Replace batteries in tools with LIPO?

[du4x4]

Has anyone ever replaced the batteries in their tools with lipos? Both of my 18v ryobi batteries have taken a dump on me in the last week.


Thanks!
Clayton Grove

[Jessf]

I've thought of the same thing, switching the leads to deans or something. The planned obsolescence of products these days stands in complete opposition to the growing trend of "green this" and "fuel efficient that".

[du4x4]

A 5s battery puts out 18v so I don't think it would be too difficult.

[Charlie-III]

I guess you could, but for this application going with hardcase packs is probably preferred.

There are places, like BatteriesPlus, that will rebuild your OEM pack cases for less than "new cost".

What battery chemistry did your packs use? I've built my own NiCD/NiMH packs to replace obsolete dead packs using cells from CBP.

[du4x4]

The current batteries are Ni/cd. I looked into a 5s LIpo but it was nearly $170 so I think I will stick to ni/cd.

[DiggyStyle]

Originally Posted by Jessf

I've thought of the same thing, switching the leads to deans or something. The planned obsolescence of products these days stands in complete opposition to the growing trend of "green this" and "fuel efficient that".

^^^this x100^^^ absolutely right! I love the rhetoric/duality of the "green" movement. It's such a joke and a fraud.

[C*H*U*D]

You'd have to be careful about discharging them too much, or figure out a way to include some kind of cutoff.

[DKSnipes]

try the battery's for solar yard lights there usually 3.2V life-po and can get a pack of 4 for around $10.

[Charlie-III]

Originally Posted by DKSnipes

try the battery's for solar yard lights there usually 3.2V life-po and can get a pack of 4 for around $10.

Low draw batteries usually suck for high draw use. A light (especially a LED) is considered low draw, long draw. A hand tool is typically a high draw application.
This means either a high mah (capacity) or high "C" rating.
Neither are usually found in a Solar lichting application.