Cordless drill battery replacements

[61_FL_Apache]

I have a 12V Dewalt drill that has been one of the best. I bought it in 2004 and replaced the batteries in 2008. Now I need another set.

I have been looking at ebay for more. I see the Dewalt name batteries for some big money and no-name ones for about half the price..

My concern is, are the name brand batteries still being name or they NOS batteries that have been on the shelf for 10 years?

The set I bought in 08 lasted longer than the original set from 04.

One of my batteries from 08 is still in good shape, but the other one is toast.

Thanks for any input you may have!

[vidman]

Some of the guys at work got some of the no-name batteries.....and they really S$*k. they just don,t last at all

[cableguy0]

To be honest I don't think I would spend the money on batteries for a drill that old. I recently bought a Makita 18v lithium ion drill and impact driver for 199 at home depot. My brother has said the same set for going on 5 years with 0 issues. The impact driver is ridiculously strong and so is the drill. Both are tough and the batteries charge from dead in 15 minutes. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-18...2?N=5yc1vZc2ec

[clinebarger]

Bite the bullet & buy some from a Dewalt retailer, I tried the no-names, Bringing the back to life with a zap from a mig welder....Nothing worked.

You can buy a tool with batteries for what they want for just batteries....Like an impact

Or jump the Dewalt ship now.....And buy Milwaukee or Hilti. This is what I would do if I didn't have 10 plus 18v Dewalt tools.

It's to bad the tools are OK but the packs are $hit.

[glider_6969]

61_

I would agree with the guys here,, time to upgrade, based on the age of your tools. For what you are going to pay for the batteries you should look at a new tool kit. Buying no name or knock off brands can cost you more as they would need to be replaced more often.

[61_FL_Apache]

Thanks for the input! I think I will go with CableGuy's recommendation on the Makita set.. There are others like it from others brands with similar prices. I have had Makita's in the past and they worked great.

[cableguy0]

Originally Posted by 61_FL_Apache

Thanks for the input! I think I will go with CableGuy's recommendation on the Makita set.. There are others like it from others brands with similar prices. I have had Makita's in the past and they worked great.

You wont be disappointed. I love my set and have used my brothers for years. You will be mad at yourself for screwing around with the 12 volt stuff for so long once you get the Makita stuff in your hand. I have driven lag bolts with no issue and also used the impact driver for automotive stuff. Its way stronger than you would think.

[61_FL_Apache]

About 4 years ago, I worked for a guy that had this set. We were doing work in movie theaters. They don't have the best overhead light so the LED headlights on these things were a blessing!! I plan on picking up this set over the weekend!

[ERASER5]

If I were to start over, and I still might, I would go with Ridgid Tools. Their batteries still die just like everyone elses, but if you register your tool when you buy it, the baterries are replaced free. There may be shipping and handeling, but that is far less than the cost of DeWalt batteies.

[65Gregg]

There is a franchise store in our area called Batteries Plus that will refurb batteries for cordless tools. With that having been said I have the 18V Makita impact that I absolutely love. Makita has a deal on their website for a free tool of your choice if you buy the impact driver, charger and 2 batteries, I sent in my proof of purchase and got a recip saw.

[61_FL_Apache]

Yea we have those stores too and a coworker mentioned that option too.

[truckdude239]

I have all snap on tools at work 3/8 inpact 14.4 volt and a drill and 1/2impact both 18 voltwith batteries priced at 125 dollars a battery i had 14.4volt batterys rebulit at a local battery plus for 45 a piece and so far after a year they are still great gooing strong

[61_FL_Apache]

Here is my new addition to the tool box!!



Thanks Cable Guy for pointing me into this direction..

I will still keep the DeWalt set around and look into battery replacements.

Thanks to everyone for the input on this topic!!