad as the one I've
been discharging/charging for 5 years, but it's not going to contain
batteries with newer technology.

In other words PrimeCell appears to be claiming that the original
manufacturer is going to give me 2004 technology, while they'll put
2009 technology in my 2004 case.

Ya know, one day someone will build a drill that runs
on 120 volts.

TDD

On Jul 1, 6:57�pm, The Daring Dufas
wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jul 1, 3:47 pm, dpb wrote:
bob haller wrote:
I haved used PRIMECELL.COM thewy do a excellent job. ...
anyhow this is from their website./.........
...
If you are considering the purchase of new battery packs from the
original manufacturer.. remember this: �If your tool is 5 years old...
it is likely that the existing replacement packs are also 5 years
old. �They stopped making the battery packs... when they released the
new model, and the gadgets that go with it.. � ...
I don't know these folks in particular and if you've had good luck with
them, that's good; I won't argue that.

But the above quote makes me extremely suspicious--it's simply untrue
for most vendors unless they completely shift battery pack designs which
few do because of compatibility.

Milwaukee has used the "slide-on" design "since forever"--it's certainly
not true they've not manufactured a new battery pack in nearly 15 years;
in fact they replaced under warranty a whole series of 18V packs owing
to a possible problem w/ the internal venting mechanism within the last
year or so for a tool of over 5-yr's age at the time. �Manufacturing
dates will be on the packs.

I get really leery really quickly of any outfit with such obvious
nonsense as a sales tactic.

--

This is not an endorsement, since I've never tried PrimeCell. This is
nothing more than a slightly different interpretation of what they are
saying.

I *think* what they may mean is that if I have a 5 year old 18V drill
and they are now selling 36V drills, then they aren't making any more
18V packs. If I want to buy a replacement 18V pack, I'm going to get
one that is as old as my original one.

Now, that's not saying that it's going to be as bad as the one I've
been discharging/charging for 5 years, but it's not going to contain
batteries with newer technology.

In other words PrimeCell appears to be claiming that the original
manufacturer is going to give me 2004 technology, while they'll put
2009 technology in my 2004 case.

Ya know, one day someone will build a drill that runs
on 120 volts.

TDD- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I can say this, battery capacity design etc has improved tremendously
over the last few years. vfound after looking at replacing battery in
some GPS units among others

primecell installs brand new latest design high capacity cells.

many companies build for a cheap price point with low capacity cells,
or high capacity cells in a 5 year old design that are now low
capacity in comparison with new premium cells of today.

manufactuers have zero incentive to improve battery packs for old
units.

try some primecell rebuilds like I did and you will be amazed

dpb wrote in
:

dpb wrote:
...
Not used any DW, all I have are red (Milwaukee). 2-yr lifetime seems
quite low to me; I've one pair that are at least 8 that are seemingly
as good as new still...
...
Another thought...the limited lifetime would make me suspect cheap
charger(s) maybe.

--

When I got my 18v Ridgid set I think the batteries had a 3yr warranty at
the time. All 3 batteries were not holding charge. Sent back. They sent 3
new batteries along with a new charger. New charger acted differently. Bad
charger or bad design I guess.

Even though there was no charge, they itemized the repairs. It was like $10
less than what I paid for the complete full kit.

Even though there was no charge, they itemized the repairs. It was like $10
less than what I paid for the complete full kit.

that made them look good..........

so your more likely to buy theirs again

On Jul 1, 6:57*pm, The Daring Dufas
wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jul 1, 3:47 pm, dpb wrote:
bob haller wrote:
I haved used PRIMECELL.COM thewy do a excellent job. ...
anyhow this is from their website./.........
...
If you are considering the purchase of new battery packs from the
original manufacturer.. remember this: *If your tool is 5 years old....
it is likely that the existing replacement packs are also 5 years
old. *They stopped making the battery packs... when they released the
new model, and the gadgets that go with it.. * ...
I don't know these folks in particular and if you've had good luck with
them, that's good; I won't argue that.

But the above quote makes me extremely suspicious--it's simply untrue
for most vendors unless they completely shift battery pack designs which
few do because of compatibility.

Milwaukee has used the "slide-on" design "since forever"--it's certainly
not true they've not manufactured a new battery pack in nearly 15 years;
in fact they replaced under warranty a whole series of 18V packs owing
to a possible problem w/ the internal venting mechanism within the last
year or so for a tool of over 5-yr's age at the time. *Manufacturing
dates will be on the packs.

I get really leery really quickly of any outfit with such obvious
nonsense as a sales tactic.

--

This is not an endorsement, since I've never tried PrimeCell. This is
nothing more than a slightly different interpretation of what they are
saying.

I *think* what they may mean is that if I have a 5 year old 18V drill
and they are now selling 36V drills, then they aren't making any more
18V packs. If I want to buy a replacement 18V pack, I'm going to get
one that is as old as my original one.

Now, that's not saying that it's going to be as bad as the one I've
been discharging/charging for 5 years, but it's not going to contain
batteries with newer technology.

In other words PrimeCell appears to be claiming that the original
manufacturer is going to give me 2004 technology, while they'll put
2009 technology in my 2004 case.

Ya know, one day someone will build a drill that runs
on 120 volts.

TDD- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


Unless the technology improves tremendously, a 120 volt battery is
going to be pretty cumbersome.

The Daring Dufas wrote:

Ya know, one day someone will build a drill that runs
on 120 volts.


The trouble is that the 120-volt power packs are so large that they have
to be housed somewhere else and people have to use power cords to
connect the tool to the power source. Not always very convenient.

Perce

Oren wrote:
On Wed, 1 Jul 2009 13:03:15 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

In other words PrimeCell appears to be claiming that the original
manufacturer is going to give me 2004 technology, while they'll put
2009 technology in my 2004 case.

The exact way I read it.

That's reading something into it that it does _not_ say--what it
specifically claims is that the packs were built and are aged...

"If you are considering the purchase of new battery packs from the
original manufacturer.. remember this: If your tool is 5 years old...
it is likely that the existing replacement packs are also 5 years
old. They stopped making the battery packs..."

Not "the manufacturers may still be using the battery type of five years
ago" but "the _EXISTING_REPLACEMENT_PACKS_ARE_ also 5 years old".

That's a pretty d--d explicit claim that is bogus backed up by the dates
of manufacturer of OEM-supplied packs I have in hand.

Of course they included the typical pitchman "out" of adding the "it is
likely" that allows them to weasel out of it being an out-and-out lie;
it's always possible there's _some_ discontinued niche product out there
_somewhere_ for which it's true the only remaining replacement supply is
old, but that's relying on the nuance of the Clinton-esque "depends on
what the mean of is is". Again, sure, it's just ad-talk but doesn't
give me a warm fuzzy that they're on the up-and-up if they need such
hyperbole to sell product.

Again, if they've done well, good; maybe satisfied customers could
suggest they tone they claims down to something more realistic.

And, of course, the obligatory $0.02, etc., ...

--


--

In article ,
"Percival P. Cassidy" wrote:

The Daring Dufas wrote:

Ya know, one day someone will build a drill that runs
on 120 volts.


The trouble is that the 120-volt power packs are so large that they have
to be housed somewhere else and people have to use power cords to
connect the tool to the power source. Not always very convenient.

Perce

I think DD was making a little joke, there, and referring to 120 VAC.
But a 120 volt battery pack could be made very, very small, if you don't
care about pesky details like mAh ratings.

In article ,
wrote:

On Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:36:43 -0700, Smitty Two
wrote:

In article ,
"Percival P. Cassidy" wrote:

The Daring Dufas wrote:

Ya know, one day someone will build a drill that runs
on 120 volts.


The trouble is that the 120-volt power packs are so large that they have
to be housed somewhere else and people have to use power cords to
connect the tool to the power source. Not always very convenient.

Perce

I think DD was making a little joke, there, and referring to 120 VAC.
But a 120 volt battery pack could be made very, very small, if you don't
care about pesky details like mAh ratings.

Considering that it would require about 60 cells to get that voltage,
it would be hard to make it small, even if the capacity were very
limited.

Given that a standard rechargeable cell is 1.2 volts, I'd say it would
take 100 of them. Or were you talking about inverting to AC? Either way,
who said they had to be AA or AAA or even AAAA size? Batteries come
pretty darn small these days, far smaller even than a typical coin cell.

Smitty Two wrote:
In article ,
"Percival P. Cassidy" wrote:

The Daring Dufas wrote:

Ya know, one day someone will build a drill that runs
on 120 volts.

The trouble is that the 120-volt power packs are so large that they have
to be housed somewhere else and people have to use power cords to
connect the tool to the power source. Not always very convenient.

Perce

I think DD was making a little joke, there, and referring to 120 VAC.
But a 120 volt battery pack could be made very, very small, if you don't
care about pesky details like mAh ratings.

ZOOM! Right over their heads.

TDD

In article ,
wrote:

On Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:14:52 -0700, Smitty Two
wrote:

In article ,
wrote:

On Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:36:43 -0700, Smitty Two
wrote:

In article ,
"Percival P. Cassidy" wrote:

The Daring Dufas wrote:

Ya know, one day someone will build a drill that runs
on 120 volts.


The trouble is that the 120-volt power packs are so large that they
have
to be housed somewhere else and people have to use power cords to
connect the tool to the power source. Not always very convenient.

Perce

I think DD was making a little joke, there, and referring to 120 VAC.
But a 120 volt battery pack could be made very, very small, if you don't
care about pesky details like mAh ratings.

Considering that it would require about 60 cells to get that voltage,
it would be hard to make it small, even if the capacity were very
limited.

Given that a standard rechargeable cell is 1.2 volts, I'd say it would
take 100 of them. Or were you talking about inverting to AC? Either way,
who said they had to be AA or AAA or even AAAA size? Batteries come
pretty darn small these days, far smaller even than a typical coin cell.

I didn't say anything about AA, AAA or AAAA cells. Even button cells,
in those quantities would make for a sizable package. certainly not
the "very, very, small" description that was mentioned. So what's
your point?

Sheesh. Read the thread. A 120 volt power pack doesn't have to be so
large that it can't be housed in the tool. Theoretically. But this whole
thing started as a joke. We're into time-passing mode here.

On Jul 2, 12:34�pm, Smitty Two wrote:
In article ,
wrote:





On Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:14:52 -0700, Smitty Two
wrote:

In article ,
wrote:

On Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:36:43 -0700, Smitty Two
wrote:

In article ,
"Percival P. Cassidy" wrote:

The Daring Dufas wrote:

Ya know, one day someone will build a drill that runs
on 120 volts.

The trouble is that the 120-volt power packs are so large that they
have
to be housed somewhere else and people have to use power cords to
connect the tool to the power source. Not always very convenient.

Perce

I think DD was making a little joke, there, and referring to 120 VAC.
But a 120 volt battery pack could be made very, very small, if you don't
care about pesky details like mAh ratings.

Considering that it would require about 60 cells to get that voltage,
it would be hard to make it small, even if the capacity were very
limited.

Given that a standard rechargeable cell is 1.2 volts, I'd say it would
take 100 of them. Or were you talking about inverting to AC? Either way,
who said they had to be AA or AAA or even AAAA size? Batteries come
pretty darn small these days, far smaller even than a typical coin cell.

I didn't say anything about AA, AAA or AAAA cells. Even button cells,
in those quantities would make for a sizable package. certainly not
the "very, very, small" �description that was mentioned. So what's
your point?

Sheesh. Read the thread. A 120 volt power pack doesn't have to be so
large that it can't be housed in the tool. Theoretically. But this whole
thing started as a joke. We're into time-passing mode here.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

years ago i bought some replacement battery packs, that were marginal
at best.

a friend of friend checked the date code they were as old as my
cordless tools. he knew someone that worked for the company

i believe primecell on this, espically since battery voltages keep
climbing, obsoleting old packs

the best test is getting primecell to rebuild some packs and report
back here

On Jul 1, 11:48*am, (anonymous) wrote:
Hi All,

I maintain & repair houses houses on a daily basis. *

I've been using Dewalt cordless tools for many years and I like their
tools. *Unfortunately, I'm only getting about 2 years of useable life
per battery. *I'm really tired of the very high cost of replacement
batteries. *

Does anyone make a generic 18V battery that will fit Dewalt tools?

2 years hard use may be normal. Running a pack to low and charging it
hot can hurt it, when the drill just slows its dead and needs
recharging. Ridgid has a lifetime warranty even on batteries they say,
I havnt needed it yet so I cant say how they honor it but its
advertised. Rebuild your packs if drills are good.

Nicad and nickel metal are 1.2 volts per cell. For those,
you'd need 100 to make 120 volts.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


wrote in message
...

I think DD was making a little joke, there, and referring
to 120 VAC.
But a 120 volt battery pack could be made very, very small,
if you don't
care about pesky details like mAh ratings.

Considering that it would require about 60 cells to get that
voltage,
it would be hard to make it small, even if the capacity were
very
limited.

On Thu, 2 Jul 2009 20:55:58 -0400, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:

Nicad and nickel metal are 1.2 volts per cell. For those,
you'd need 100 to make 120 volts.

Well, goody, goody for you. There are also cells that are 2.2 volts
per cell. I didn't specify any particular technology. Just that no
existing technology would allow for a "very, very, small" 120 volt
battery to power a drill.

If you choose cells that produce 1.2 volts each, then you will also
end up with something bigger than "very, very, small".

wrote in message
...
On Thu, 2 Jul 2009 20:55:58 -0400, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:

Nicad and nickel metal are 1.2 volts per cell. For those,
you'd need 100 to make 120 volts.

Well, goody, goody for you. There are also cells that are 2.2 volts
per cell. I didn't specify any particular technology. Just that no
existing technology would allow for a "very, very, small" 120 volt
battery to power a drill.

If you choose cells that produce 1.2 volts each, then you will also
end up with something bigger than "very, very, small".


IIRC, back when the first RCA portable radios hit the market in the 1950's,
they had a 90V battery in them. I'm sure it is possible to make a 120V
battery, but may not be practical.