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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

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  1. Home
  2. DIY

How to make your power tool batteries last longer

Get the most out of your cordless tools. - by Greg Fahey
  • 05 Mar 2019
How to make your power tool batteries last longer

Follow these simple tricks to make the lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries in your cordless tools last longer so you get the most out of your investment.

1. When should I charge?

Charge your batteries when you notice a decrease in performance of your tool. Modern Lithium Ion batteries don’t have the ‘memory effect’ of older Ni-Cad batteries so you don’t have to wait until it’s fully discharged. In fact, frequent deep discharging is actually worse for them and will reduce battery life.

2. How should I store my battery?

Keep your battery in a cool dry place. Heat is your battery’s worst enemy so storing it in a hot place, like a car or exposed metal shed, can damage the battery and reduce its life. Take the battery out of the tool and charge it to about 50% capacity. If storing for longer than six months, give it a quick charge to bring it back up to around 50 per cent. The easiest way to remind yourself is to quickly pop a reminder in your phone.

3. How do I know when it’s time to replace?

Even with the best care, batteries will deteriorate over time and replacement will be needed. The most obvious sign that your battery has gone is when it doesn’t last very long after being fully charged. Another sign is that it takes a long time for your battery to charge. Most good quality tools have smart chargers and they can detect when a battery is on its last legs and will let you know via its display.

4. How do I dispose of old batteries?

Once your battery had had it, don’t just throw it into the bin. Lithium Ion batteries can be recycled so reducing our impact on the environment. To find out where and how you can recycle your batteries, go to batteryrecycling.org.au.

You might also like:

The difference between an impact driver and cordless drill

What tool should I use?

Better Ideas: Drilling a neat hole

Greg Fahey
Greg Fahey
Greg Fahey is a carpenter and licensed builder with over 30 years experience. Combine this with having owned a number of old homes in need of TLC, there aren’t a lot of DIY jobs that he hasn’t tried. When he’s not sharing his knowledge to a wide audience via BHG, he can be found at home with a tool in hand, taking on yet another DIY task.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

Kmart hack: How to turn a $6 glass dome into a gorgeous cherry blossom display

Kmart hack: How to turn a $6 glass dome into a gorgeous cherry blossom display

Kmart hack: How to make pineapple-shaped door knobs with a $1.50 ice cube tray

Kmart hack: How to make pineapple-shaped door knobs with a $1.50 ice cube tray

Reader project: From old coffee table to Hamptons-style ottoman

Reader project: From old coffee table to Hamptons-style ottoman

How to make an easy rocking chair

How to make an easy rocking chair

{headline}

{headline}

 Reader project: A dog crate side table

Reader project: A dog crate side table

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One granddad made this pink playhouse on wheels for his granddaughter

Reader project: A gorgeous succulent garden in a $7.50 Kmart tray

Reader project: A gorgeous succulent garden in a $7.50 Kmart tray

{headline}

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Reader reno: A Scandi-style budget laundry makeover for $1300

Reader reno: A Scandi-style budget laundry makeover for $1300

How one mum made her son a cubby house bed for under $400

How one mum made her son a cubby house bed for under $400

How one mum created an enchanted garden for her daughter

How one mum created an enchanted garden for her daughter

Reader reno: From $79 Ikea bookcases to stunning custom library

Reader reno: From $79 Ikea bookcases to stunning custom library

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How to make your own key caddy

How to make an envelope

How to make an envelope

Incredible hack turns a $50 TV unit into a Hamptons-style fireplace

Incredible hack turns a $50 TV unit into a Hamptons-style fireplace

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