Battery Powered Tool Brands

[MotorSeven]

There should be an automatic cutoff to prevent any of the series cells from inadvertently being charged in reverse by it going dead and the pack still being used. Some tool - battery pack combos may not support this sensing function. ... Try interrogating the charge level during use occasionally. If it gets down to one light set it aside for charging.

I agree on the automatic cut off, but clearly these Ryobi batteries are defective and out of warranty. From now on, I'm sticking to Ridgid.

 

[TxSam]

It is possible to "jump start" those dead batteries by wiring a charged one in parallel. This can provide enough charge so the charger will "recognize" the dead one.

If you try it, MAKE SURE you observe the correct polarity!

Another hack I've used for dead batteries, specifically Ryobi - is to insert the battery into the charger multiple times. Each time the battery is inserted it trickle charges slightly before the charger 'rejects' it. After doing this enough times (5-10 times), the charge increases enough in the battery for the charger to accept the battery and then begins to fully charge.

 

[Tru-lefty]

I'm needing to add some battery powered portable tools to my collection that I can take out in the field. My long term experience with Dewalt 18v Ni-MH batteries has been ok but not great since I don't use them daily and the cost is high to swap them out. The newer lithium batteries seem to be better so I'm planning to pick a manufacturer and buy a few needed tools that will run off the same battery packs.

Right now I'm leaning towards the Milwaukee M18 series XC5.0 series because it looks to be priced and geared to the occasional homeowner but open to user experiences with other options to power a 7-1/4" circular saw, 4-1/2" grinder and sawzall to start with.

I have Rigid 18v drill, impact, sawsall, and skill saw. They have lifetime warranty on tool and batteries.

 

[Wobblin-Goblin]

no brand bashing here I'm in the Milwaukee camp and don't regret it.

Same here. My brother and father are in the Yellow camp, so I get to see their tools and batteries in use around the farm and while they're ok, I'm glad I've got Red.