how to store NiCad batteries

Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Dewalt). This thread is read-only.

marcosmgMember since Dec 2014Dec 3, 2014 10:30 PM CT

Hi,

I have just purchase a new DEWALT DW920K, 7.2V. It came with 2 nicad batteries and I’ll be only using this cordless screwdriver for small things around the house. I can see myself not using it for weeks and maybe months. My question is, I want to store the second battery. should I completly discharge it and keep inside of a zip lock in a cool place(basement) or leave it charged and put it away?

Thanks

chadlanthierMember since Mar 2013Dec 3, 2014 11:57 PM CT

I think it would be better to keep it charged.

RickyMcGrathMember since Oct 2014Dec 4, 2014 12:00 PM CT

Considering that most new batteries are only 1/3-2/3 charged out of the box, I believe that a partial charge may be your best bet.

RickyMcGrathMember since Oct 2014Dec 4, 2014 12:01 PM CT

But, you’ll want to treat it as a brand new battery when you decide to use it. The recommended procedure is to fully charge before initial use.

comp56Member since Sep 2014Dec 4, 2014 12:19 PM CT

I don’t think I would buy anything with that battery technology now a days…..

DR99Member since Nov 2012Dec 4, 2014 2:13 PM CT

Yea, I was wondering what the situation was why he bought that screwdriver. It’s been discontinued by Dewalt. The future is the dewalt 8v max platform with lithium batteries.

marcosmgMember since Dec 2014Dec 5, 2014 7:47 AM CT

Hello Tool Junkie

I have 20 and 18Volts Drills and impact Drills and they are all lithium.
This screwdriver is perfect to open computer cases or when I have more than 40 screws to work with.
Have you ever used this screwdriver before? Sure, there’s others such Skills, panasonic that uses lithium. Again, is there another Dewalt that has the same profile as this? Maybe the Gyroscopic which is a joke in my opinion.
I paid $48.00 for the DW920K which comes with two batteries and guess what? I bought two of them!
Thats how much I liked this drive. Also, go and check the reviews and then come back to ask me again Why I purchased this “old piece of technology”.
I registered in this forum with a specific question and valid question, so, let the other folks try to help.

comp56Member since Sep 2014Dec 5, 2014 8:13 AM CT

He was only pointing out there are better battery options, BTW it is not a good idea to be using any kind of rotary driven tools while working on computers it can heighten static electricity issues….a process called triboelectrification.

When storing NiCad batteries, be sure to pick a cool, dry place. The temperature range for storing batteries is between −20 °C and 45 °C. When preparing to store NiCad batteries, be sure to discharge the batteries fairly deeply. The range in recommendations is between 40% and 0% charged when going into storage.

marcosmgMember since Dec 2014Dec 5, 2014 8:48 AM CT

Comp56,

Thanks for your advice. That’s what I was looking for.

I don’t use this screwdriver close to the mother board or when the computer is open. I only for the outside case or computer racks.

I have other cordless screwdrivers, B&D, Hitachi and Skill but I like this Dewalt. Would you be so kind to point me to the better options you mentioned?

Best Regards