The advancements in technology have come with numerous benefits, especially for the DIYers and woodworkers. The thought that you can operate the machines and home tools without worrying about the nearest power plug positions and the tripping extension wires has warmed the hearts of every cordless power tool user. Cordless tools offer more flexibility and convenience than corded tools. Besides the convenience, the cordless drills are characterized by a compact and lightweight design that helps reduce hand stress, enhancing an extended user time.
However, like with the other devices, the batteries of these models do not last forever. At some point, you will be forced to replace the cordless drill batteries. Most people always seek to determine the average time the batteries can last to plan for the potential inconveniences. This has established the question, how long do the cordless batteries last?
On average, the cordless drill battery can last for 2-3yrs. However, the batteries are likely to last even several years if given the proper care and storage. Therefore, for the durability of your cordless drill battery, you must be keen on how you handle it during and after use and putting proper maintenance practice in place.
Ways of increasing your battery’s lifespan
Your cordless battery taking you a longer period before running out will depend on how you handle and store your power tool. Several factors contribute to your batteries lifespan, therefore you have to keep an eagle eye to save yourself from the frustration that might make you invest in more batteries that you weren’t ready for yet as it could be way too costly. Below are a number of ways of ensuring your battery’s lifespan is increased;
Ensure your batteries are charged
It would be best if you normalized recharging your batteries before they are completely drained out, as this could affect their retention capacity in the future. As soon as you notice a decrease in power, it would be best if you considered charging them.
Ensure the batteries are charged completely before use
The longevity of your battery capacity will depend on the amount of time you let it stay in the charging system. You should make sure the tool is plugged in until it indicates that it’s fully charged. Knowing this isn’t a hassle anymore since the charges are designed in a way that will automatically notify you once it’s fully charged.
Use the batteries regularly
For something to remain relevant, it should constantly be put into use so that it doesn’t get redundant overtime. The same applies to cordless drill as its batteries lifespan decreases with lack of use. Therefore to avoid this, the tool should always be in action once charged, and if by any chance there is no task to perform, you should avoid consistent charging.
Ensure the cordless power drill is properly stored after use
Often, we wonder why our batteries’ performance reduces over time, forgetting that our storage methods could be the genesis of all this. After using your drill, it’s advisable to store it in its original carrying case. In order to keep it from short-circuiting, terminal breakage and moisture, you should make sure to use the plastic cap to keep it guarded.
Adjust the cordless tool setting
High power consumption in cordless drills is often due to the kind of setting we use when operating the tool. Higher torque setting run down a cordless drill battery faster therefore if you want your battery to serve you a more extended period, you should use the recommended settings. However, this will depend on the kind of task you are working on, as some might require high torque for successful task completion.
Keep the batteries in a cool and dry place
The longevity of the cordless drill batteries will depend on how best you store them after use. Ensure they are not exposed to water or moisture, but immediately wipe off the water or moisture if this gets to happen. You can ensure this is achieved by finding a drawer in your workshop or garage and then store the tool in it. Similarly, you can also use its original box as storage in case you don’t have enough space in your room.
Why you should consider using a cordless drill
Cordless tools have become more and more popular over the past years because of their excellence and performance. Undoubtedly, these tools are replacing the old ones and the corded versions due to the advanced technology and the fantastic features that have ensured convenience and high performances. Below are some of the reasons why every DIY enthusiast or woodworker will fancy the acquisition of the tool
Convenience
Cordless drills are incredibly convenient as you can easily pack them in no minute and take them along with you wherever duty might call. You can quickly grab it and attend to any task within your house without having to worry about attaching it to a power source before beginning your operations. The absence of a cord allows you to use the equipment in different locations. Therefore with a cordless drill, performing tasks is simpler and more manageable as long as you have a fully charged battery pack.
It is safe to use
You can now accomplish bigger projects without compromising your safety when you decide to use a cordless drill. Since the power machine uses batteries, accidents will be minimal. You will not have to worry about tripping over cables anymore. Consequently, the absence of these cables will lower your vulnerability to any electrical problems.
It is portable
Cordless drills are easily portable compared to corded drills. Due to their bulkiness, movement is always limited to tighter spots. Cordless drills offer you the flexibility and freedom of movement, making it possible to work on tasks that require a lot of movements efficiently. Also, they are easy to hold, easy to handle and easy to move into tight spots.
It is a powerful tool
In order to get your job done, you will require specific tools to help you through this. Some materials might turn out very hard to work with. That’s why you have to be very keen and thorough on the type of tool you choose for your specific task. For instance, working on concrete is quite a difficult task due to its hard nature. Therefore it will require you to use a potent tool to help you penetrate through it. Fortunately, with the cordless drill, you can easily bolt down any furniture or screw into concrete without the worry of getting injured or spending hours completing a minor task.
Features you should look for when buying a cordless drill
Due to diversity in specification, the power tools exist in different models currently due to specific needs and demand. Therefore to avoid making costly mistakes when buying a cordless drill, you should know your specific needs and determine if they align with the tool you want to purchase. Once you know what to look for in a cordless drill, you can easily narrow down your options and buy one that can meet your needs and expectations. Some of the features worth considering are;
Battery Capacity
Perhaps, the most integral element of consideration when buying a cordless drill battery. When making a purchase decision, choose a model with a short charge time and a long life. The capacity for the drill batteries is measured in Amp-hours (Ah). Thus, you should buy a battery with more Ah, as the higher the Ah, the longer it holds the charge. The battery capacities for the cordless drills range between 1.5Ah and 4.0Ah. Therefore, a battery capacity of between 2.5Ah and 4.0Ah will be the most ideal.
Voltage
You can quickly tell how powerful a cordless drill is by its voltage. When your drill is to perform on more complex material, you should go for a high voltage drill as this will save you from spending a lot of time on a minor task that you could complete in no minute. In addition, cordless drills voltages vary depending on the intended use. One intended for ordinary households will not need high power voltage compared to those in commercial and industrial areas
Torque
Torque is the twisting force that the drill is able to apply on the work surface. Understanding a drill’s torque setting and how you should operate it is vital when making an excellent purchase. Voltage rating is never enough as it might not clearly give you the same total power of the drill. Torque makes it convenient for harder surfaces that will automatically require more torque and less speed.
Torque and speed do have an inverse relationship in that as you increase the speed you decrease torque. Therefore you should consider drilling at a low speed to access the most torque essential for your drilling. However, when you are woodworking and drilling on softer materials, you don’t have to worry about the torque since nearly all power drills can handle that task.
Chuck Size
Before deciding on a cordless drill unit to buy, ensure you check its chuck size. The chuck represents the hole into which you will slot the drill bits and the other accessories like the rotary sanders or the wire-wheel brushes. For most cordless drills, the chuck sizes are either 10mm or 13mm. You must consider these sizes since they will have to match your drill bits.
Handles
Most of the cordless drill model today has a T- handle that actually contributes a great deal in preventing hand slippage and enhances battery accommodation. The T- handle provides a better balance for batteries since they are centered under the weight and bulk of the motor. T –handle drills provide you with the ease of getting into tighter spaces because your hands are never obstructing your way.
Speed
When purchasing a cordless drill, it’s vital to consider buying drills with a gearing switch as it will allow you to set your tool to a speed that is in favor of the nature of the task you are handling. You can set the drill gearing for low speed and high torque when working on harder materials or high speed and low torque when working on softer materials like softwoods.
Types of cordless drills on the market
You are always presented with tons of options to choose from when making a purchase .It’s always strenuous sorting through those options to find the drill that meets your needs. However, here are a few choices you can get in any nearby hardware store
Hammer drill
It is used for drilling and driving in plastic, wood, metal and concrete. They are heavy duty kind of drills, making them drill quickly and effortlessly into concrete.
Rotary hammer
This tool is convenient for drilling holes or breaking up concrete. It is a heavy-duty version of a hammer drill.
Impact driver
They are designed for heavier work. It’s handy for bigger projects such as building fences, decks and many more. Precisely, are mainly used for loosening bolts or driving screws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you leave a drill battery plugged in all time?
Yes. It would be best if you left the battery plugged in until it’s fully charged. You can easily get to know if they are completely charged if the charger indicates so since most chargers are designed in such a way.
Do cordless drill batteries go bad?
Your battery losing power and becoming ineffective should be a red flag. Sometimes the problem might not be with the charging, but it could be the battery’s lifespan is over, so this is the time to get yourself new batteries. Therefore we should learn critically how to differentiate when there is need for a charge and if there is need to examine effective life.
How do I know my battery is bad?
Your battery failing to hold a charge and running down quickly is a signal that you need to do a replacement since cordless drill batteries are bound to wear over time.
How long does a cordless drill battery take to charge?
You should consider charging the battery overnight if it is a brand-new battery. This will ensure you have a full charge on each individual cell. However, for future charges, 3 to 6 hours will be okay to attain a complete charge. New chargers are also designed in a way that the batteries can’t get overcharged.
Are power tool batteries interchangeable?
This isn’t possible as each brand of cordless power tools has a battery platform specific to their line of tools with different voltages. It is, however, possible to interchange batteries that are of the same brand and voltages.
What cordless drill has the most extended battery life?
The DeWalt DCD991P2 is the best option to go for when in need of a drill that will retain energy for a longer period. It’s the best overall due to its power and speed. Being brushless makes it run longer than its counterparts on the same battery. The battery is also durable. You can buy this model at amazon. Click the link below to get this exclusive unit.
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Final thoughts
Using cordless drills is so rewarding as completing projects at home or in construction requires a lot of time and effort. The more extensive the task is, the more resources you’ll have to invest in. Fortunately, with a cordless drill in your tool collection, work will be made faster and easier. However, this can only be achieved if the tool is stored correctly and handled with care since it’s a battery operating tool that depends solely on battery power to execute various tasks.
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