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It’s happened to all of us at one time or another. You go to use your drill, and the battery won’t charge. It can be frustrating, especially if you need to get a job done quickly. It’s frustrating when your drill battery won’t charge. You might not know what to do and feel like you’re out of options. But don’t worry, because we’re here to help!
This blog post will discuss some easy tips for fixing a drill battery that won’t charge. We will also provide some tips for keeping your drill batteries in good condition so that they don’t die on you in the future!
Types of Batteries for Power Drills
The fact that cordless drills require batteries is their most distinguishing characteristic. These batteries are periodically recharged to hold electrical charges that fuel the drills while they are in use. Cordless drills use one of three types of batteries: nickel-cadmium (NiCd), lithium-ion (Li-Ion), and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMh).
🔋Lithium-ion Batteries
One rechargeable batteries utilized in cordless drills are lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery. These batteries are known for being lightweight and having a longer lifespan than other batteries. Lithium-ion batteries don’t have memory features like NiCd and NiMh batteries do. These batteries also have a low self-discharge bandwidth and a high power density, making them about the highest potential for your cordless drill.
However, lithium-ion batteries come with some disadvantages. For one, they are more expensive than other types of batteries. But lithium-ion batteries are dangerous and should not be used. Lithium-ion batteries burn quickly and blow up when they catch fire. Additionally, if not correctly cared for, they will die soon.
🔋Nickel-Cadmium Batteries
Another battery used in cordless drills is a nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery. On the other hand, NiCd batteries lose power at a high-speed rate. But compared to regular batteries, it moves more slowly. NiCd batteries are also costly, but they are less pricey than Li-Ion batteries.
Nickel-Cadmium batteries have a “memory effect.” If you don’t discharge them completely before recharging, they will “remember” that and won’t charge as fully next time. NiCd batteries also have a short lifespan and will die quickly if not properly cared for.
🔋Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries
The last type of battery used in cordless drills is nickel-metal hydride (NiMh). NiMH batteries are mostly made of NiOOH electrodes, special alloys, Nickel, and sintered Titanium. Most of the time, the metal (M) in a NiMh battery combines two or more metals. Many intermetallic compounds were produced and tried out during the early stages of making NiMH batteries.
NiMH batteries are very similar to NiCd batteries in that they have a “memory effect” and a short lifespan. However, NiMh batteries are not as toxic as NiCd batteries and can be disposed of more easily.
What Are The Reasons A Drill Battery Won’t Charge?
Now that we know the types of batteries used in cordless drills, let’s discuss why your drill battery might not be charging.
âš¡Drill Battery Is Dead
Your drill battery might not be charging because it is simply dead. It is especially true if you have had your cordless drill for a while and have not properly maintained the battery. Batteries have a limited lifespan and will eventually die. If your battery is dead, the only thing you can do is replace it with a new one.
âš¡Drill Battery Is Damaged
Another reason your drill battery might not be charging is that it is damaged. It could be physical damage like dropping the battery or water damage. It could also be due to internal damage like corrosion. If your drill battery is damaged, you will need to replace it with a new one.
âš¡Drill Battery Is Not Compatible With Your Drill
If you use a NiCd battery with a Li-Ion drill or vice versa, the battery will not charge. It is because the two types of batteries are not compatible. You will need to use a battery that is compatible with your drill for it to charge properly.
âš¡Drill Battery Is Not Getting Enough Power
If you are using an extension cord to power your drill, the cable might not be providing enough power to the battery. It can happen if the cable is too long or if it is not rated for the energy that your drill requires. You should use a shorter extension cord or a higher-rated one to solve this problem.
âš¡Drill Battery Is Not Connected Properly
If your drill battery is not properly connected to your drill, it will not charge. It can happen if the battery is not fully inserted into the drill or if the connections are loose. You should make sure that your battery is properly connected to your drill to charge appropriately.
How to Fix A Drill Battery That Won’t Charge?
Does a dead drill battery stop you from doing home improvement projects? You placed the battery on charge and did other things for a while. You got excited and prepared to begin drilling when you got back. Then, the drill did nothing when you turned it on, and you found out the battery was no longer working.
Here are some tips on how to fix a drill battery that won’t charge:
✔Clean the Contacts
So, let’s get started with the most straightforward approach to fixing your drill battery. You should inspect and clean your contacts. The contacts are what connect the battery to your drill. Over time, they can become dirty or corroded. It can prevent the battery from charging correctly.
If the battery contacts are rusty, you may gently use sandpaper to remove the rust. However, if they are just dirty, you can use a cloth to wipe them clean. Once you have cleaned the contacts, try charging the battery again.
✔Check the Charger
The next thing you should check is the charger. The charger may not be working correctly. You should make sure that you plug the charger into an outlet and turn it on. You should also check the light on the charger. If the light is not on, the charger is not working.
You should also check the charging cord for damage. If the cord is damaged, it will need replacement.
✔Connect The Battery to A Different Battery
This procedure will allow you to transfer the charge from a full-charged battery to a dead battery. It will ensure that the flat battery has adequate power so you can charge it regularly.
First, you need to get a full-charged battery of the same model. Next, connect the positive terminal of the flat battery to the positive terminal of the charged battery. Do the same for the negative terminals. Finally, plug in the charger and charge the flat battery as usual.
✔Slowly Charge the Battery with Small Shocks
If the drill battery won’t charge properly, it’s too flat to be charged safely. When you’re using the drill until the battery is almost dead, it leaves it unplugged for a few days. The graph below describes what occurs when your battery goes into standby mode.
Plug the drill battery into a power source and slowly shock the battery with small electrical pulses. It will help break up the sulfation and allow current to flow more freely through the battery, which will help it charge properly. You should only do this for a few seconds at a time. If you do it for too long, you could damage the battery.
✔Use a Battery Desulfator
A battery Desulfator is a device that uses high-frequency pulses to break up the sulfation on your drill battery. It will allow the battery to charge appropriately.
You can purchase a battery Desulfator online or at a local hardware store. Follow the instructions that come with the device to use it properly.
✔Replace the Battery
If your drill battery still does not charge, you may need to replace it with a new one. You should take your old battery to a local hardware store or recycling center to dispose of it properly.
You can purchase a new battery at a local hardware store or online. Make sure to get a battery that is compatible with your drill.
How to Test the Battery Life of Your Cordless Drill?
Ensure your cordless drill battery is dead before discarding it. Now, technically savvy people may be able to replace or revive a rechargeable battery using more complex procedures.
On the other hand, working with batteries may be hazardous, so we’ll stick to basic, easy battery handling.
So, here are a few techniques to figure out whether your cordless drill battery is dead.
💥Use a Multimeter
You can test a drill batter in a variety of ways. A multimeter is a beneficial equipment in the home and garage. Essentially, a multimeter will test the function of your battery and provide you with a numerical number connected with that function.
How do you test your cordless drill battery using a multimeter?
Make sure the multimeter is in working order. After that, charge your battery according to the manufacturer’s suggested charging time. The probes will then be applied to the battery’s positive and negative terminals.
After that, use your multimeter to acquire a voltage reading. If you have an 18-volt battery, the multimeter should read 19 volts. It guarantees that your battery is in good working order.
If your reading falls below the indicated battery voltage, your battery will need replacement.
💥Charge Test
The charge test is a simple way to see if your battery holds a charge. The drill batteries’ charge test is quite simple. It would be best to first calculate the right charging time depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. Then you double-check that your charger is in good functioning order.
Place the battery on the charger and charge it for the time specified. If your drill isn’t working correctly after giving the battery enough time to charge, it’s time to replace the battery.
The drill itself may fail on occasion, but this is uncommon. It would be a waste to throw away excellent batteries because you believed they were the source of the issue. Test the drill’s functionality using a functioning battery to avoid making this error.
💥Load Test
The load test is a more accurate way to test your battery. This test will show you how much power your battery can provide and how long it can provide that power.
You’ll need a light bulb and socket, some jumper cables, and your trusty multimeter for this test. First, charge your battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it’s charged, disconnect it from the charger.
Now, take the light bulb and screw it into the socket. Next, touch the positive lead of the jumper cable to the positive terminal of your battery. Then, touch the other end of that same lead to the side of the socket (not the part where you screwed in the light bulb).
It will create a circuit and cause the light bulb to light up. If the light bulb is dim, that means your battery isn’t holding a charge as well as it used to. You’ll need to replace it soon.
Using A Drill Battery Properly
When working with a drill battery, it is essential to be aware of the potential dangers. Here are some tips to help you use or fix a drill battery properly.
- Keep the battery charged: As soon as you detect a drop in power, make sure that you charge the drill batteries. When charged to 70% capacity, most batteries survive a long time.
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions: Every battery is different, so it is essential to read the manufacturer’s instructions. It will help you understand how to maintain and use your battery properly.
- Keep an eye on the temperature: Batteries can overheat, so make sure you watch the temperature. If the battery starts to feel hot, remove it from the drill and let it cool down.
- Use the suitable charger: Make sure that you are using the charger that came with the battery or specified by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery.
- Do not overcharge: It is important not to overcharge your battery. Overcharging can shorten the lifespan of your battery.
- Do not drain the battery: Draining the battery too much can shorten its lifespan. Try to keep the battery above 20% capacity when not in use.
- Handle with care: Batteries are delicate, so make sure that you handle them with care. Avoid dropping or hitting the battery as this can damage it.
- Use the battery regularly: It will lose its charge if you don’t use the battery regularly. Try to use it at least once a month to keep it in good condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do drill batteries last?
A: Batteries for drills can last quite a while if properly cared for and not used excessively. Generally, it lasts for about two to three years. However, if you use your drill frequently or your jobs are particularly demanding, you may find that your battery needs a replacement more often. In general, it is a good idea to keep an extra battery on hand so that you can continue working even if one battery needs recharging.
Q: How do you restore a dead drill battery?
A: Check whether the dead battery charges in the tool’s battery charger. If the battery charges, keep it there for an hour or until it’s ultimately charged. If it still doesn’t charge, try kickstarting it again, but this time leave it attached to the vehicle charger for 10 or 12 seconds.
Q: How do I know if my cordless drill battery is bad?
A: One way is to measure the battery’s voltage output with a voltmeter. A healthy battery should output more than 12 volts. Another way to test a battery is to check the amperage output with an amp meter. A healthy battery should have an amp reading of at least 1 amp. If either of these tests reveals that your battery is not producing the correct voltage or amps, it is likely that the battery is bad and needs replacement.
Q: What can I do to enhance the run-time of my drill battery?
A: When it comes to improving the run-time of a drill battery, you can do a few things. Make sure that the battery is adequately charged. A fully charged battery will last longer than one that is only partially charged. Additionally, avoid using the drill in extreme temperatures (both too hot and too cold) as this can shorten the battery’s life. Also, try to use lower speeds when possible, as running the drill at full speed will drain the battery more quickly.
Q: Is it better for drill batteries to be fully drained before charging?
A: It’s better for drill batteries not to be completely drained before charging. When a battery is completely drained, it can cause “sulfation” of the battery cells. It happens when the sulfur in the battery combines with the lead to form compounds that can’t dissolve in the electrolyte fluid, reducing the battery’s ability to hold a charge.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to take care of your drill battery and fix a drill battery that won’t charge, it’s essential to use it properly to get the most out of it. Ensure that you fully charge the battery before using it, and try not to drain it too much.
Avoid using the drill in extreme temperatures and use lower speeds when possible. By following these tips, you can extend the life of your battery and ensure that it is always ready to go when you need it.
