Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Correct Charging and Use of Craftsman 19.2 volt NiCad batteries

What is the correct procedure for charging and using Craftsman 19.2 volt NiCad batteries? Should they be completely discharged before recharging? Can they be left on the charger after the charging process is complete and the light turns green? I enjoy the C-3 tool system, but I have had a number of the batteries get to where they indicate full charge, but they last only a few minutes in use. I currently do not leave the battery in the charger after charging. I don't use the tools all that frequently. Should the batteries be left on the tools when not in use? I would like to know how to get the most life from these batteries as they are quite expensive.

You'd need to talk to Sears for specifics but generally speaking it's better to let the batteries get as low as you can before charging because they can develop "memory" and go down more quickly if they are recharged when they aren't very low regularly.

Generally it is not a good idea to leave batteries on the charger however some batteries have been specifically designed to handle that being done so it depends on if these have that or not.

NiCads do wear out eventually no matter what you do so regardless the batteries will need to be replaced.They will also lose a charge when left unused for some period of time.Try to find omeone at Sears maybe in the hardware dept that really knows something to find out specifics.

I have the same drill and battery. I've not noticed any problems with leaving the battery plugged in the charger - I often plug the battery in and then leave the shop.The battery has always been fine the next time I need it...... but they do wear out. I don't remember how many years ago I got my drill but I just recently replaced 1 of the batteries. If you can wait, sears periodically puts them on sale [$20?] I've also heard that it's best to completely drain the battery so what I do, if there isn't enough charge, I'll plug it in the light and let it finish draining the battery. I usually leave the battery in the tool unless it's on the charger :D

Everyone has their ideas. I allow what I know from experience to lead me in the ways I do things. Some of us like going by the manual and feel safe with that idea.
From my experience I have found that recharging batteries before they are completely dead is a better way for me. Meaning when the drill just doesn't produce work but not dead its time to recharge.
I also believe its in the best interest for me to only charge the battery until its charged and not leave it in the charger after charging. The manual in some cases may say differently but I disagree.
I always use to leave batteries in chargers but after nearly burning my shop down, because of a catastrophic failure of the charger and battery, I changed my mine. There is no doubt in my mine that it would have started a fire if I had not walked into the shop before closing the door and found what was happening to the charger.
I would not have known that there was a recall of that charger if I hadn't called them and later found more info of recall online. So if you feel comfortable with leaving your batteries plugged into the charger that's your choice. I feel much better with the batteries removed after charging.

Thank you gentlemen for your advice and information. I have had to replace four of these batteries in the last few years. It may have simply been bad luck, but I suspect that I did not discharge them adequately before recharging them. It is really clever to put them on the light to let it finish discharging a battery. I just purchased two new ones (on sale $25 ea) and I will utilize your recommendations. Thanks again for taking your time to provide others with your experience and advice.