Rebuilding NiCad batteries?

[DIYGUY]

Anyone here have any experience with www.primecell.com, a battery rebuilder? I have two 19.2V P-C Network batteries that I will have to replace soon. The thought of paying $200 or so is scary. I won't save much money by having them rebuilt but I might be better off by converting to NIMH. Anyone care to chime in with an opinion or two? Thanks ...

 

[lottathought]

I have heard of them.
There are actually a few rebuilders like this out there.

http://www.batteryrebuilders.com/ is another one.

And there is also http://www.voltmanbatteries.com/

Basically, your battery is a bunch of batteries that are connected together inside.
They are connected via little metal strips that are spot welded together.

You can send the battery out for one of these sellers to build it or you can do it yourself.
www.amondotech.com seems to have the best price on batteries.
If you know anything about spot welding, you can save a ton and actually have superior batteries.
Depending on the battery, they will even do the connections for you.

Hope this helps.

 

[DavidF]

Didn't we or do we, have a member that does this? I seem to remember asking about getting some batteries repaired for an English cordless drill.

Just went back and looked, it was "Junkman" that was rebuilding batteries

 

[Canuck]

Hi DIYGUY!

I Have used Jason at http://www.batteryrebuilders.com/ And was extremely pleased with the results. I purchased a "used" 14.4V Bosch drill a few months ago with "dead" batteries for $10. They rebuilt two batteries for me and the drill has been just like new ever since.

Great company and superb service, in my opinion!

Give him a try!

I believe I tried "junkman"; but he was no longer in the rebuild business?!?!?

Wayne

 

[Travis Porter]

Let me know what you find. My PC 19.2 batteries are about to bite the dust as well. I have been avoiding/dreading getting it done myself.

 

[Bernhard]

I bought some cells from a guy on ebay to rebuild a couple of deWalt (18V) batteries. I used 2500mAH NiCads, Its a bit tricky to connect the leads since I dont have a spot welder. It can ve done with a high wattage solder iron. My rebuilt is working just as good as the original. Battery cells cost me $28 + shipping for 2 10V battery packs.

Cheers,
Bernhard

 

[Matt]

Try Batteries Plus. They have rebuilt some batteries for me.

However, I did bring them some Milwaukee batteries recently that they declined to rebuild. They said the particular design like to fail when snapped in / out of the tool too often.

So, long story short - they could also tell you if your battery is worth rebuilding.