I had looked around the internet back when my Ni-Cd batteried stopped taking a charge. Over time, the cadmium hydroxide crystals grow in size. The charge is held in the electroylte between the crystals. Bigger crystals = less surface area for the electrolyte to have a potential against.

I was able to recondition the crystals through a series of discharging and recharging. It took time and was only partially successful.

I bought a book that was sited over and over called "Batteries in a portable workd" by Buchmann through Cadex Electronics. All this info is from that book.

In the end I also asked for and got a new drill/ flashlight combo for Christmas too.

General guidelines for new Ni-Cd systems are:
1. Don't leave the battery in a charger for more tham a day after full charge.
2. Apply a monthly full discharge cycle. (leave the flashlight on to run it out.)
3. Don't discharge the battery before recharging unnecessarly. (except for #2 above.)
4. Avoid elevated temperatures.

We will see how well it works. I know that I have 4 batteries with my old drill that will probably go through reconditioning again since replacement is so expensive.

Tim
Ann Arbor, Michigan

: My Makita 2.2AH 1st generation Nimh battery did self discharge in the impact
: driver,used for work and somewhat a pita. I used friends 14 volt Nicad
: Makita,very nice drill , good power to weight, do not like 18 volt stuff
: Don