Care of Lithium-Ion Batteries in Power Tools-Care and Practices

We all know that most of the power tools are powered by Lithium-ion batteries nowadays. Li-ion battery technology has changed a lot in the past decade. There was a time when power tools needed an active power source to operate. But now, the rechargeable batteries have made it possible to cut the cord of the power tools and improved performance as well.

So, today, we will explore how we can care for the Lithium-ion batteries that are used for power tools.

How Do You Care Of Lithium-Ion Batteries In Power Tools?

There is no denying that power tools are convenient, portable, and ready to work equipment. But even they need to be taken care of to ensure that your investment is worthwhile. So, here is a list of some dos and don'ts to ensure that the battery care routine is followed correctly.

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Dos:

• Keep the battery charged optimally as often as possible. Plug the battery in the charger the moment you notice that there is a decrease in power.

• Use your battery regularly as the battery life gets affected by a lack of use. The more you keep the tools in action, the more they last.
  

• Make sure that you charge your power tool completely.
  

• Keep the battery in an ideal environment that is cool and dry.
  

• Store the battery in the original case or cushioned bag to prevent short-circuiting.
  

• Always keep the battery backup handy and available.
  

• Protect the battery from mechanical or physical damage.
  

• If you are using a cordless tool, make sure that the settings are appropriate to optimize the performance of the device.
  

Don'ts:

• Don't drain the battery completely. If you drain out the battery entirely, it can leave permanent damage on the battery poles ad shorten the life. Recharge your battery as soon as the battery runs out, and the tools get slow.

• Don't leave the battery plugged into the charger longer than necessary. Doing this will start and stop the charging process again and again, even when the power drop is only 1%. This affects the overall lifecycle, and the battery could also suffer from overcharge.
  

• Don't overheat the battery as heat can lead to permanent damage and short-circuit the entire system. It could even cause an explosion and further increase the risk of a big scale fire. Keep checking the battery to ensure that it isn't overheating and don't store them in areas like car, attic, or a heated storage area.
  

• Whether you have a corded tool or a cordless power tool, don't let the device or tool touch water. Even if the battery or tool gets wet, dry it out first, and then use it.
  

• Don't discharge your battery for storage as well. Keep the charge within 40 to 60% and frequently check the range. If the power is dropping quickly, recharge it, and again put it on the shelf for storage.
  

What Are The Best Practices For Lithium-Ion Batteries In Power Tools?

The battery type you choose will affect the charging, maintenance, and storage practices. Before Li-ion, Nickel Cadmium batteries were used in such power tools, which were cheaper but had several drawbacks as well. NiCad batteries had a memory effect, and they needed complete discharge before recharging. Moreover, they suffered from voltage drop every time they get discharged. Fortunately, Li-ion batteries don't have that effect, which encourages the consumers to switch to Lithium-ion batteries.

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Once you invest in a lithium-ion battery-powered tool, you must follow up with its care and maintenance routine as well. It means that there are several things that you need to consider for these batteries. The best practices involve the following:

• Never discharge the battery completely. It is recommended to discharge the battery up to 20%. You can use a charger that can calibrate the battery voltage whenever you recharge it and make sure that the voltage is maintained.
  

• Keep in mind that Li-ion batteries receive most fatigue when their charging capacity is between 90 to 100%. So, avoid putting the device into a charger if the battery percentage is already above 90%.
  

• Don't leave the batteries of a power tool in storage longer than usual. The self-discharge feature of Li-ion batteries will keep on discharging the battery even if it is stored. Leave the charge up to 30-40% and store them in a cool and dry place with proper packaging.
  

Caring for the batteries and following the best practices will help you to extend the lifecycle of the batteries along with their ability to hold the charge.

How Long Do Lithium-Ion Batteries In Power Tools Last?

In general, the Lithium-ion batteries used in the Power tools have a life cycle of 1900 cycles that can last up to 3 years without any problem. However, the way you keep the batteries also affects its lifespan.

As long as you are handling the power tool with proper care, it could last even longer than expected. Whether you are currently using the Li-ion battery or you intend to keep them in storage, the life will be affected differently.

When you continue using the power tool with the battery, it will keep up the life cycle to 3 or more years, depending on the capacity. If you are storing the battery, then focus on some points before putting them away. Keep the battery half-charged and store them at room temperature away from extreme cold or hot temperatures. Insulate the battery if possible and keep checking the voltage frequently to ensure that the battery doesn't degrade eventually.

Power tools are expensive, but they are very useful. That's why, nowadays, people buy them so that they can be used anytime. However, with these advanced tools, you will get a lithium-ion battery that needs proper care and maintenance to last. And as long as you follow the best practices, it will be easier to utilize the battery along with the device, and the lifespan will also extend.