Power tools, aka power-driven tools, are widely used in manufacturing and automotive industries. These tools are mainly driven by two forces, manual labor, and an additional power source. The power source that's more of a soul to any power tool is the power tool battery!
In this article, we will focus on how to choose the right battery for power tools. We have enlisted everything that can be of help, so ensure to read it out until the end.
What to Consider When Choosing the Right Power Tool Battery?
Power tool batteries are energy storage units used excessively to ensure optimal portability and functioning of these tools. Where the right battery can accompany you longer, delivering effective power, the cheap quality one can raise certain issues. These include inconstant performance, safety-related concerns, non-effective performance, and lower life span.
Let’s move on to what you should consider when purchasing the best power tool battery. This will help you answer the query: “How to choose the right battery.”
Which Type of Battery Do You Want?
The very first thing to consider is the battery type you want to get. It can be Nickel-Metal Hydride, Nickel-Cadmium, or Lithium-ion batteries. Out of these, the most used batteries for power tools are Lithium-ion ones. These are not only easily portable and compact but also have slow self-discharge rates.
What Battery Shape Do You Want to Get?
Decide whether your power tool needs a pod, stick, or slide battery. Most power tools have pod-shaped batteries, offering more storage capacity with their larger body. The stick is compact and slips into the tool, offering less power battery storage. Whereas the slide is more like a pod in functioning, the only difference remains is that it slides into the tool while the latter doesn't.
What’s Its Amp-Hour Rating and Voltage?
Amp-hour rating symbolizes the battery's capacity – the span it can perform without recharging. Voltage is linked with storage and efficiency. The higher the voltage, the more power tool battery storage and efficiency. It ranges from 12V and 18V to 20V.
When deciding on both parameters, you must consider the purpose of usage. For instance, heavier tasks will need both higher values and vice versa.
Have You Considered the Memory Effect?
The memory effect is responsible for reducing the battery life significantly. It's most common in NiCD batteries and occurs when a battery is plugged in to recharge without consuming the whole previously stored charge. Lithium-ion batteries have nearly zero memory effect.
Does It Come with Charging Options?
Check if the power tool battery you plan to buy has recharging facilities. It's a great feature to consider, but it can significantly increase the price too. Expect to pay more than twice, but on the good side, they save you from the hassle of buying batteries over and over.
What Are Your Compatibility Requirements?
One of the most important factors is compatibility. Some power tools can work with any battery type, whether older or newer. But some manufacturers limit battery options via proprietary battery designs. So, ensure to check this out.
What’s Your Budget?
Your budget is another key thing. First, analyze the battery type and specifications you want in it and decide about your budget. This way, you can cut short your choices to a great extent and easily choose the best one within your range.
Did you know: NiMH batteries are the cheapest in the market and lithium-ion batteries are the most expensive.
Are You Choosing the Right Brand?
Before hopping into the market, research well, and shortlist some of the best brands within your range. Look for the key qualities a seller must own, like guarantees, warranties, and credibility. Reading reviews and company policies in-depth can be a great idea.
5 Tips for Choosing the Best Power Tool Battery
Following are some key tips for choosing the best power tool battery:
- Get lighter-weight batteries, i.e., lithium-ion batteries, for easy handling.
- Store your batteries after fully charging them.
- Consider getting a power tool with two batteries.
- Look for battery indicators if you are buying rechargeable batteries.
- Don't forget to match the voltage of the power tool with that of the battery.
Our Top Picks of the Best Power Tool Batteries
In this section, we have shortlisted our top picks of the best power tool batteries to make things more convenient. Let’s have a look at them!
Milwaukee 12V M12 Lithium Replacement Battery 3000mAh
With 12V voltage and 3000mAh /3.0Ah/36Wh capacity, this lithium-ion battery is best to be considered for Milwaukee Fork, Clamp, M-Spector Inspection Cameras, and more. It boasts an integrated microchip for enhancing battery health. Once consumed, you can conveniently charge it with the original M12 battery charger.
Black & Decker 18Volt Lithium Battery Replacement 6.0Ah
This replacement battery comes with an 18V voltage and 6000mAh /6.0Ah capacity. It’s FCC, ROHS, and CE certified and can work with Black & Decker NHT518, NPP2018, NPT3118, etc. Some noteworthy pros include A-graded lithium battery cells with no memory effect and a built-in power indicator. Moreover, it has been rigorously tested to match or exceed the specifications of OEM products.
7.2V Replacement Battery 3.0Ah For Dremel 757-01 7700-01 7700-02
Next on the list is another masterpiece compatible with Dremel 757-01, Dremel 7.2-Volt MultiPro cordless rotary tool, etc. The voltage and capacity of this New Replacement Battery are 7.2V and 3000mAh, respectively. With it, you can skip the risks of battery incompatibility, the potential damage caused by overcharging, and more.
Dewalt 18V Battery Replacement 3700mAh and DC9310 Charger
Lastly, we have a battery replacement and a premium quality charger compatible with 18-Volt Cordless Power Tools from Dewalt. It delivers power more efficiently, offering increased running time. Its diagnostics LED battery charge indicator and 3700mAh capacity are also worth mentioning.
Wrap Up!
That was all about selecting the most suitable power tool battery considering power tool battery storage, type, shape, voltage, compatibility, and more. If you plan to get one, check out our collection featuring masterpieces compatible with power tools from nine worthwhile brands.