Cordless tool batteries are certainly a requirement in order for us to be able to use cordless power tools like a cordless power drill, hedge trimmer, leaf blower and many more. When buying a cordless power tool for your household projects, keep in mind that battery voltage is not the only important factor to consider. Other factors such as the battery's amp/hour capacity as well as its type should not be taken for granted when purchasing batteries for your cordless power tools.
Cordless tool batteries are available up to 36 volts. A 19.2-volt battery or even a 14.4-volt one can surpass the battery rating of a 36-volt battery if those batteries with lower voltage capacity have higher amp/hour capacity than the latter. In rating cordless tool batteries, voltage as well as Amp hour is considered. Ampere-hour is a measure of how long the battery can last, while voltage is a measure of the battery's electric current or power. Thus, basing on the information mentioned, the higher the voltage and the higher the amp/hour capacity, the more powerful the battery is.
The usual sizes available for cordless tools are 1.2, 2.4 and 3.0 Amp / hour. It's at the bottom part of the battery or sometimes on both sides where you locate the label that describes the batteries amp/hour rating.
There are three (3) major types that are used for modern cordless power tools. These include: Lithium Ion (Li-Ion), Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad) and Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH).
Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad) offer up to 400 charge cycles before needing a replacement. Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) can last more than 400 times of recharge. Whereas, Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries can power up your cordless power tools with a lifespan of more than 1,200 times recharges (as per manufacturer's product description) before a required replacement.
What about their charging time? Majority of older ones need 6 hours of recharging time yet last only an hour when used for works. When buying batteries your cordless power tools, charging time should be put into consideration. You do not want to waste your precious time while working, just waiting for the battery to be fully charged. Using Lithium Ion battery can certainly overcome this problem and it is the best way since this battery only takes 15 minutes to recharge.
We usually follow the recommendation of the manufacturer when it comes to maintaining cordless power tool batteries. This usually involves replacement batteries that sometimes force you to spend money. Similar to your power tools including their parts, cordless tool batteries come with service warranty.
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