It can be easy to dismiss the importance of a high-quality battery in
the functioning of your cordless tools. As it turns out, however, a good
battery is just as essential to a cordless tool as a healthy armature
or motor. Battery technology has significantly advanced since the
introduction of cordless power tools; since the development of the
Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), power tool batteries have evolved from NiCad to
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), and most recently to Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)
technology.
Nickel Cadmium batteries were the first on the market
for cordless power tools and though the technology is older, it is
still very reliable. NiCads are less sensitive to adverse temperatures
and have a high recharge cycle, meaning they can be charged and
recharged repeatedly for a long period of time. NiCads are also less
expensive than NiMH and Li-Ion batteries. On the down-side, however,
NiCads tend to suffer from battery memory effect. This occurs when a
battery can no longer accept a complete charge because it had been
repeatedly charged without first being fully depleted. It seems the
battery "remembers" how much energy it has discharged, and only wants to
accept back that much energy from charger. The element Cadmium is
highly toxic making it the most harmful battery to the environment. The
NiCad's negative effects on the environment, in fact, cause them to be
heavily taxed outside the U.S.A. As a result, many European vendors
won't sell NiCad batteries.
Nickel Metal Hydride batteries run on
a higher amperage than NiCads, because of this, they also have a longer
run-time. NiMHs are lighter than NiCads but they are far more sensitive
to hot and cold temperatures, in fact, NiMH can't work in below
freezing temperatures (32 degrees Fahrenheit and below) and they degrade
very quickly in intensely high temperatures (105 degrees Fahrenheit an
up). Although the NiMH has a longer run-time than the NiCad it doesn't
accept as many charges. NiCad and NiMH batteries do have very similar
overall lifespans but NiMH has a larger energy storage capacity.
Lithium
Ion batteries have a higher energy density than most other rechargeable
batteries. A high energy density means that the Lithium Ion has a
superior energy to weight ratio storing more energy for their size than
most other batteries. Li-Ions have a very slow self-discharge rate
meaning they retain their charge for much longer. Most rechargeable
batteries significantly deplete as they are disengaged, the slow rate of
charge-loss in Li-Ions, however, allows them to maintain most of their
charge for longer periods, even on a shelf in your shop or garage.
There
are many benefits to working with Lithium Ion batteries from their
light-weight, to their long run-time. Li-Ions maintain their charge for
much longer and have continuous max power throughout their energy
discharge cycle. Other batteries consistently lose power as you work.
Li-Ions are light-weight, and have a huge storage capacity, this means
you now have a lighter, more efficient and powerful battery without the
bulk. Lithium Ion batteries are by a landslide the least detrimental to
our environment, and for many reasons they are the favorite of most
craftsmen.
There are, however, some disadvantages to Lithium Ion
batteries. Li-Ions are a bit more expensive. The complexities of
production (in circuitry) accounts for this price difference. Each
Li-Ion also requires a specifically built charger to accommodate that
type of battery; this means that chargers are more expensive as well,
and aren't universal to all types of Li-Ion batteries. The Li-Ion has a
built-in chip that protects the battery from over and undercharging, and
ensures it has a longer life. This computer chip, however, doesn't
allow the battery to continue accepting charge once its energy level has
dropped below a certain point. Once this happens the battery is
essentially dead. Li-Ions also rely on this circuit to stay cool. Since
Li-Ions lose charge so slowly, and the battery and charger communicate
so well together, it's fairly simple to keep Lithium Ions temperate and
at a safe charge level.
Remember, the quality of the battery you
use is just as important as the quality of your power tool. The battery
gives the right amounts of energy and finesse to your tools and their
working parts.
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