tool batteries

[Mike in Ohio]

Has anybody tried to charge a 12 volt drill battery from a car or truck. Can I take a cigarette lighter plug and hook the positive wire to the positive on the battery, and neg to neg? If so how long would you let it charge? Was just wondering if this would work. By the way it is a Dewalt battery if that would matter. Thanks alot, Mike

 

[GK41]

Yes, I have used a battery charger set on 12vt. and charged a cordless drill battery. Don't remember the charging time but it worked.

 

[jack12345]

You can overheat battery quite fast.I melted the plastic case and would not fit in tool after charging on pickup .It works but watch them if they get hot remove from charge.

 

[Anonymous-0]

DeWalt makes a cigarette plug charger. I don't remember the cost, but wasn't much if I recall correct. I can't remember if it charged 12-14.4 and 18 but I think maybe it did. We just never did use it anyway, I'm not so sure that it's not in the origanl blister pack.

I will look around and if I can find it you are welcome to it. We switched brand names a few years ago and tossed most of the DeWalt stuff. Getting to the point I can't remember unless I have to move it two or three times a day. I keep everything and toss stuff in large quanities when I get in the mood. Then when I can't find it I blame the guys behind their backs, so I don't have to admit I'm getting old.

 

[big jt]

The right charger for what you want to do is available on E-bay for about $60 including shipping.
car chargers on ebay

 

[IH2444]

There might be a fire or explosion risk when charging from a basically unilmited current 12V source such as a car battery.

Might shorten battery life as well if not any other problems.

In short I would not recommend it.

 

[Dusty MI]

Get an inverter. it can be used for other things also.

 

[Jim in Ma.]

Before I retired I worked for the State DOT, we used a lot of cordless tools. I had a inverter in my pickup and was always charging them = worked great.

 

[guido]

Hello Mike
GET AN INVERTER! As the other posts said it will do other things too!
Guido.