Cordless tool batteries

Cordless tool batteries

What are the differences between cordless tool batteries?

Cordless tool batteries vary in voltage and battery chemistry. The decision about which battery type to use is made by the tool manufacturer when it's designed. Several factors come into play when making the decision, and should also be considered when you're deciding which tool to buy. Once you own the cordless tool, your battery decision is limited to where you buy a replacement battery.

Cordless Battery Chemistry

Like all cordless electronics, cordless tools use batteries with one of three chemistries: Ni-MH, NiCD, and Li-ion. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and none are interchangeable.

Ni-MH and NiCD batteries are both an older technology than Li-ion. They are cheaper to produce, which makes the tool cheaper. They also provide less power. They're most commonly used in tools designed for the average home user.

Li-ion batteries are more expensive to produce, but they don't experience the memory effect. They also provide more power. They're most commonly found in power tools designed for construction and other heavy-use applications.

Cordless Battery Voltage

Ni-MH and NiCD batteries range from 2.4-18 volts of power. After that, they become too bulky and heavy. Li-ion batteries can provide up to 36 volts of power, which makes them preferable for heavy construction where more power is needed. If a tool requires power greater than that, it has to be plugged in.

Charging Cordless Tool Batteries

Cordless tools usually come with chargers. If you own several tools by the same manufacturer, you may be able to buy a multi-charger for them. Depending on the manufacturer, the charger may be designed for a range of voltages and a single chemistry, or multiple chemistries within a limited voltage range. Check the labels on the batteries you own to determine which would be better for you. For limited home use, it's probably simplest to use the individual chargers that came with the tools.