: 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

I have a 12 V DeWalt with one battery that won't hold a charge and the other is getting weak. I found on the internet where I can get new cells to rebuild my battery packs. I can rebuile both of them for much less than buying ONE new one.

Donovan
Alaska, Michigan