Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - shelf life of NiCad battery

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pw1234
12-10-06, 11:10 PM
I just bought a new set of battery powered hand tools, and they had a special rebate on extra batteries. The set came with two, and I purchased two extra so now I have four 18v NiCad batteries. I don't use the tools that often, so I was planning on just using the two that came with the set and saving the others for when the first two wear out. Will this work? How long will unused NiCad batteries last without ever being charged?

Thanks in advance.

GregH
12-11-06, 04:36 AM
Ni-cad batteries will in time self discharge.
If you were to use all the batteries in rotation you would gat more life out of them.
mitch17
12-11-06, 05:40 AM
Greg's right, don't let them sit. If a Ni-Cad battery discharges sufficiently, it can have individual cells withing it reverse polarity and be unable to take a charge ever after. Since they also discharge with time, sitting unused can be detrimental.

spdavid
12-11-06, 12:26 PM
You also do not want to put NiCads on a charger and just leave them there for long periods.Once charged either use them or remove them from the charger.