Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

I am looking for a new rebuilder, I had been using PrimeCell.

About 2 years ago I had a battery rebuilt by Prime cell and it worked
great for about 18 months. This battery was run down almost completely
5 days out of the week. Pleased I had it rebuilt again in June. within
2 months I saw that the battery was already not performing as expected.
I contacted Primecell and they made several suggestion of things to
check and none helped. They suggested returning the battery and I would
get a 2/3 discount on replacement since the rebuild had been less than
60 days.

For those using Primecell, their warranty is free replacement for the
first 30 days, you pay 1/3 for replacement after 30 days and you pay 2/3
replacement between 60-90 days. After that the battery is out of
warranty. AND you pay shipping both ways.

Prime Cell does not stand behind their products. In this particular
instance a new battery comes with a 6 month battery from the manufacturer.

So any recommendations?

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

On 11/29/2012 9:04 AM, Leon wrote:

Prime Cell does not stand behind their products. In this particular
instance a new battery comes with a 6 month battery from the manufacturer.

I had the same problems with batteries from PrimeCell ... I have two
dead DeWalt 18v that petered out within a few of months and would not
hold a charge.

--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
http://gplus.to/eWoodShop
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

On 11/29/2012 9:04 AM, Leon wrote:
I am looking for a new rebuilder, I had been using PrimeCell.
....

Surely there're any number of locals to choose from there, aren't there?

I save up and take a bunch w/ me when go to Wichita to a local shop there...

--

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

On Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:11:50 -0600, Swingman wrote:

On 11/29/2012 9:04 AM, Leon wrote:

Prime Cell does not stand behind their products. In this particular
instance a new battery comes with a 6 month battery from the manufacturer.

I had the same problems with batteries from PrimeCell ... I have two
dead DeWalt 18v that petered out within a few of months and would not
hold a charge.

Were they XRP batteries? The reason I ask is that line is winding down
and those batteries (at least to me) are reasonably cheap to buy new.
I can buy a pair of them at the local HD for$90.00.

What may I ask did it cost for PrimeCell to rebuild one of them?

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet wrote:
I am looking for a new rebuilder, I had been using
PrimeCell.

About 2 years ago I had a battery rebuilt by Prime cell
and it worked
great for about 18 months. This battery was run down
almost
completely 5 days out of the week. Pleased I had it
rebuilt again in
June. within 2 months I saw that the battery was already
not
performing as expected. I contacted Primecell and they
made several
suggestion of things to check and none helped. They
suggested returning the battery and I
would get a 2/3 discount on replacement since the rebuild
had been
less than 60 days.

For those using Primecell, their warranty is free
replacement for the
first 30 days, you pay 1/3 for replacement after 30 days
and you pay
2/3 replacement between 60-90 days. After that the battery
is out of
warranty. AND you pay shipping both ways.

Prime Cell does not stand behind their products. In this
particular
instance a new battery comes with a 6 month battery from
the
manufacturer.
So any recommendations?

I recently bought a couple of batteries from
batterydepot.com for my Bosch and so far so good.
prices are better than primecell and shipping is 99cents and
I don't have to send them and pay shipping both ways
YMMV

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

On 11/29/2012 9:28 AM, Dave wrote:
On Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:11:50 -0600, Swingman wrote:

On 11/29/2012 9:04 AM, Leon wrote:

Prime Cell does not stand behind their products. In this particular
instance a new battery comes with a 6 month battery from the manufacturer.

I had the same problems with batteries from PrimeCell ... I have two
dead DeWalt 18v that petered out within a few of months and would not
hold a charge.

Were they XRP batteries? The reason I ask is that line is winding down
and those batteries (at least to me) are reasonably cheap to buy new.
I can buy a pair of them at the local HD for$90.00.


Keep in mind that those batteries may be old from actual date of
manufacture. These batteries may already be well past their prime.
Something to think about.

Typically it is always better to have a battery rebuilt with new Fresh
cells.



What may I ask did it cost for PrimeCell to rebuild one of them?

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

On 11/29/2012 10:03 AM, ChairMan wrote:
Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet wrote:
I am looking for a new rebuilder, I had been using
PrimeCell.

About 2 years ago I had a battery rebuilt by Prime cell
and it worked
great for about 18 months. This battery was run down
almost
completely 5 days out of the week. Pleased I had it
rebuilt again in
June. within 2 months I saw that the battery was already
not
performing as expected. I contacted Primecell and they
made several
suggestion of things to check and none helped. They
suggested returning the battery and I
would get a 2/3 discount on replacement since the rebuild
had been
less than 60 days.

For those using Primecell, their warranty is free
replacement for the
first 30 days, you pay 1/3 for replacement after 30 days
and you pay
2/3 replacement between 60-90 days. After that the battery
is out of
warranty. AND you pay shipping both ways.

Prime Cell does not stand behind their products. In this
particular
instance a new battery comes with a 6 month battery from
the
manufacturer.
So any recommendations?

I recently bought a couple of batteries from
batterydepot.com for my Bosch and so far so good.
prices are better than primecell and shipping is 99cents and
I don't have to send them and pay shipping both ways
YMMV



Thanks, Ill take a look.

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

On Thursday, November 29, 2012 9:04:21 AM UTC-6, Leon wrote:
I am looking for a new rebuilder, I had been using PrimeCell.



About 2 years ago I had a battery rebuilt by Prime cell and it worked

great for about 18 months. This battery was run down almost completely

5 days out of the week. Pleased I had it rebuilt again in June. within

2 months I saw that the battery was already not performing as expected.

I contacted Primecell and they made several suggestion of things to

check and none helped. They suggested returning the battery and I would

get a 2/3 discount on replacement since the rebuild had been less than

60 days.



For those using Primecell, their warranty is free replacement for the

first 30 days, you pay 1/3 for replacement after 30 days and you pay 2/3

replacement between 60-90 days. After that the battery is out of

warranty. AND you pay shipping both ways.



Prime Cell does not stand behind their products. In this particular

instance a new battery comes with a 6 month battery from the manufacturer.



So any recommendations?

Do you live in or near a larger town. We used to live in Wichita and we had two good, local alternatives that rebuilt and warranted tool batteries.

RonB

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

On 11/29/2012 9:28 AM, Dave wrote:
On Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:11:50 -0600, Swingman wrote:

On 11/29/2012 9:04 AM, Leon wrote:

Prime Cell does not stand behind their products. In this particular
instance a new battery comes with a 6 month battery from the manufacturer.

I had the same problems with batteries from PrimeCell ... I have two
dead DeWalt 18v that petered out within a few of months and would not
hold a charge.

Were they XRP batteries? The reason I ask is that line is winding down
and those batteries (at least to me) are reasonably cheap to buy new.
I can buy a pair of them at the local HD for$90.00.


I bought a couple of Makita drills and just used the DeWalt XRP as a
backup, although it is a very usable drill and still a good backup in
the house/truck.

I may buy a L-ion battery for the DeWalt, but haven't done any homework
on them yet. They're awfully damn proud of two L-ion 18v batteries and a
charger these days.

IME, the L-ion batteries keep a charge longer when not under use, so
they should be ideal for keeping the old Dewally as a rarely used
backup/extra.

What may I ask did it cost for PrimeCell to rebuild one of them?

Two 18v XRP's for $96 from PrimeCell in 2008, they quit as described above.

Two more 18v XRP's for $70 from

www.voltmanbatteries.com

Also in 2008, and they lasted a bit longer, but not much.

Basically no longer happy with either of these rebuild services ...

--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
http://gplus.to/eWoodShop
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

Leon wrote:
I am looking for a new rebuilder, I had been using PrimeCell.

About 2 years ago I had a battery rebuilt by Prime cell and it worked
great for about 18 months. This battery was run down almost
completely 5 days out of the week. Pleased I had it rebuilt again in
June. within 2 months I saw that the battery was already not
performing as expected. I contacted Primecell and they made several
suggestion of things to check and none helped. They suggested returning
the battery and I
would get a 2/3 discount on replacement since the rebuild had been
less than 60 days.

For those using Primecell, their warranty is free replacement for the
first 30 days, you pay 1/3 for replacement after 30 days and you pay
2/3 replacement between 60-90 days. After that the battery is out of
warranty. AND you pay shipping both ways.

Prime Cell does not stand behind their products. In this particular
instance a new battery comes with a 6 month battery from the
manufacturer.
So any recommendations?

Related: Some chargers just keep dumping the volts into a battery pack until
you disconnect your tool. This is deadly for most batteries, severely
limiting their lifespan.

The fix for this is to put a timer on the primitive charger. I got one of
these:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...ds=power+timer

You insert your battery into the charger and press the button on the timing
unit. After six hours the timing unit shuts off the charger.

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

On Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:39:20 -0600, "HeyBub"
You insert your battery into the charger and press the button on the timing
unit. After six hours the timing unit shuts off the charger.

How long does it take for your batteries to charge. My XRP batteries
(about seven years old) take 35-40 minutes to get up a full charge.

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

On 11/29/2012 11:06 AM, Swingman wrote:
On 11/29/2012 9:28 AM, Dave wrote:
On Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:11:50 -0600, Swingman wrote:

On 11/29/2012 9:04 AM, Leon wrote:

Prime Cell does not stand behind their products. In this particular
instance a new battery comes with a 6 month battery from the
manufacturer.

I had the same problems with batteries from PrimeCell ... I have two
dead DeWalt 18v that petered out within a few of months and would not
hold a charge.

Were they XRP batteries? The reason I ask is that line is winding down
and those batteries (at least to me) are reasonably cheap to buy new.
I can buy a pair of them at the local HD for$90.00.


I bought a couple of Makita drills and just used the DeWalt XRP as a
backup, although it is a very usable drill and still a good backup in
the house/truck.

I may buy a L-ion battery for the DeWalt, but haven't done any homework
on them yet. They're awfully damn proud of two L-ion 18v batteries and a
charger these days.

From what I understand a L-Ion charger will most often charge the other
type batteries however not the other way around. From what I understand
you need a special smart charger for L-ion.




IME, the L-ion batteries keep a charge longer when not under use, so
they should be ideal for keeping the old Dewally as a rarely used
backup/extra.

What may I ask did it cost for PrimeCell to rebuild one of them?

Two 18v XRP's for $96 from PrimeCell in 2008, they quit as described above.

Two more 18v XRP's for $70 from

www.voltmanbatteries.com

Also in 2008, and they lasted a bit longer, but not much.

Basically no longer happy with either of these rebuild services ...


Look at this place, I am doing a 72 hour recycle recharge on my battery
to see if that helps but will probably order here if I need to replace
it. This is for the robot vac BTY. :~)


http://www.mtobattery.com/store/

6 month warranty and I - mailed them 2 times this morning with quick
responses.

Might also look at BatteryPlus near your home.

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

Glad this thread came up. I have 7 yr old batteries that may need rebuilding. They charge, but don't stay charged for very long, at all. For a PC drill, bought in 2005. I've never search for a charging service, here.

Sonny

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

On Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:44:29 -0800 (PST), Sonny
For a PC drill, bought in 2005. I've never search for a charging service, here.

You might get some rebuilding suggestions if you indicate where "here"
is.

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

On Friday, November 30, 2012 1:26:13 AM UTC-6, Upscale wrote:
You might get some rebuilding suggestions if you indicate where "here" is.

Lafayette, LA.

For some time, I've considered sending my batteries to PrimeCell, but as long as I could charge and use them, even for a short while, I've hesitated sending them. This PrimeCell report is appreciated.

The local "Builders Tools & Fasteners" can probably direct me to a rebuilder. I do at least half of my "tool business" with them and Marion seems to know every related business in the area and their owners by first name. Backup advisors (W-rec) are always appreciated, as well.

Sonny

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

Dave wrote:
On Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:39:20 -0600, "HeyBub"
You insert your battery into the charger and press the button on the
timing unit. After six hours the timing unit shuts off the charger.

How long does it take for your batteries to charge. My XRP batteries
(about seven years old) take 35-40 minutes to get up a full charge.

I actually don't know. The instructions that came with the drill and battery
said not to leave the battery in the charger for more than seven hours, so
the six-hour choice on the timing unit works adequately.

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

On 11/29/2012 10:51 AM, RonB wrote:
On Thursday, November 29, 2012 9:04:21 AM UTC-6, Leon wrote:
I am looking for a new rebuilder, I had been using PrimeCell.



About 2 years ago I had a battery rebuilt by Prime cell and it worked

great for about 18 months. This battery was run down almost completely

5 days out of the week. Pleased I had it rebuilt again in June. within

2 months I saw that the battery was already not performing as expected.

I contacted Primecell and they made several suggestion of things to

check and none helped. They suggested returning the battery and I would

get a 2/3 discount on replacement since the rebuild had been less than

60 days.



For those using Primecell, their warranty is free replacement for the

first 30 days, you pay 1/3 for replacement after 30 days and you pay 2/3

replacement between 60-90 days. After that the battery is out of

warranty. AND you pay shipping both ways.



Prime Cell does not stand behind their products. In this particular

instance a new battery comes with a 6 month battery from the manufacturer.



So any recommendations?

Do you live in or near a larger town. We used to live in Wichita and we had two good, local alternatives that rebuilt and warranted tool batteries.

RonB


Houston but oddly Google searches don't turn up much.

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

On 11/29/2012 1:39 PM, HeyBub wrote:
Leon wrote:
I am looking for a new rebuilder, I had been using PrimeCell.

About 2 years ago I had a battery rebuilt by Prime cell and it worked
great for about 18 months. This battery was run down almost
completely 5 days out of the week. Pleased I had it rebuilt again in
June. within 2 months I saw that the battery was already not
performing as expected. I contacted Primecell and they made several
suggestion of things to check and none helped. They suggested returning
the battery and I
would get a 2/3 discount on replacement since the rebuild had been
less than 60 days.

For those using Primecell, their warranty is free replacement for the
first 30 days, you pay 1/3 for replacement after 30 days and you pay
2/3 replacement between 60-90 days. After that the battery is out of
warranty. AND you pay shipping both ways.

Prime Cell does not stand behind their products. In this particular
instance a new battery comes with a 6 month battery from the
manufacturer.
So any recommendations?

Related: Some chargers just keep dumping the volts into a battery pack until
you disconnect your tool. This is deadly for most batteries, severely
limiting their lifespan.

The fix for this is to put a timer on the primitive charger. I got one of
these:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...ds=power+timer

You insert your battery into the charger and press the button on the timing
unit. After six hours the timing unit shuts off the charger.


This is on a robot vac, it literally runs 5 days a week and runs the
battery to near completion every one of those days. It has a smart charger.

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

On Thu, 29 Nov 2012 10:06:51 -0700, Swingman wrote
(in article ):

On 11/29/2012 9:28 AM, Dave wrote:
On Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:11:50 -0600, Swingman wrote:

On 11/29/2012 9:04 AM, Leon wrote:

Prime Cell does not stand behind their products. In this particular
instance a new battery comes with a 6 month battery from the manufacturer.

I had the same problems with batteries from PrimeCell ... I have two
dead DeWalt 18v that petered out within a few of months and would not
hold a charge.

Were they XRP batteries? The reason I ask is that line is winding down
and those batteries (at least to me) are reasonably cheap to buy new.
I can buy a pair of them at the local HD for$90.00.


I bought a couple of Makita drills and just used the DeWalt XRP as a
backup, although it is a very usable drill and still a good backup in
the house/truck.

I may buy a L-ion battery for the DeWalt, but haven't done any homework
on them yet. They're awfully damn proud of two L-ion 18v batteries and a
charger these days.

IME, the L-ion batteries keep a charge longer when not under use, so
they should be ideal for keeping the old Dewally as a rarely used
backup/extra.

What may I ask did it cost for PrimeCell to rebuild one of them?

Two 18v XRP's for $96 from PrimeCell in 2008, they quit as described above.

Two more 18v XRP's for $70 from

www.voltmanbatteries.com

Also in 2008, and they lasted a bit longer, but not much.

Basically no longer happy with either of these rebuild services ...



I used Freedombatteries to rebuild my original Milwaukee 14.4v NiCads.
Upgraded to Nickel metal halide. Been using them a lot while building the
wife's glass studio and can't complain (been about 6 months of hard use).
Granted this is only a single data point. I would guess it's not the labor
involved in the rebuild that causes the bad results, but more the quality of
the cells used....

-Bruce

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

On 11/29/2012 9:04 AM, Leon wrote:
I am looking for a new rebuilder, I had been using PrimeCell.

About 2 years ago I had a battery rebuilt by Prime cell and it worked
great for about 18 months. This battery was run down almost completely
5 days out of the week. Pleased I had it rebuilt again in June. within
2 months I saw that the battery was already not performing as expected.
I contacted Primecell and they made several suggestion of things to
check and none helped. They suggested returning the battery and I would
get a 2/3 discount on replacement since the rebuild had been less than
60 days.

For those using Primecell, their warranty is free replacement for the
first 30 days, you pay 1/3 for replacement after 30 days and you pay 2/3
replacement between 60-90 days. After that the battery is out of
warranty. AND you pay shipping both ways.

Prime Cell does not stand behind their products. In this particular
instance a new battery comes with a 6 month battery from the manufacturer.

So any recommendations?


AS a follow up, the battery in question powers an iRobot vacuum cleaner.
It absolutely runs 5 days a week and most of the time the unit will
shut down once the battery becomes discharged to a certain degree.
Typically the daily run time is about 90~105 minutes. The Primecell
battery is not quite 6 months old and runs for 25 minutes. The previous
battery ran for 70 minutes after 18 months.

Anyway I went with Battery Plus. They had the 3000mah battery in stock
today and the cost was $50 less $5 with a coupon. ONE YEAR WARRANTY.
If it only lasts a year it is still cheaper than the Primecell that
lasted 18 months.

Rebuilding Rechargable batteries
 

On 11/29/2012 9:11 AM, Swingman wrote:
On 11/29/2012 9:04 AM, Leon wrote:

Prime Cell does not stand behind their products. In this particular
instance a new battery comes with a 6 month battery from the
manufacturer.

I had the same problems with batteries from PrimeCell ... I have two
dead DeWalt 18v that petered out within a few of months and would not
hold a charge.



You should check out Battery Plus on Beachnut near your house. Good
warranty.