Craftsman Cordless Power Tools

How To Get The Most From Battery Powered Tools

I remember a few years ago one of the sales people at my local hardware store told me they were expecting the arrival of new battery powered circular saw, I think it was a Makita. On hearing the phrase "battery powered circular saw", I laughed out loud and told him to call me when the battery powered table saws arrive. Within a couple of years I had purchased one of those battery powered circular saws that I so willingly scoffed at just a couple of years earlier. I soon discovered that having portable tools had huge benefits. That's why companies like Porter-Cable, Makita, Delta and others have focused on these areas.

These days battery powered tools are available is drills, drivers, impact drivers, routers, jig saws, portable planers, circular saws, reciprocating saws and chop saws, and even Ryobi has battery powered chain saw that works well for big jobs that other tools can't handle. So to see how to get the most from these tools.

Lets stop for a moment and look at batteries that power these units. Most power packs that drive these tools are a series of small rechargeable batteries all wired together to give the optimum power. These rechargeable batteries are very similar to the flashlight batteries that you buy for your  TV clicker and garage door opener and various other home products.

The difference between rechargeable batteries like Duracel and Eveready, are that the rechargeables have higher quality shells and consist of slightly different components to make them safe to recharge. The rechargeable batteries that are wired together are normally nickle cadmium (nicad) 1.2 volt batteries. When they are wired together in series ... 8 together equals 9.6 volt, 10 together equals 12.2 volt, 12 together equals 14.4 and so on. That is how more power is generated, more little batteries, more power, and of course, more weight.

The more batteries that are wired together, the greater the torque (or twisting power) of the tool. Torque is created by a combination of horse power and speed, and high speed does not necessarily mean high power. Conversely high power does not necessarily come with high speed..

You will find another type of battery on the market called a "nickle-metal-hydride" (Ni-MH). These batteries use compounds that give the batteries a slightly longer life (they also cost a bit more to purchase). Some contractors prefer tools that will give them longer battery life which is the reason for this more advanced rechargeable battery version.

As woodworkers, we all know one thing, HEAT is our greatest enemy. When saw blades get too hot they lose their tensility and become dull, screws that are driven into hardwoods can snap because of the high heat created by friction, and heat can burn out the electric motors of our machinery if we are not careful. Heat is also the enemy of batteries. All batteries heat up when they are being recharged. The larger battery packs such as 18 volts and larger tend to heat up even more because there are so many batteries in the packs and they don't have heat dispersion characteristics as smaller packs because there are so many batteries next to one another. Batteries tend not to take a charge when they are hot, so keeping the ambient temperature normal to cool is a benefit.

On the flip side, batteries do not do well in cold either. Once the temperature drops below 14 degrees Fahrenheit ( minus 10 Celsius) batteries do not perform well (if at all). Most batteries will lose their power when the temperature gets this low.

The recharging of batteries is a bit of a mystery to a many people. The tendency is to keep batteries fully charged all the time. In truth, batteries need to be exercised in order to keep them in top shape. This means they should be fully discharged every few months, then fully re-charged. "Topping" up battery charges will make the batteries lose their effectiveness, and after a time they will only take a partial charge because that is what they have become accustomed to. This means they will lose their ability to use the full charge. If your older cordless device is doing this, sometimes you can rejuvenate the battery by charging and FULLY discharging it several time.

My old 9.6 Craftsman portable drill, which is now 10 years old has been one of the best tools I have ever owned. I have no idea how many screws it has driven, holes it has bored or blades it has ground, but it's batteries have almost given up now. I checked on the price of new batteries and it will be more cost effective for me to upgrade to a whole new unit ... but I have no intention of getting a big hulking unit, with tons of power,  I don't need it and I refuse to pack around all that battery weight, so I am currently investigating some 12 volt units and looking forward to another 10 years of service from my new drill, and when I need more power, I always have my trusty plug-in drill, and the hassle of extension cords that goes with it.

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Skil Power Tools Skil Power Tools 18v Cordless Drill 2888-03 $104.32 18v cordless drill 18V 2-speed cordless drill/driver Powerful 2-speed gearbox for high speed drilling and high torque applications 25 + 1 clutch settings matches driving power to your specific applications and prevents screw stripping Variable speed trigger lets you control your drilling speed when precision matters most 1/2? keyless chuck will accept a wide variety of bits and accessories Includes: 2 batteries, charger, double ended bit, and carrying case Brand #: Skil Power Tools 2888-03 UPC: 039725034267 Keywords: drill cordless 18v

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Milwaukee® Electric Tools - 2.4V Cordless Screwdrivers $156.6 Fast-charging cordless screwdrivers. Milwaukee® drilling & fastening tools do not contain hazardous materials. Power tools consist of lockable forward and reverse switch. Includes battery pack, 1-hour charger, Phillips bits and slotted bit. Cordless screwdrivers feature 6-position handle and 6-position adjustable clutch.

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Cooper Tools Cooper Tools Cordless Soldering Iron BP645MP $13.3 Cordless soldering iron Battery powered soldering iron kit Heats up to working temperature in under 15 seconds Red L.E.D. indicates when power is on Protective safety cap turns off power when placed on tool Over 120 intermittent solder joints with fresh batteries Perfect for field service repair on small parts and components Includes iron, tip, 3 ?AA? batteries, lead-free solder, and tip wrench Brand #: Cooper Tools BP645MP UPC: 037103210821 Keywords: soldering iron cordless

Makita Power Tools 12V Rechargeable Hi-Power Ni-Cad Battery - (2.0 Ah) $67.84 For 12V Makita cordless tools Pod style

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Milwaukee® Electric Tools - 18V™ Cordless Compact Drivers $319 Compact and lightweight cordless drill/driver kit. Cordless and compact driver/drill with 21 clutch settings. Lightweight 4 lb. drills come with 2-speed metal gear box. Fitted with an LED light that illuminates work surfaces. Compact drilling & fastening tools with 18V lithium ion batteries Drills cordless to facilitate convenient use anywhere. Frees up both hands with the help of the belt hook for easy positioning before fastening. Power tools come with Yukiwa chuck and superior bit grip.

Makita Power Tools 9.6 Volt 2.6 Ah NiMH Cordless Battery 1938909 $106.98 Stick type battery. Used with all 9.6 volt cordless tools. 2.6 Ah for maximum runtime. Length: 6.56. Width: 13.13. Height: 1.54

Milwaukee® Electric Tools - Power-Plus 18V Batteries $135 Long-lasting 18V 2.4 AH Ni-Cad battery. Nickel cadmium rechargeable dry cell for cordless tool use Longer run time with 2.4 AMP hour capacity Replacement battery with no memory effect for full battery use with power tools Batteries can be used with 18V Milwaukee cordless tools Cordless tool batteries & chargers by Milwaukee can only be used with Milwaukee cordless tools

Hitachi Power Tools Cordless Impact Driver, 18.00 V. Each $489.89 Manufacturer: Hitachi Power Tools. Each. Electronic feedback power control allows for equal torque and rpm in both forward and reverse High performance, fan cooled, 2-piece motor for greater durability and increased performance 5-position belt hook, conve

Dewalt Power Tools 18 Volt XRP Cordless Drill Driver DCD940KX $446.38 Cordless high power high efficiency motor delivers 450 watts out f max power for superior performance in all drilling and fastening application. Best is class length improved balanced and better control. XRP extended run time batteries provides long run time and battery life. Patented 3 speed all metal transmission matched the tool to task for fastest application speed and improved run time. Heavy duty .50 ratcheting chuck helps prevent bits from slipping and falling out. 450 UWO. 18 volts. Length: 14.25. Width: 5.25. Height: 16

TopCell LN1420 Cordless Power Tool Battery for Lincoln 14V 2.0Ah NiCd $68.25 Designed to fit these LINCOLN+ Cordless Power Tools: LNI1401 LNI1442 LNI1444. 14.0V 2.0 Ah NiCd. Satisfaction ensured. Manufactured to the highest quality available.

Makita Power Tools MAK6933FDX2 14.4V Automotive Cordless Combo Kit $445.75 Includes: 6280DZ drill driver kit. 0350 01 200RPM 1 240inlbs. (103.3 ftlbs.) torque. 16 torque settings. 6933FDZ 14.4V 3/8 drive cordless impact featuring a built in LED light and 103ft.lbs of torque. Two 14.4V NiCd Batteries. ML140Flashlight. ML143 Florescent Work Light. Comes with a durable nylon kit storage bag.

Makita Power Tools .38in. 9.6 V Cordless DriverDrill 6261DWPE $181.19 Cordless driver drill. Makita built motor delivers 200 inch lbs of torque. 2 speed design covers a wide range of drilling and driving applications.38 keyless chuck for fast and easy bit changes. 16 torque settings plus drill mode for optimum torque control. Includes 2 9.6 V NiCd batteries universal charger plastic tool case.38 . Length: 16.5. Width: 4.33. Height: 12.1

Milwaukee® Electric Tools - Power-Plus 14.4V Batteries $117 Longer-lasting batteries. Milwaukee® cordless tool batteries & chargers do not contain hazardous materials. Each battery sold individually in a standard pack. Categorized as rechargeable dry cell, power tools are of nickel cadmium type.

Makita Power Tools MAKTD020DSEW 7.2V Cordless LithiumIon Impact Driver Kit $145.65 Best in Class Engineering. Delivers 170 lbs. of max torque 2x s the competitors. Ideal for screw driving in tight confined spaces. Durable hinge mechanism allows conversion from pencil to pistol grip operation. Impact mechanism ensures easy operation with reduced reaction force. New design allows for manual screw driving. Builtin LED job light for excellent work efficiency in dimly lit work spaces.Includes:. 7.2V Cordless LithiumIon Impact Driver. Tool Holster. Drill Bit. 3 Piece Screwdriver Set. Two 1.0 Ah LithiumIon Batteries. 30 Minute Charger. Carrying Case. Operating Manual

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Milwaukee Electric Tools 49565466 2Speed Cordless Screwdr $179.89 Since its founding in 1924' Milwaukee has focused on a single vision: to produce the best heavyduty electric power tools and accessories available to professional user. Today' the Milwaukee name stands for the highest quality' durable and reliable professional tools money can buy. 6position handle . 6position adjustable clutch . Lockable forward/reverse switch

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Hitachi Power Tools Hitachi Power Tools 14.4v Ni-cd Battery 324367 $47.98 14.4v ni-cd battery The model No. 324367 Hitachi EB1414S is a 14.4V 1.4Ah NiCd battery for use in Hitachi 14.4 tools Brand #: Hitachi Power Tools 324367 UPC: 719592613863 Keywords: battery 14.4v ni cd cordless drill

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Dewalt Power Tools 12 Volt Cordless Drill Driver Kit DC742KA $229.32 Compact size allows users to fit into tight spaces. Lightweight design minimizes user fatigue. Single sleeve ratcheting chuck reduces bit slippage. High performance frameless motor delivers maximum power. LED work light provides increased visibility in confined spaces. Includes 1 hour charger two 12 volt batteries screwdriver bit and heavyduty kit box. 12 volt. 1 450 maximum rpm. 17 clutch settings. Length: 14.75. Width: 13.5. Height: 4.7

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Dewalt Power Tools 18 Volt Cordless Drill Driver Kit DC720KA $314.11 Compact size allows users to fit into tight spaces. Lightweight design minimizes user fatigue. Single sleeve ratcheting chuck reduces bit slippage. High performance frameless motor delivers maximum power. LED work light provides increased visibility in confined spaces. Includes 1 hour charger two 18 volt batteries screwdriver bit and heavyduty kit box. 2 speed settings. 18 volt. 1 700 maximum rpm. Length: 14.75. Width: 13.5. Height: 4.7

Black Decker Power Tools 14.4V Cordless Dustbuster Cyclonic HandVac CHV1410 $70.16 Dustbuster. Cyclonic action with powerful spinning action keeps dust and debris away from the filter so suction power stays strong. AccuReach Eozzle extends for reach in tight spaces. Filter refresh dial clears debris from filter to improve suction. 3 stage filtration prevents dust from escaping into the air. Use for large and small messes around the home inside vehicles stairs furniture floors and counter tops. Wall mountable charging base. Includes handheld vacuum AccuReach extension nozzle crevice tool upholstery brush washable filter and plastic prefilter. 27 watts. Length: 17. Width: 7. Height: 4.88

DeWalt® - Cordless Impact Wrenches $529 Power tools with comfort grip. DeWalt® cordless impact wrenches has grip that provides maximum comfort. Sold individually in standard packs. Runs on 18.00V power source. Driven by heavy-duty impacting mechanism that directs torque to fastener without kickback. Includes durable magnesium gear case and all metal transmission for extra durability. Power tools have preferred rocker switch design for fast and easy fastening.

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Makita Power Tools MAK6261DWPLE 9.6V .38Cordless DriverDrill Flashlight Kit $186.91 Makitabuilt motor delivers 200 in.lbs of torque. 2speed design (0400 / 01 300 RPM) covers a wide range of drilling and driving applications. 3/8 Keyless chuck for fast and easy bit changes. 16 torque settings plus drill mode for optimum torque control. Ergonomic shape fits like a glove with even pressure and easy control. Soft grip handle provides increased comfort on the job. ML903 Flashlight runs up to 2 hours per single charge. Includes: 2 ea. 9.6V NiCd Battery PA09 Universal Charger Plastic Tool Case and Flashlight. Capacity Steel: 3/8 . Wood: 13/16 . Battery (Ah):1.3 (NiCd). No Load RPM: Low: 0 400 High: 0 1 300. Length: 79/16 . Torque (in.lbs.): 200. Watt Hours:12.48. Net Weight (w/battery): 3.1 lbs.

Dewalt Power Tools 2 Gallon Cordless or Corded WetDry Vacuum DC500 $166.69 Runs off of 12 volt to 18 volt DeWalt battery packs or 120 volt AC. High efficiency filter traps 99.7 percent of drywall dust. Wet/dry filter eliminates change overs. Washable filtertap or water rinse to clean. Heavyduty rubber hose provides durability and flexibility. Drain port on tank for easy emptying of liquids. Onboard hose cord and accessory storage provides convenient transport and storage. Blower. Battery and charger sold separately. Length: 16. Width: 14.5. Height: 12.75

Cordless Power Tools in the Nordic Countries: Tema Nord 2005 $23.4 No Synopsis Available

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