Recycling

It can be easy to forget the importance of a good battery in the functioning of your cordless tools. As it turns out, however, a good battery is just as integral to a cordless tool as a healthy motor. Battery technology has come a long way since the introduction of battery powered tools. Since the development of the Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) battery, power tool batteries have transitioned from NiCad to Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), and most recently to Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery technology.

Nickel Cadmium batteries were the first on the market for cordless power tools and though the technology is older, it is still very reliable. NiCad batteries are less sensitive to adverse temperatures and have a high recharge cycle, meaning they can be charged and recharged repeatedly for a long period of time. NiCad batteries are also less expensive than NiMH and Li-Ion batteries. On the down-side, however, NiCad batteries tend to suffer from battery memory effect. This occurs when a battery can no longer accept a complete charge from the charger because it had been repeated charged without first being fully depleted. It seems the battery "remembers" how much energy it discharged, and only wants to accept back that much energy from charger. The element Cadmium is highly toxic making it the most harmful battery to the environment. The NiCad's negative effects on the environment, in fact, cause them to be heavily taxed outside the U.S.A. As a result, many European vendors won't sell NiCad batteries.

Nickel Metal Hydride batteries run on a higher amperage than NiCad batteries, because of this, they also have a longer run-time. NiMH batteries are lighter than NiCad batteries but they are far more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, in fact, NiMH batteries can't work in below freezing temperatures (32 degrees Fahrenheit and below) and they degrade very quickly in intensely high temperatures (105 degrees Fahrenheit an up). Although the NiMH battery has a longer run-time than the NiCad battery it doesn't accept as many charges. NiCad and NiMH batteries do, however, have very similar overall lifespans. NiMH batteries have a larger energy storage capacity than that of the NiCad.

Lithium Ion batteries have a higher energy density than most other rechargeable batteries. A high energy density means that the Lithium Ion batteries have a superior energy to weight ratio storing more energy for their size than most other batteries. Li-Ion batteries have a very slow self-discharge rate meaning they retain their charge for much longer. Most rechargeable batteries significantly deplete over periods of unuse, the slow rate of charge-loss in Li-Ion batteries, however, allows them to maintain most of their charge long periods, even in storage.

There are many benefits to working with Lithium Ion batteries from their light-weight, to their long run-time. Li-Ion batteries maintain their charge for much longer and have continuous max power throughout their energy discharge cycle. Other batteries consistently lose power as you work. Li-Ion batteries are light-weight, and have a huge storage capacity, this means you now have a lighter, more efficient and powerful battery without the bulk.

There are, however, some disadvantages to Lithium Ion batteries. Li-Ion batteries are a bit more expensive. The complexities of producing Li-Ion batteries accounts for this price difference. Each Li-Ion battery also requires a specifically built charger to accommodate that type of battery; this means that chargers are more expensive as well, and aren't universal to all types of Li-Ion batteries. The Li-Ion battery has a built-in chip that protects the battery from over and undercharging, and ensures a longer battery life. This computer chip, however, doesn't allow the battery to continue accepting charge once that battery's energy level has dropped below a certain point. Once this happens the battery is essentially dead. Li-Ion batteries also rely on this circuit to stay cool. Since Li-Ion batteries lose charge so slowly, and the battery and charger are so advanced, it's fairly simple to keep batteries temperate and at a safe charge level.

Lithium Ion batteries are by a landslide the least detrimental to our environment, and for many reasons they are the favorite of most craftsmen.

Remember, the quality of the battery you use is just as important as the quality of your power tool. The battery gives the right amounts of energy and finesse to your tools and their working parts.

About the Author:

As a student at the Univ. of Utah, Mallory Kramer is earning an English degree. 3 years ago she joined M&M Tool adding to their over 150 years combined experience. She specializes in tool parts & web communications. For over 60 years M&M Tool has given expert service to the tool industry with parts, sales, & repair to professional woodworking products, tools, & machinery. Visit M&M Tool's forum for articles, tips, & info from a tool professional.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Power Tool Battery Directory: NiCad, NiMH, and Li-ion Batteries in Your Cordless Tools

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