5 Tips for Maximizing the Life of Power Tool Batteries

When it comes to power tools, how you use and store your batteries can significantly affect their lifespan. Whether you use your power tools daily on various jobsites or only occasionally, knowing how to properly store and maintain the battery is key to helping them last a long time. Follow these five tips to help improve the longevity of your batteries.

1. Use the Right Battery and Charging System

Choosing a low-power battery, like a 2.0 Ah or 4.0 Ah, for a high-powered tool often requires frequent recharging and can decrease the battery’s life span. Pick a charger or charging mode suitable to the application and run time needs. 

According to Power Tool Institute, original manufacturer batteries contain innovative technology to monitor battery health, cell balance, temperature and other critical functions designed to help maintain longer-lasting tools. Only tools, batteries and chargers from the same manufacturer are designed to work together. Since each manufacturer has unique circuity designs, aftermarket or counterfeit batteries may not include all the safety design features or undergo the same testing and quality controls as manufacturer batteries. This could lead to damage, fire or injury. Further, note that it can be challenging to visually determine aftermarket and counterfeit batteries.

2. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

When using or storing lithium-ion batteries, try to avoid high and low temperatures. Temperatures over 175 F can cause permanent damage to the battery. While that temperature may seem high, factors such as being in direct sunlight or inside a hot trunk can quickly cross that temperature threshold. According to University of Michigan researchers, “elevated temperatures can accelerate the degradation of almost every battery component and lead to significant safety risks, including fire or explosion.” Experts recommend storing batteries in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible since the optimal temperature is around 59 F, with most battery chemistries having an extreme temperature threshold ranging from minus-40 F to 122 F. 

3. Properly Store Batteries

Storing power tools in a moist climate can cause corrosion or lead to problems with the electrical components. Tools should be stored inside a case or cabinet to help eliminate dust and other particles from entering the vents when not in use. Securing them in a toolbox with foam inserts or using a battery holder can also help protect your tools and prolong battery life. Always store your power tools in a cool, dry place since keeping batteries near the optimal temperature mentioned above can help extend run time and make the charging process more efficient. 

4. Use Power Tools Regularly  

Batteries have a life expectancy and deteriorate when not in use. When a battery isn’t used immediately after charging, it will slowly lose its charge. Some battery technologies have a faster self-discharge rate than others. For example, if NiCd batteries are stored outside the charger, they will naturally begin to discharge, losing the bulk of their capacity in the first three days. However, lithium-ion batteries have very minimal discharge rates when not in use. Once a battery is damaged, it often has to be recharged more frequently. Recharging battery packs creates more heat that can damage the battery further. Keeping a spare battery ensures you always have a charged battery ready.

5. Protect Batteries from Liquids and Metals

Avoiding moisture may sound like a no-brainer, but jobsites are prone to all types of weather, so that’s not always possible. Some battery packs are designed to help direct water away from internal electronic components. It’s important to store your power tool batteries where they won’t be exposed to water, liquids or make contact with metal objects such as keys, coins, screws or nails, which can present safety hazards.