Most batteries have a limited cellular construction with an average of 1300mah output. This is normally enough for small projects in the vicinity of a charging unit and a ample supply of backup batteries for continuous operation.
As a contractor it seemed that the further we were away from support equipment or the higher we worked off the ground the greater the risk of failing to complete the job with the available batteries within arms reach. After climbing down the scaffold or walking across the field a number of times it was obvious the amount of batteries we packed increased as our stamina declined.
Most power tools utilize batteries with Nickle Cadmium chemistry. These have worked very well but are restricted by output in a sub c format. There are new higher output cells to replace the lower output OEM units. A discouraging fact with sub c cells is the inherent loss of power as a cell sets. A ni-cd cell will lose 1% of its available power every 24 hours. Or 30% each month. This requires a program of maintenance to keep batteries at their maximum performance level. If not, just expect another trip or two down the ladder.
We can rebuild with Nickle Metal Hydride cells. This chemistry allows us a higher output than Nickle Cadmium. In some cases the output is double.
Batteries rebuilt with either Ni-Cd or Ni-MH will offer approximately 500 cycles of charge/discharge before problems. The difference is the amount of usability between cycles. NI-MH batteries of 3500mah compared to NI-Cd 1300mah is obvious. Do the math. This increase in performance is significant to the usability of cordless power tools.
All batteries we rebuild will be tested on a computer aided battery analyzer prior to shipment. It takes up to four charge/recharge cycles to balance a pack to its maximum capabilities. This record will become a permanent baseline and record of every battery we rebuild. If there is a suspected problem with a battery pack after delivery we can compare tests with the records upon its return to us.
Next blog will explain the advantages of "Eco Friendly Rebuilds".
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