photobug
Member
Registered: 05/25/07
Posts: 380
Loc: Oceanside CA
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I have a 2 piece 12V Ridgid set (drill and impact drill) that is 6 years old now. One battery died this last year in terms of rejected by the charger, now the other one only lasts a few minutes of use before loosing juice. The batteries are about $45 each. So it will cost $90 to bring the system back to speed.
I am looking at the new Lithium battery based ones for $150.
Would 2 new batteries bring my current system back to life or are the drills shot also? Or should I just splurge for the new Lithium ones? I only want 12V for weight I have a 1/2" corded one for heavy use.
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A carpenter's house is never done.
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AgGEM
Moving to front of line
Registered: 03/21/08
Posts: 2505
Loc: New Jersey
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I am in the same boat. My much loved Makita 12v batteries (4 count) are all but gone, and I am weighing the Milwaukee M-12 system vs 2 or 4 new batteries.
Edit to add, the M-12 system includes a reciprocating saw. I had need for one in the field recently, so it is an interesting advantage. Kind of leaning toward 2 new Makita batteries and then the M-12 if I need the saw, and then building up the M-12 system.
For what it's worth:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KcRBnO7wVA
Ag.
Edited by AgGEM (06/30/12 07:52 AM)
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Bill_de
Honored Veteran
Registered: 03/30/05
Posts: 14889
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Think back. If you registered the drill for the free Long Term Service Agreement when you bought it, they should be replaced for free.
Check the cost of rebuilding the batteries. If you are going for a new drill, consider that a new 18v lithium probably weighs about the same as the old 12v nicad. That said, the new compact drills and other tools that are 10.8v but usually listed as 12v Max will probably do everything the older drill did. They look like toys when you first see them but are plenty tough.
I use Bosch, but the other major brands all get get reviews. they also take up a lot less room.
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See ya later,
Bill
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museumguy
Member
Registered: 02/15/09
Posts: 448
Loc: Md, USA
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AgGEM said:
I am in the same boat. My much loved Makita 12v batteries (4 count) are all but gone, and I am weighing the Milwaukee M-12 system vs 2 or 4 new batteries.
Edit to add, the M-12 system includes a reciprocating saw. I had need for one in the field recently, so it is an interesting advantage. Kind of leaning toward 2 new Makita batteries and then the M-12 if I need the saw, and then building up the M-12 system.
For what it's worth:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KcRBnO7wVA
Ag.
First of all, if you want to keep your existing drill, get the batteries rebuilt. Several places do it, ie..MTO and Batterires Plus are just 2 of them.
As for the Milwaukee M12 system, I love it. I have the drill, impact, flashlight, right angle drill, hackzall (reciprocating saw), radio and the vertical laser. I have had no issues in 2 1/2 years of constant use. Either way you decide to go, you won't be disappointed.
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giradman
Member
Registered: 09/07/04
Posts: 2671
Loc: Winston-Salem, NC
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Well, I was in the same situation not too long ago and had my older batteries re-built, BUT the larger ones were still heavy and the charge still dissipated between my weekend uses. Over several recent years, I replaced 3 drills w/ ones having Li-ion batteries (12v Milwaukee, 14.4v Panasonic, & 18v Bosch) - could not be happier - the drills are much lighter (even the 18v) and the batteries do not lose their charges. I'd suggest replacement - 
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Richard D.
Off his rocker
Registered: 01/28/07
Posts: 6289
Loc: Los Angeles
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Based on economics and updated technology I would replace the old NiCads with Li-Ons. As you have figured out the batteries are the bulk of the cost of tools and the new batteries out perform and are lighter weight.
Unless you have an emotional attachment to the old tools or can't stand the thought of discarding them after their planned obsolescence, start over.
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RD
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JR1
Member
Registered: 09/09/10
Posts: 6539
Loc: Teller country, Co, USA
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You can get the NiCADs rebuilt but not at a huge savings over new (I find that the rebuilt ones are a bit better).
Most of mys stuff is fine with a drill driver and for 80% I use the little Bosch PS10. I recently got a project where I needed to drill a bunch of holes. Unfortunately I can only use my drill press for <1/3of them. My old Sears drill was bogging down and the batteries were showing signs of going as well. I gave it away and bought a Bosch 18v drill/driver and so far have been very pleased. It is kind of hard to use with a Forstner Bit because you can't set the RPM. It bogs down a little when using a 1½" bit in white oak but it does the job better than my big hammer drill.
In short I bought a new drill and would recommend that approach.
Amazon has a special running on Millwaukee reconditioned tools so those are worth a look (some are direct from Amazon and some from cpo). Link.
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homo homini lupus
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John K
Member
Registered: 07/05/06
Posts: 42
Loc: N. Mankato, MN
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"I've a second option...I've rebuilt and purchased a new drill with batteries. My experience with Batteries Plus was that the rebuild involved no-name batteries that lost their ability to re-charge fully after less than 6 months (Took years for the original Panasonic NiCads to fail). I was able to purchase a new Panasonic drill with NIMH batteries for the cost of the batteries alone. I ended up with a second drill and charger that has proven to be awfully handy.
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berone
Member
Registered: 01/16/05
Posts: 4147
Loc: Peekskill, NY
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If weight is the issue, look at the 20v DeWalt kits. A bit more money, but incredibly light, powerful, and sexy.
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Anthony
Disposable income? Is that what I pour into the house?
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MichaelCurtis
Member
Registered: 08/24/08
Posts: 806
Loc: South Carolina
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The lithium-ion batteries are very nice. They are smaller, lighter and hold a charge longer. The tools also perform at 100% right up until the battery needs recharging.
There is also the school of thought that you might replace the batteries only to have the drill or charger die in a week.
In my opinion, the lithium-ion tools are worth the extra cost. So if it were me and I could afford the upgrade, I would.
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Michael Curtis,
South Carolina
October 2010 Pictures of My Shop
Not try. Do or do not. There is no try. - Jedi Master Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back.
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