Li-on Batteries

[Decoman]

Wondering if anyone has been using these now for a while and has an opinion?

I had to replace a cordless drill in my 5 yr. old hitachi combo kit and the new drill came with these batteries instead the old ni-cad i had. They just don't seem to work as well and not last as long especially in the circular and recip saws. Both batteries I have are rated at 2 a.h.

I see that most stuff sold today comes with the li-on batteries...

[daArch]

Mark,

Li-ion's have higher internal resistance than the old ni-cd's. The ni-cd lower internal resistance had the plus of being able to deliver incredible high amps (for a short time). In some applications, a 1A/hr battery could delver 35 amps, but obviously for only 2 minutes.

the ni-cd's could take the incredible heat and abuse of this, they could also take abuse of over charging and complete discharge for a number of times. The down side is that the lower internal resistance meant that they would self discharge or loose about 10% of their charge on the self each week.

Li-ons will not deliver that whallop, BUT they have very low self discharge rate so will sit on the shelf and hold their charge for a good long time. Li-ons are EXCEPTIONALLY vulnerable to abuse. Even one overcharge or one complete discharge will fry them - don't ask how I know. :mad:

Li-ons are also lighter and can store about 3 or four times the amp/hour of a ni-cd for the same size and weight.

There are pluses and minuses to each battery system

Personally, I like the ni-cds for tools because of the extra power they will give when needed, but I love li-ions for my cameras, lappy, and cell.

-Bill

[fez-head]

Can't live without my Li-on Makita Impact :2thumbsup:

[Leo G]

I have the white and black compact Makita drill. The 1.5 AH batteries don't last that long but the drill can almost twist your wrist off if you aren't careful. If you put a 3 AH battery on it, it is much better. It is also much heavier. In the field you would probably want the 3 AH batteries. In the shop, with the charger only a few steps away I like the 1.5 AH batteries because of the weight.

[WarnerConstInc.]

I am still a ni-cad man. The only cordless tool I use is a drill.

[orson]

Ni-Cad batteries are to Lithium Ion batteries like a Ford model-T is to a Lamborghini.

I've been using Makita Lithium Ion 18V tools since they came on the market to replace my DeWalt 18V Ni-Cad system.

They batteries last much longer. They deliver consistent performance until the battery is completely drained or very close to it.

The batteries hold their charge better.

They are much lighter.

I have 2 Makita batteries from my original set that are about 5 years old. One was replaced under warranty about 3 years ago. They both perform exactly like the brand new batteries I got a month ago with a newer set.

[TulsaRemodeler]

I am still a ni-cad man. The only cordless tool I use is a drill.
Me too, though I could imagine a cordless sawsall being handy.

[Decoman]

wow my ni-cad run so much longer the Li-on's maybe I will get some 3ah... I agree they are lighter. I can't stand corded tools all tho there are some that still have there place...

[SLS-Construction]

My Impact driver running LI runs about the same amount of time
The sawzall & circ saw seems to only last about half the time - but the batteries do charge faster
Personally the less weight is pretty nice

[daArch]

Ni-Cad batteries are to Lithium Ion batteries like a Ford model-T is to a Lamborghini.



And now for a little drift:

Wait till they make Li-Poly for tools. You'll think that Lambo was on steroids !


BTW, for AA applications, look into Sanyo Eneloop. They are essentially Ni-MH with shelf life close to Alkalines. Will lose only like 15% after a year.