Anyone replace DeWalt 18v internals?

[Joe Bob]

Looking for these. Google doesn't return any sources. A U tube vid shows Sun batteries.....

[aschen]

The cells? They are ubiquitous Sub C nimh or Nicad cells. If you are looking for replacment cells google Sub C and you will get 1.21 million options

[Joe Bob]

Thanks, for that information. The cells had no markings on them.

I knew they were NiCads....is there any other compatible cell that holds a better charge or longer life? Ones that won't burn my garage down.....

[RKDinOKC]

Around here there are a few stores that are Battery stores. They have been able to fix my stuff.

[aschen]

If you intend to use it with the stock charger Id prob stick with NICAD. NimH might work as well with the charger but I am not sure. The internet should know.

As far as what cells to use, NiCd is pretty anchient so Im not sure if there is any developments in a while. The top Tier suppliers used to be Sanyo and Panasonic. I think RedBeard is our resident expert on batteries

[Charles Freeborn]

Been down this path. Stick with oem type cells - otherwise you risk compatibility with charger and tools. There are many online battery sources for raw cells, but you'll need to know how to solder without damaging new cells.
Batterys Plus stores stock replacements for around $50. They have coupons (currently a 10% off) so depending on what you value more (time / money ) it may be more cost effective to just go buy one. They'll take your old one at the same time and recycle it.

[URY914]

There are probably some in your old lady's night stand.

[Joe Bob]

Originally Posted by URY914

There are probably some in your old lady's night stand.

I'll be sure to ask yer Momz.....

[look 171]

go to interstate battery an they can replace them for you at less then half of the cost of a new battery. They might sell you the cells? I am done with Nicad.

[John Rogers]

That sure is a bunch of trouble........buy an 18volt drill with extra battery and charger at Harbor Freight which will last about two years. Get it for 20% off and a free set of screw drivers or a mini flash light. Set the old one on the curb at trash day and a pickup with Baja license plates will stop and take it away for you!

[Don Ro]

^^^
Yeppers!!!
Why phuque with it...unless you're like me...a putzer who just likes to repair things.

[Joe Bob]

A guy on the 914 list upgraded to a 20v system He gave me two 18v battery paks and a dual NiCad and Lithium carger....score!

[rfuerst911sc]

Search the web for " NI-cad rejuvenation with a welder " . While I have not done this yet because I just saw it this morning it apparently works . You can also use a automotive battery charger if you don't have a wire feed welder. Apparently it erases the " memory " the dead battery had acquired and allows the battery to be charged again . I easily have 5-6 dead batteries in the garage from 3 different manufacturers so I'm going to try it .

[Joe Bob]

Yep, the 914 list suggested that. I sold my welder as it was a dust bunny collector. I have a friend down in San Diego. Next trip to visit my azzbite brother I will pop over to Phil's and try it out. He told me he never heard of it so I sent him the video.

His comment was, "well it's on the 'net, must be true". Fire and pics of destroyed garage, film at 11....

[billybek]

I replaced my Dewalt internals with Milwaukee internals a few years ago.
Was happy with the change.

[Joe Bob]

Billy, got a link? What did you pay? Interested if the welder shock treatment doesn't work.....

[MBAtarga]

I've done the welder thing on some old Dewalt and Ryobi batteries. It's been a while - but I think I had somewhere around 50% success rate. I don't believe any of the "dead" batteries were revitalized back to as new and would take a full charge - but they definitely become usable again.

Another option besides a welder is an automotive battery charger that has the "start" capability.

[dad911]

Dewalt batteries were so expensive I picked up a Ryobi kit, with batteries, for less. Now I've switched to lithium batteries, well worth it for increased working time.

[billybek]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Billy, got a link? What did you pay? Interested if the welder shock treatment doesn't work.....

I was just kidding. I had tried to bring my Dewalt stuff back to life using one of the 12 volt battery methods found on Youtube.
I gave up and bought a Milwaukee 18v kit. One battery on it went bad too, so it isn't just a Dewalt thing....

[sc_rufctr]

This works. I've done it myself a few times over the years.