The advantages and disadvantages of a cordless drill battery
In case you’re not sure what type of cordless drill batteries are needed for longer run times and lighter weight, this article will explain the pros and cons of NiCad (nickel cadmium), NiMH (nickel metal hydride), and Li – Ion batteries (lithium ions). Battery is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing any portable device and tool. Without a good battery to last through long hours of dedicated work, it limits the benefits of portability.
NiCad Battery Advantages
It has a longer recharge life of up to 1000 cycles, slightly longer than NiMH batteries. NiCad batteries are the first battery introduced in a cordless drill. It is more resistant to temperature, which means that it can work well regardless of weather conditions. NICad batteries have a long life and the lowest cost per charge cycle.
Disadvantages
It has its drawbacks. NiCad has memory effects. It can easily lose its ability to hold a full charge. One way to prevent it is to discharge it completely and recharge it. It is also not friendly to the environment (toxic metals).
Advantages of the NiMH battery
NiMH batteries have a higher energy density and therefore last longer than NiCad batteries. Lighter than NiCad batteries and carrying fewer heavy metals seems to be more advantageous between both batteries.
Disadvantages
However, it is more sensitive to temperature and may not work below zero degrees or above forty degrees Celsius. If you live in tropical countries, you may not have a problem using it, but the shorter recharge life cycle than NiCad batteries probably forces you to stay away from NiMH batteries.
Advantages of the lithium ion battery
That’s the option if you’ve been using it on cordless drills. The lithium ion battery is the last of the three types. The pros far outweigh its cons, and many cordless drill manufacturers have started using lithium-ion batteries in newer models. Two factors undoubtedly affect the consumer’s purchasing decision: longer run times per charge and its weight. Lithium-ion batteries have the longest run time compared to the rest and weigh the least of the three battery types. It has no memory effect and does not require full discharge to extend battery life. In fact, it is recommended to perform partial charges and discharges more frequently to maintain, if not prolong, its useful life.
For power users who need to drill all day, they certainly need more runtimes per charge to reduce too frequent battery changes. Lighter weight also means less stress on your wrist.
Disadvantages
However, the disadvantages of a shorter lifespan and a higher price could be the main drawback for conservative users. If you are an advanced user and use it almost daily, two to three years of constant use is enough to remove the battery. The convenience that lithium-ion batteries provide is already worth the asking price.
In conclusion, the recommendation is to choose a Li-Ion battery for cordless drills. Lithium-ion batteries have long been used in mobile phones and only later did manufacturers of cordless drills start to catch up. In my opinion, the latest technology always offers better advantages than disadvantages for consumers. If you haven’t used a lithium-ion cordless drill yet, it’s time to make a change.