Cordless drills are more powerful and efficient than their corded counterparts. A cordless drill is powered by batteries, which vary in voltage and capacity. These batteries are found in many devices, from laptops to power tools. Such batteries are expensive and require proper care to yield their full potential.
The best way to care for them is by discharging them entirely first when it comes to batteries. This article will explore how long do cordless drill batteries last and provide some tips on increasing the battery’s lifespan. So, Let’s move!
How to Make Your Cordless Drill Battery Last Longer?
A cordless drill is a handy tool that can provide years of use. If a cordless drill is used daily, the lifespan of its battery will shorten. However, if the drill is only used occasionally, it can last for years. There is no single factor that will shorten the lifespan of a cordless drill battery. The following factors can all play a part in determining how long it will take for a battery to run out of power.
Cordless Drill Battery Types
Cordless drill batteries come in a variety of types. Some are meant for use in cars, others are meant for home use. The type of battery determines the charge and discharge rate of a cordless drill. Higher discharge rates indicate that a battery can only be charged when emptied. High discharge rates mean that the battery will last shorter amounts of time.
Powerful Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of battery found in cordless drills. The benefit of using this type of battery is that it is incredibly lightweight. Depending on the device, they are also powerful and cycle quickly, ranging from 400 to 2000 cycles per minute.
They have no memory effects and do not leak when overcharging. These features make Lithium-ion batteries ideal for long-term use or extended work cycles in cordless drills. Longer battery life means fewer drilling stops and more extended gadget longevity.
Nickel-Cadmium Batteries
NiCad batteries were one of the first cordless drill batteries to be used. These batteries are larger and heavier than their Lithium-Ion counterparts. But they can charge faster, reach a higher discharge rate, and have more minor memory effects. They also leak more readily when overcharging. NiCad batteries are usually only used in cordless drills. They are only used infrequently because of their poor charge retention after discharge.
Self-Discharge
Every battery has a self-discharge rate. It is the rate at which the battery discharges its energy. For a Li-ion or NiCad, this will not be as drastic as quickly. It will lose charge as an older battery, but all batteries lose power after a while.
Charge Types
Batteries are charged in many different ways depending on the device and the procedure. Fixed-line chargers take the longest to charge batteries and deliver the least power per charge fully.
Temperature
The temperatures at which batteries sit will significantly affect their longevity. Summer heat can cause overcharging and shorten battery life due to an increased self-discharge rate. Keeping your drill in the shade or using a cooling fan will prevent battery damage and improve battery life.
Surprising Secrets to Extending the Life of Your Cordless Drill Battery
If your drill battery is always on the verge of dying, it could be because you are not maintaining it properly or giving it enough power. That’s where this article comes in. We have a way to help you make sure your batteries last longer and work better. The proper maintenance steps and how they improve longevity and performance are summarized here.
Maintain the Cordless Drill’s Battery Charge
The battery needs to be charged when it is not being used. If the drill battery is not used, it will not run down and die. Ensure that the drill battery has a charge as soon as you take it out of the charger. If a considerable distance needs to be covered, you can always use a corded drill instead of a cordless drill. You can use a corded or cordless drill for various tasks, but make sure your batteries are charged after use.
Take Off the Battery When Not in Use
It is a necessary maintenance procedure that most people overlook, but it could extend the life of your cordless drill batteries. Before storing your cordless drill battery, ensure that the power has been completely drained from the battery cells. Then take off the battery from your tool or equipment before putting it away for an extended time.
Fully Charge the Battery
Before you start to use your cordless drill:
- Make sure that all of the batteries in the device are fully charged.
- Do not be afraid to let them drain down before charging them up again.
- If you remember nothing else from this article, remember that you need to charge your batteries as much as possible before using them.
It will assist keep the batteries charged and prevent them from draining as quickly as they would if they do not change frequently.
Keep them clean and dry
Keep your drill batteries away from dirt, moisture, and other contaminants. Because these factors can shorten the life of your cordless drill battery when left alone for a long time. Dust, dirt, and moisture can all corrode the surface of the battery. It is not getting full use out of its potential and will not last if it should.
Don’t let them discharge below 20%
If you plan to store your drill battery for longer than a few months, charge it thoroughly before storing it. Before restoring your drill batteries, only let them drain to around 20% a month or two.
Store the Drill Batteries Properly
To get the most out of your drill battery, you must store it properly. When storing your cordless drill battery, make sure that it is at a certain charge. If possible, a full charge is best so that the battery’s life will last longer and performance will improve. If a full charge cannot obtain, do not worry about it too much. Make sure that you get enough power into the batteries to have them run for the maximum amount of time before they die again. It could also be beneficial to drain them when you can completely and then give them a complete recharge once every 6 months.
Avoid Overcharging
If you are charging your batteries and seem to lose power soon after charging, you may be overcharging them. Likely, the battery was already dead when you started charging it again after making sure it was fully charged. The total voltage of your instrument or equipment requires more power than your drill battery can manage.
Set the Cordless Drill to The Setting
If your drill blade isn’t as sharp as it should be, you’ll need to alter your tool’s settings to get the job done right. If you are drilling holes in lumber, you will need to set your drill at a higher speed so that the blade cuts through the wood.
Keep a Backup
The best approach to get the most out of your cordless drill battery is to maintain it. Most individuals use their cordless drill for modest chores around the house or at work. So, they don’t need to charge their batteries as regularly. If their drill battery dies, these users may want to keep a battery charger on hand.
FAQs On How Long Do Cordless Drill Batteries Last
Which Cordless Drill Has A Long-Lasting Battery?
Many cordless drills are available in the market. You can consider the DEWALT DCD991P2 20V MAX XR Brushless Drill. The drill’s 5.0Ah/100Wh lithium-ion battery can keep energy for a long time, extending drilling times while using less energy. Above all, this powerful cordless drill includes a brush less engine for maximum performance.
How Many Times Require Charging A Cordless Drill Battery?
A cordless drill battery power consumption is 30-50% of the energy consumed for a single time. If you do not use it for a long time, you can charge it back to 100% in about 1.5 hours. If you only use a drop of electricity, the battery will fully charge in about 3-4 hours.
How to Use Cordless Drill Batteries?
The performance and life of a cordless drill may be affected by different factors. To avoid overcharging or sludge buildup, it is critical to know how to care for it from the start.
How to Determine If the Cordless Battery is Dead?
When the battery has no power, you can recognize it is dead by the battery light. When the battery is charged, it should light up in green. If the battery light is off while the drill is running, you have used up all the electricity.
How to Prolong the Life of a Cordless Drill?
The first thing you need to do to prolong the life of your cordless drill is to take good care of your battery. Wash your hands before using a drill, and remove any nails or screws before charging or storing it.
Final Words
Cordless drill batteries last anywhere from 18 months to 5 years, depending on upkeep and use. It is crucial to maintain the battery by keeping it charged to continue to power your drill. It also helps to save money by not replacing the battery as often. Before purchasing a drill, consumers should inform about how long do cordless drill batteries last and what upkeep they’ll need to keep their machine functioning properly.