Battery Powered Tools

[Phill Tibbetts]

I like my battery powered tools and probably have 20 18V and 4 40V. The relplacement cost of batteries is getting so high I'm wondering if it's worth it. I have batteries that are7 & 8 years old that are still working, but seems that the new replacements only last a few years, and I'm talking genuine batteries not aftermarket. What is your experience? Won't mention names so I will get my hand slapped but begins with R.

 

[flying belgian]

I like my battery powered tools and probably have 20 18V and 4 40V. The relplacement cost of batteries is getting so high I'm wondering if it's worth it. I have batteries that are7 & 8 years old that are still working, but seems that the new replacements only last a few years, and I'm talking genuine batteries not aftermarket. What is your experience? Won't mention names so I will get my hand slapped but begins with R.

I've just started getting the 18 volt R brand. Love them. So far I have not needed replacements. I'm watching this thread to see what I should do when the day comes.

 

[Phill Tibbetts]

Everything I read says the aftermarket ones are junk @40 to 50 bucks each for 40V. OEM are over $100 each. I have ordered one aftermarket from the big A marketplace and if it is no good I can return itfor a full refund. Will keep you posted on results.

 

[joeysmith]

Only had a couple bad aftermarket ones but they definitely do not hold a charge as long.
Still plenty workable but not the same as oem

 

[MM-TX]

I have only Ryobi and a bunch of Ryobi tools. I always get 4AH batteries. I buy them when they are in a 2pac on sale $79 or $99. Sales used to be more often. I have a lot of batteries. I think the new ones last just as well. I can’t remember the last one I threw out. I try to catch them at one bar and swap. But if I’m in a larger project I often don’t catch them till the tool stops.

 

[Caryc]

One can also now buy attachments which will let you use a brand A battery for a brand B tool.

 

[M-MAN]

Problem is there are fakes as well as aftermarket. The fakes are good enough to make it onto the dealer shelves. I got a fake 2ah Milwaukee 18v a while back from a dealer. It didn't fit the charger quite right and didn't hold a charge as well as another one I have. There is absolutely no difference in the label or type screws. It is 1 & 1/2 mm smaller across the slides.

 

[Keith True]

I send my batteries to a place in Harrison Maine to get rebuilt.I think it may be called the Tool Works,but I'm not positive.I've never had to get one of their rebuilds done again yet,so I don't know how long they will last.It's been years.You get what you pay for,not amazon quality or prices.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

I don't care if my batteries are aftermarket or OEM. Some last longer. None last forever.
That's the price you pay for having cordless tools, which I love.
I buy adapters so I only use one battery, 20v DeWalt.
I refuse to buy expensive 40v tools. 40v Replacement batteries cost too much.

 

[Phill Tibbetts]

I send my batteries to a place in Harrison Maine to get rebuilt.I think it may be called the Tool Works,but I'm not positive.I've never had to get one of their rebuilds done again yet,so I don't know how long they will last.It's been years.You get what you pay for,not amazon quality or prices.

I've always wondered about the rebuilt batteries, but never had one done.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

I've always wondered about the rebuilt batteries, but never had one done.

Battery plus won't touch Li batteries. I'm guessing liability may be the reason.
I've tried replacing a few cells, not a success.

 

[jwal10]

I have Ryobi. Son got me the little starter set with 2 batteries, charger, drill, driver, saw and light 6 yrs ago? Since then I have added just tool, no batteries. I think they go bad quicker because plugged in too much. Also because not used often enough, just sit around. I have charging station right beside my rocker recliner so monitor often. When I want to use them, I put 2nd one on charger so I know it has complete charge, change battery if needed and put right on charger to complete charge. Haven't had a bad battery yet....James

 

[38 Sears Roebuck]

Sometime ago I bought an adapter that let's me use my DeWalt batteries on my Ryobi tools. Since I have more DeWalt tools with their batteries. So far it's been working without any problems. Much less expensive than having to have two different brands of batteries around.

 

[scootergmc]

I'll tell you the same things I tell others in your shoes-

If you're worried about batteries in the future, go with Rigid products from Home Depot and make sure you register for the lifetime service agreement when you purchase. As long as the program is around, your future battery problems will be handled for free.

 

[Eman85]

I don't think corded tools are the future. My Dad had a drill and a Skill saw that was his power tool list, both were heavy and corded. I have so many power tools I couldn't begin to remember them all. And we'll complain about the batteries.

 

[wore out]

I have only R and a bunch of R tools. I always get 4AH batteries. I buy them when they are in a 2pac on sale $79 or $99. Sales used to be more often. I have a lot of batteries. I think the new ones last just as well. I can’t remember the last one I threw out. I try to catch them at one bar and swap. But if I’m in a larger project I often don’t catch them till the tool stops.

MM and Belgian, in the interest of clarity what is "The R Brand" and why are you talking in "code"?

 

[MM-TX]

MM and Belgian, in the interest of clarity what is "The R Brand" and why are you talking in "code"?

The thread was started using code . My R is Ryobi. Being a Ryobi user I didn’t even think about Ridgid.

 

[chvet73]

I'll tell you the same things I tell others in your shoes-

If you're worried about batteries in the future, go with Rigid products from Home Depot and make sure you register for the lifetime service agreement when you purchase. As long as the program is around, your future battery problems will be handled for free.

That’s why I love my Ridgid tools. They have been great in every way for me. I also have a few Ryobi tools and they have been excellent too. Although i see them as a cut below Ridgid.

 

[Gambles]

If you're worried about batteries in the future, go with Rigid products from Home Depot and make sure you register for the lifetime service agreement when you purchase. As long as the program is around, your future battery problems will be handled for free.

The Rigid lifetime program sounds good, but there are some strings attached to it, so I’ve been told.
My brother bought a few Rigid “lifetime warranty” tools and batteries when they first came out. According to him, you need to have the warranty card filled out by the store and have them give you a written warranty because doing so by the owner through the mail can have the required paperwork mysteriously disappear in the mail. Also, not all stores will handle the warranty procedure. That means taking it to a different store or sending it through the mail to get repair work. He’s also seen where the tool can only be turned in by the owner of the tool and nobody else. That stops a company from turning in dozens of tools at one time. Again, this is my brother’s experience. Perhaps yours is much better.

 

[scootergmc]

The Rigid lifetime program sounds good, but there are some strings attached to it, so I’ve been told.
My brother bought a few Rigid “lifetime warranty” tools and batteries when they first came out. According to him, you need to have the warranty card filled out by the store and have them give you a written warranty because doing so by the owner through the mail can have the required paperwork mysteriously disappear in the mail. Also, not all stores will handle the warranty procedure. That means taking it to a different store or sending it through the mail to get repair work. He’s also seen where the tool can only be turned in by the owner of the tool and nobody else. That stops a company from turning in dozens of tools at one time. Again, this is my brother’s experience. Perhaps yours is much better.

There's a lifetime service agreement and a lifetime warranty. They are different animals and owners should know the difference.