Rechargeable Cordless Tools

Per Wikipedia: "Many portable consumer electronics contain proprietary, often lithium-based batteries. These batteries last only about 500 cycles before losing large amounts of their capacity. Production of these batteries is usually stopped at around the same time the product is discontinued, therefore rendering the product worthless once the batteries start to wear out. While battery packs can be rebuilt and fitted with new cells, this is either too costly or too time consuming for most consumers."

This is the path that Craftsman and Skil have chosen to take in order to boost sales and take advantage of their "loyal" consumers.

What a ripoff!

Question: What's the best way to replace dead batteries on a Craftsman 19.2 Volt Cordless Drill?

Answer: Throw away the Craftsman 19.2 Volt Cordless Drill and buy a brand that is built to last.

Supporting research is listed below.

These batteries lasted ~2.5 years.
Specs-
Model Number: 973.113400
Battery Number: 1301341
3/8" Drill/Driver
VSR 0-400/min, 0-1400/min

Craftsman 19.2 Volt Cordless Drill
Originally Purchased for ~$170.00
Came with 2 batteries and charger.
Everything works great except for the batteries.

See below:
2 New Batteries cost ~$120.00 + S&H
2 Rebuilt Batteries cost ~$100.00 + S&H
A new tool (equivalent Craftsman) cost ~$100.00 + S&H
I've found that this new Craftsman tool does not have batteries compatable with my old Craftsman tool.

Screw it, I've found a cordless Makita tool with lithium ion batteries and charger for $140. It's a factory refurb. Model BDF452HW and is compatible with makita 3.0ah lithium ion battery packs: battery pack model BL1830. I'll let you know how the new purchase went after I receive the new Makita tool.

UPDATE 11/14/2008: I have my new Makita tool. Purchased from CPO Makita... Link below. It works great. I will never buy another Craftsman Cordless Tool - They are made to be a throw-away. It is ridiculous to me to purchase a tool and have to throw it away when the battery goes bad. However, because Craftsman chooses not to standardize on a battery design, that is exactly what you have to do... Unless you choose to pay more for 2 new batteries than an new tool which would be silly.

Details:
Makita 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2'' Driver Drill Kit Model BDF452HW
LXT Lithium-Ion
LXT Lithium-Ion battery and optimum charging system produces 280% total lifetime work with 2x more cycles
Makita built, 4-pole maximum torque motor delivers 450 in. lbs. of efficient torque in a compact size
More compact design at only 8" long and weighs only 3.5 lbs. for less operator fatigue
Batteries charge 4X faster in only 15 minutes
Ergonomic shape fits like a glove with even pressure and easy control
Makita Lithium-Ion provides longer run time, 5x lower self-discharge (for use any time) &16 firm holding contact terminals (for constant high power)
15-minute Rapid Optimum Charger and battery communicates throughout the charging process using the built-in chip in the battery and built-in CPU chip in the charger. The Charger also uses "Active 3 Control" for current control, thermal control & voltage control
15-minute Rapid Optimum Charger has a built-in fan to cool the battery to produce more lifetime work
Built-in LED light illuminates the work area
Accepts all Lithium-Ion slide-style batteries
3-year warranty on tool and 1-year warranty on battery
INCLUDES:
2 Compact Lithium-Ion batteries (194309-1)
15-minute Rapid Charger (DC18RA)
Tool case (824774-7)
Capacity Steel 1/2", Wood 1-1/2"
No Load RPM Low 0-450, High 0-1,500
Torque (in.-lbs.) 450
Watt Hours 27.0
Battery (Ah) 1.5 (Li Ion)
Accepts(Ah) 3.0 (Li Ion)
Length 8"
Net Weight (lbs. w/battery) 3.5
UPC Code 088381076784
%u2022 Shipping Weight: 11.00 lbs.

Links to web sites that claim to provide rechargeable tool reviews and product information.

Tips for Maximizing the Life of your Rechargeable Battery

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