Nickel-Cadmium batteries, also known as NiCads, are commonly used in power tools such as a drill. As you continue to use these tools, the batteries go into a continuous cycle of charging and discharging. As a result, they can accumulate dendrite crystal build-up, which is commonly known as "memory." This build-up causes the gradual reduction of the charge that a battery can hold until one day, your battery just goes completely dead.
That was the bad news. The good news is that there is a way for you to erase the memory and bring your battery back to life. Circuit drill battery reconditioning is a process that is easy enough for you to embark on as a DIY project. It can save you from buying an expensive new one for your board drill and give you the satisfaction of being able to rejuvenate your batteries and have it working as if it was brand-new. Here's how to recondition drill batteries:
Drill Power Tools
Locate the positive and negative ends of the battery and then run a test to make sure that the battery is fully discharged. If it still has a bit of power left, run the drill without obstruction until the battery is completely discharged. As soon as the battery is discharged, put on your protective gear and eyewear. Take the black clamp of a 12-volt charger and then secure it on your battery's negative end. Tap the positive end with the red clamp of the battery charger. Take note that this process may cause sparks to be emitted from the battery, which is why it is important for you to wear protective gear while working.
Hold both clamps in position for about three seconds before you release it. Be careful not to let the two clamps make contact with each other. Run the NiCad through a tester to determine if it has been restored to full charge. You may have to repeat the process a couple of times more in order for the battery to reach full charge. Be careful not to overcharge the battery, though, as this can cause it to catch fire, explode, or spray you with battery acid, which can be harmful to your skin. Circuit drill battery reconditioning is quite a hazardous process, and it is best done by someone who has experience in electrical work. If you are a first-timer, it may be best to take instruction from an expert before conducting the process on your own.
So, the next time a drill battery gives up on you, you don't have to give up on it. Before going out to look for a replacement battery, why don't you try reconditioning the old battery first? Everything has become so costly these days that it is always a good idea to get savings wherever and however you can. What's best is that reconditioning works not only on circuit drill batteries, but on any other NiCad or lead acid battery as well.