1:) Heat is not a battery’s friend. Heat will kill a rechargeable battery quicker than any other factor. I also reduces the battery’s life span. Are you constantly buying batteries? or if it seems you’re not getting good usage times between rechargings, take a look at how you’re charging your batteries. Too long and you are probably overheating the unit

2:) Heat is a major factor that contributes to the overall lifespan of your battery and apart from making sure that it is not left on to charge for too long it is also smart to add some common sense to the equation and make sure that the charger and battery is stored in a cool and dry place.

3:) This seems obvious, but another factor that increases the lifespan of the Lithium-Ion or Ni-Cad Battery is the conditions in which it is stored. Bottom line – look after your battery!I’m constantly amazed at how careless many people are with their Cordless drill Lithium-Ion batteries Store the tool and battery in the case it came in if at all possible! Its not rocket science. If you never got a case, simply find something appropriate.

4:) this relates to the previous tip about caring for your battery and charger. Water is going to kill your battery very quickly. Some people seem to think that unless their battery is completely submerged it will be fine. This is not the case and most batteries and chargers, especially the Lithium-Ion range are very sensitive to moisture, If it starts raining, pack your tools away!

Remember to keep the battery pack dry and clean at all times. The battery is obvious and you will always protect it along with the tools (I hope) but sometimes the charger is overlooked. Store it in a damp garage and watch it negatibely impact the battery life.

4:) To Drain Completely or Leave Some Charge? There is some controversy about how to charge a battery. I’ve experimented with different way of recharging my batteries and have come to one conclusion.

Most modern Lithium-Ion and Ni-Cad batteries have removed the need to charge fully and or let the charge drain completely. The technology has come a long way since the days of the first mobile phones when you lost battery life if you did not charge it completely prior to use.

Although you can technically leave the battery on the charger until you need it next, this is not recommended. The heat that is generated from the charge can over time reduce the lifespan of the battery.

It is also very important to have a second battery. A Backup is necessary in most aspects of life today, but this is especially true of your cordless drill battery. have it on the charge or fully charged and ready to go and never be left with half a job done.

It is also important to make sure you are using the correct charger. Seems obvious I know, but honestly just because your Makita Lithium-Ion charger has the same power output as your Dewalt Charger, does not make it OK to put one battery from one brand onto another brands charger. You also void the warranty this way.

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