How to Pick the Best Power Tool Batteries for Your Tools?

Power tool batteries allow us to wirelessly use different tools like drills, screwdrivers, angle grinders, etc. However, they have a certain lifespan, and after that, you will need a replacement.

7 important things to consider when buying power tool batteries.

Below are the 7 most important things you must consider when buying power tool batteries.

Connector compatibility

Different brands and tool designs use different batteries. The most common way to differentiate between power tool batteries is by checking the connector. Some shapes of these batteries are:

• Pod
• Stick
• Slide

So, when buying a battery, you must ensure it is compatible with your specific model. The battery's overall shape and, most importantly, the connector type must be compatible.

Voltage, amp-hours, and time ratings

Next up is the technical stuff about batteries. In terms of voltage, these batteries range between 7.2 and 36 volts on average. Although higher voltage means more power, you must select a safe battery for your tool. Similarly, the amp-hour and time ratings tell how long your tool will run while giving out a specific amount of power.

Size-to-power ratio

When you increase the power or timing of the battery, its size will also increase. That is not an issue when:

• You are working in open spaces.
• You have enough time to charge the battery.

If you don't have these problems, you will be good with bigger batteries. Otherwise, if you are working with those tools in tighter spaces, you cannot increase the size much. Similarly, not having enough time to charge makes having multiple smaller batteries better than one large.

Battery technology

Considering the battery technology is also vital. The best battery technologies used today are Ni-MH, Ni-Cd, and Lithium-Ion. Each has its advantages, as listed below:

• Lithium-Ion: lightweight and powerful
• Ni-Cd: easy charging and cheap
• Ni-MH: fast charging and cross-brand compatibility

If you don't want to get into technicalities, then you can choose the technology the company gives with the tool. However, to get other benefits, you can also switch between technologies.

Charging specifications

When buying these batteries, you must be careful about charging specifications. It is because a new battery may or may not be compatible with your previous charger. So, see what voltage it takes for charging, and if you need, get a charger for your battery.

Safety measures

These batteries need to be safe, and looking for the following safety measures is essential.

• Fireproofing
• Impact resistance
• Shock absorption
• Cell cooling technology
• Built-in protection circuits

Having these qualities in your battery will decrease the safety hazards and accidental damage chances.

Smart capabilities

Lastly, you need to look for smart capabilities in batteries. Some options include an integrated MCU that stores battery information and communicates it with chargers and tools. Similarly, there could be Smart BMS monitors that ensure each cell is balanced in the whole battery pack.

Upgrade your power tools with more efficient batteries.

Most power tools can become more efficient with a better battery than a default one. So, check out which power tool batteries can help you harness more out of your tools.