How Long Does It Take To Charge The 18v Screwdriver Battery

How to properly charge a screwdriver battery: 3 best charging methods How to properly charge a screwdriver the first time to activate the battery? How long does it take to charge the tool’s battery? Answers in the article!

Tester

A device that allows you to diagnose a malfunction of elements on your own.

How Long Does It Take To Charge The 18v Screwdriver Battery

The main types of such devices:

  • The control lamp (dial tone) is equipped with two wires and makes it possible to determine the breaks in the wiring of the electrical appliance.
  • A pointer device with a digital scale and an arrow. Such models are not very convenient to use. So that the numbers are clearly visible, the measurement scale should be half a page in size. In addition, such testers are often distinguished by confusing graduations and can only be operated in a horizontal position.

Advice: If you need an inexpensive multimeter, 94W101 will do.

  • Digital with LCD display. The scale shows only absolute values. The switch, as in the previous case, is manual. The tester is not suitable for AC.
  • Automatic, as the name suggests, this type of testers does not require manual adjustment of the regulator position. It is enough to indicate the required value using a special button.

Checking the battery condition with a multimeter

A device like the STHT0-77364 can help you troubleshoot various electrical components, including screwdriver batteries. It is best paired with other testers to achieve reliability. This allows you to check the indicators and calculate the error.

Note: Before you start measuring, you need to make sure that the multimeter itself is working. To do this, you just need to connect it to an outlet along with another similar device and check the readings.

Car charger

It is not necessary to use this method all the time due to the mismatch of the parameters. A car charger is suitable if it is equipped with voltage and voltage regulation elements. You just need to set the indicators correctly: the current is set as 0.5-0.1 of the total capacity of the battery.

General rules for charging the battery

If done properly, the battery will last a long time. Here are the basic principles for properly charging a screwdriver:

1. If the battery is being charged for the first time, it must be fully discharged and then fully charged before use.

2. The temperature in the room should be between 10 and 40.

3. To prevent the unit from overheating, it is necessary to disconnect the storage battery from the charger as soon as it is charged.

4. If the screwdriver is not used for a long time, it is necessary to recharge it once a month for preventive purposes.

Nuances of charging various types of batteries

Most of the features that need to be taken into account are described in the first section. Here is how long the power tool should be kept charging.

Charger universal type

An option that will fit almost any battery. Usually this is a model with crocodile clips. Often the user has the ability to set the required values. The method will not harm the battery, since the charging process will proceed in the same way as with the complete charger.

How to properly charge a screwdriver

The screwdriver is one of the most demanded tools used by professionals and amateurs. Using power screwdrivers is not always convenient, especially if you are away from 220 V. With a cordless tool, this problem is solved, you can move freely with it without dragging the cord along.

One of the main elements of any cordless tool is the battery, which ensures autonomous operation. But how to properly charge the battery so that it lasts as long as possible? Further in detail in the article.

Battery types

In order for the battery to last a long time like a clock, you must first read the instructions supplied with the device. It should be noted that screwdrivers differ not only in price, power, manufacturer, but are also divided into professional and semi-professional. Accordingly, batteries will also have different prices, quality and charge capacity. Professional types are equipped with more capacious power supplies, which will cost a level more, but will also last longer than normal ones. Manufacturers use various batteries in the manufacture of their devices, each of which is endowed with certain parameters and features that should be taken into account during recharging. Batteries for screwdrivers can be classified into the following types:

1. Lithium Li-Ion

They are considered the most powerful batteries. They charge quickly enough, and they also have a complete lack of memory effect. Recharging this type of battery is very easy. There is no need to recharge it after a complete discharge, it is allowed to recharge it as needed. The high cost and intolerance to low temperatures discourage many people from buying, so they are not too in demand. The batteries should be charged at temperatures between 10 ° C and 40 ° C. If the battery heats up during charging, it must be cooled to avoid further damage.

2. Nickel-cadmium Ni-Cd

Nickel cadmium battery is endowed with compact dimensions and large capacity. By following the attached instructions, they can be recharged over 1000 times. There is a memory effect, if you charge it before a full discharge occurs, this can reduce energy consumption. Before the first use, you need to charge and discharge the battery at least three times. In the future, it is also recommended to completely discharge and charge the device, this will make it possible to bring the capacity to the required operating state. The same rule applies when storing the instrument.

3. Nickel-metal hydride Ni-MH

They belong to the latest generation of batteries, for this reason, the memory effect is somewhat weaker than the previous version, which is an undoubted advantage. Lack of NMGB is the highest self-discharge current. In order for the battery to function for a long time, it must be kept charged. In case of long-term non-use of the screwdriver (about a month), it must be completely recharged.

As you can see, each rechargeable battery is endowed with characteristic features, given which, it will be possible to properly charge the screwdriver.

Features of charging one type or another

The initial charging of the screwdriver is considered a very significant factor, since it depends on it whether the full capacity of the charge becomes active or not. Any type of battery has its own characteristic features of primary recharging. The process of recharging a nickel-cadmium battery is somewhat complicated. Initially, it needs to be recharged three times in a row, and so that the charge capacity remains full.

It is recommended that the nickel-metal hydride species be fully discharged the first time, and also fully charged. The cycle of full charging / discharging is repeated 4-5 times, then you can safely charge and discharge the battery, regardless of the full capacity.

There are no special rules for lithium-ion, the capacity remains unchanged for a long time.

Advice! Do not allow the power supply to overheat over 50 degrees.

Should I charge before long-term storage?

Don’t use a screwdriver battery for a long time? Experts give the following recommendations.

  • Nickel-cadmium The battery, before storing, must be discharged to the point where the screwdriver ceases to function at full strength. For long-term storage, it is necessary to carry out 3-5 full circles of charging / discharging.
  • Nickel metal hydride are provided with a greater self-discharge, in contrast to the previous elements. Experts advise keeping them charged, and after a long break, put them on charge for a day. The capacity decreases after 200-300 charge-discharge cycles. Partial discharge is allowed for this type.
  • Li-ion differ in the complete absence of the memory effect. The battery can be charged whenever you want. It is not recommended to completely discharge them, as a result, you can disable the protective circuit. Equipped with special controllers that shut off the element at high temperatures to prevent overload. You can keep the cell charged only 50%.

What is the best time to charge?

The recharging period is usually indicated in the instructions for the device. In most cases, the device has a special indicator that helps you understand how long it takes to charge. After charging is complete, disconnect it to avoid damaging the batteries. The average charge for a screwdriver is between 30 minutes and seven hours. The longest period for Ni-Cd with a voltage of 1.2 V, feeding with a current of 250 mA is approximately seven hours.

There are also two types of battery chargers: ordinary and pulse. Standard charging is most often completed with non-professional tools, the charge lasts about 3-7 hours. The impulse device is designed for professional models and is able to power the battery for a maximum of 1 hour.

Tip: The Interskol screwdriver is distinguished by its versatility, in addition to the main function, it can also be used as a drill.

What to do if the battery does not recharge? (2)

The reason may lie both in wear and tear and in the breakdown of the device. It often happens that the contacts between the terminals of the charger and the battery are broken. Then you can independently disassemble the charging and bend the terminals.

As you know, all contacts oxidize and get dirty over time, this is no exception for a screwdriver with a charger. This usually results in a significant reduction in charging time as well as in the duration of the power tool’s activity. To eliminate the oxide, you need to carefully wipe the contacts with a special substance or, in extreme cases, with alcohol.

Very often nickel-cadmium batteries lose their capacity, especially when it comes to non-professional models. Experienced users prefer to overclock these batteries. First, the battery pack is disassembled and problem areas are found. Then they need to be recharged. It is better to immediately use a higher current than it should be, and then discharge it again. If the Ni-Cd still has electrolyte, the procedure can restart the power supply.

And some connoisseurs even use a car charger to recharge the battery.

Main types of screwdriver batteries

Screwdriver batteries: lithium Li-Ion, nickel-cadmium Ni-Cd, nickel-metal hydride Ni-MH.

Manufacturers of screwdrivers use different batteries in the production of their units, which have their own characteristics of operation and, accordingly, charging. In order for the screwdriver to work without failures for a long time, it is very important to carefully read the instructions that come with it. It should be noted that different screwdrivers differ in many parameters, including price, quality and power, therefore all screwdrivers are divided into semi-professional and professional. Accordingly, the batteries that are installed by the manufacturer also differ in price, quality and, most importantly, in charge capacity.

In professional models, which are more expensive, as a rule, batteries with a larger capacity are installed, so they can work without recharging for a much longer period of time. Most professional builders have a spare, pre-charged battery for uninterrupted work, but if the screwdriver is designed to perform simple housework, it is not necessary to have a second battery, although in some cases an additional screwdriver battery is included with the unit. There are 3 main types of batteries that are most often used in screwdrivers:

  • Lithium-ion;
  • Nickel-cadmium;
  • Nickel metal hydride.

Screwdriver battery connection diagram.

The most widely used today are nickel-cadmium batteries for screwdrivers. This type is distinguished by its rather compact size, relatively low cost and large charge capacity. The main drawback of these batteries is the same memory effect, but with proper use and recharging, batteries of this type can be recharged more than 1000 times, although it should be noted that even with proper use, the charge capacity will gradually decrease until it reaches a minimum. Among other things, it should be noted that such a battery contains highly toxic substances, therefore their production is significantly harmful to the environment, which has become the reason for their ban in many countries.

Nickel-metal hydride batteries are in second place in terms of frequency of use. Batteries of this type belong to a new generation, as they are completely safe for the environment. This type has a lot of advantages, the main of which is the absence of a memory effect. However, it is worth noting that they have a high self-charging current, and these batteries should be stored exclusively in a charged form, and if the screwdriver is not used for a month, it is necessary to discharge the device and recharge it again.

Lithium-ion batteries are a relatively new product in the market for these products. They have no memory effect, so they do not require recharging cycles to restore their charge capacity. It takes a very small amount of time to fully recharge these batteries, and the capacity of these funds is quite high. However, these batteries also have disadvantages, including reduced performance in cold weather and a rather high cost.

Features of charging screwdriver batteries

Charger circuit for a screwdriver.

A very important point is the first charging of the screwdriver, since it depends on it whether the full charge capacity will be activated. Each type of battery has its own characteristics of primary charging. The biggest challenge is charging nickel-cadmium options. Their first recharging should be three times so that the entire charge capacity is filled. Thus, after the purchase, the unit must be fully charged, then turned on and left to work until it is completely discharged, then you need to put it back on to recharge and discharge again, and so on 3 times.

For the first time, the nickel-metal hydride version should be completely discharged immediately, because, as a rule, such a battery has a small charge upon purchase, after which you need to leave it to fully charge. Recharge this type of battery only after it has been completely discharged. The full charge-discharge cycle should be considered the first 4-5 times, after which you can additionally recharge the batteries, even if they are not completely discharged.

Table of characteristics of screwdrivers.

Lithium-ion batteries are more modern, so there are no special requirements for recharging them, since their capacity does not decrease in any case.

During the first and subsequent recharging, it should be borne in mind that the most optimal recharging effect can be achieved only if this process takes place at a temperature of 10 to 30C. Among other things, it should be noted that when charging, some types of batteries may begin to heat up, which can have an extremely negative effect on the entire battery. Do not allow the entire battery to overheat above 50C. It is best to store the battery separately from the screwdriver after work, although this is not necessary.

HOW IS IT CORRECT AND HOW MUCH TO CHARGE THE SCREWDRIVER BATTERY?

Screwdrivers have long been invariably popular not only among professional builders, but also among ordinary people, because these units are indispensable when you need to screw something or, conversely, untwist it. The versatility of screwdrivers is the main reason for the popularity of these units, both in everyday life and in large construction, but all users of these units have a lot of difficulties when it comes to recharging the batteries with which most screwdriver models are equipped.

Diagram of the structure of the screwdriver.

The thing is that with incorrect charging, a so-called memory effect appears, that is, under certain conditions, the charge capacity may decrease, and in the future the unit will be discharged less completely. As a rule, this effect occurs when a person tries to recharge an incompletely discharged screwdriver battery. Proper charging of screwdriver batteries has a lot of subtleties, so it is very important to consider all aspects of this matter so that the screwdriver retains its functionality and performance for a long time.

How long does it take to charge the screwdrivers?

Battery composition.

Important issues regarding charging screwdriver batteries include the time it takes to fully charge the battery. Many people think that charging a screwdriver battery is worth until it heats up, but in fact this is a sure way to reduce the charge capacity and performance of the entire unit. It should be said right away that at present there are hundreds of types of screwdrivers and no less number of batteries, so it is very important to read the instructions that come with a specific unit, because in one case 30 minutes will be enough for charging, while in the other for a full charging will take more than 2 hours.

Many types of batteries have an indication system, that is, there are 2 LEDs on the upper instrument panel, usually red and green. These LEDs let you know exactly when charging is complete. However, even if the indicator is present, it is necessary to disconnect the batteries from the mains in time, since a long stay in the connected state after recharging can damage the battery.

In addition, considering the duration of charging, you need to immediately notice that there are 2 main types of chargers, and it depends on which type is attached in the kit with the screwdriver how long the charging process will take.

Types of batteries used to operate the screwdriver

Before purchasing new batteries for the screwdriver, you must carefully study the instructions for the device. The tools required for work can be professional, household and semi-professional. Batteries for them differ from each other in capacity, quality and price.

For certain jobs, certain types of cordless tools are also intended, designed for different loads, therefore, different batteries are needed for them. The higher the power rating of the battery, the longer it can work. For convenience, it is better to have two batteries so that you can recharge the second when working with one. Often a second battery is already included when the instrument is sold.

Various types of batteries can be used for screwdrivers. The most commonly used nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) and nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH), and recently also lithium-ion (Li-Ion).

The most common of them are nickel-cadmium batteries, which are compact in size, large in capacity and at an affordable price. These batteries can be effectively charged more than a thousand times, depending on their design, purity of materials, operating mode, including the correct charge. However, these devices have a so-called memory effect, and if you charge them without waiting for a full discharge, the battery capacity will gradually decrease. In addition, the production of such elements is so toxic that the European Union abandoned it on its territory.

In second place in terms of frequency of use of nickel-metal hydride batteries, representing a new generation of similar devices. From the point of view of ecology, both production and disposal of these batteries are practically safe. The advantages of batteries of this type include the fact that they have less pronounced memory effect, and the disadvantages. High self-discharge current. These batteries must be kept charged and fully recharged when not in use for more than a month.

Recently, more powerful lithium-ion batteries have been used for cordless tools. They also do not have such a disadvantage as the memory effect, which requires periodic discharge cycles to restore capacity. However, these batteries do not withstand low temperatures, and it is undesirable to work with them in cold weather. Despite their fast charge and high capacity, they are not very popular yet, as their price is quite high.

  1. Types of batteries used to operate the screwdriver
  2. Battery charging features
  3. How long does it take to charge the screwdriver batteries?
  4. Do batteries need to be charged before storage?
  5. What should I do if the screwdriver battery does not charge?

How long does it take to charge the screwdriver batteries?

As a rule, the charging time of the screwdriver battery is indicated in the instructions for the tool. These recommendations should be carefully followed. Often the charger has a special display system to help you understand how the charging process is going. Thanks to this, you can easily determine with how much to charge the screwdriver battery. When charging is complete, you need to interrupt it in time so as not to damage the batteries. On average, the charger battery for a screwdriver can recharge from about half an hour to 7 hours. Practice shows that a Ni-Cd battery with a capacity of 1.2 Ah is charged with a current of 250 mA for about seven hours. The charging current is maintained using the mains adapter.

It should be borne in mind that there are two types of battery chargers: normal and impulse. A standard conventional charger is more often used in a non-professional tool, it charges the battery in about 3-7 hours. Pulse is more suitable for professional mechanisms. Thanks to him, the battery’s performance can be restored in a maximum of an hour.

Do batteries need to be charged before storage?

If the cordless tool is not used for a long time, experts advise you to carefully consider the battery cells.

It is recommended to discharge nickel-cadmium batteries before storage, but not to zero, but to the point where the instrument stops working at full capacity. During long-term storage, to restore the capacity of the battery, it is necessary to carry out 3-5 complete cycles of its discharge and charge. In the process of using the tool, it is also advisable to ensure that the battery is not partially discharged before charging, but completely.

Nickel-metal hydride batteries have a higher self-discharge rate than previous cells. They are recommended to be kept charged, and after a long rest, charge for about a day. Partial discharge is preferred for this type of battery. Their capacity decreases after 2-3 hundred charge-discharge cycles.

Non-memory lithium-ion batteries can be recharged at any time, regardless of the degree of discharge. These batteries have the lowest self-discharge at high capacity. It is not recommended to completely discharge them, as this may disable the protective circuit. Power tools with such batteries are equipped with control electronics that disconnect the cell from the load when the temperature or voltage rises. We recommend storing these batteries 50 percent charged. The number of charge-discharge cycles does not affect the capacitive characteristics of the cells, however, their life is limited by time and is about two years.

Instruments

Among power tools, both household and professional, the screwdriver is one of the most demanded. With its help, you can not only unscrew and screw in self-tapping screws, but also drill holes. It is not always possible to use tools powered by the network, and the cord interferes with work all the time. Cordless screwdrivers are relieved of these disadvantages. With them, you can move freely and not depend on the presence of an outlet in the room.

An important element of every cordless tool is the battery, which allows it to work autonomously. This is very convenient, but sooner or later, each owner of such a power tool faces the question of how to charge the screwdriver battery.

Battery charging features

How to properly charge the battery of a screwdriver so that it lasts as long as possible?

Batteries must be charged before first use as they discharge during storage. To make the battery capacity of the screwdriver the maximum possible for the nickel-cadmium cell, it is recommended to charge it three times and then discharge it. Thus, since the new battery has incomplete capacity, it must be brought to full working capacity. After that, the batteries will need to be charged as soon as their capacity becomes minimum. Lithium-ion batteries are easier to use. They do not have a memory effect, so you can not bring them to full discharge and charge when it is convenient.

When charging, you need to take into account the optimal temperature regime of the process. It is better that the ambient temperature is above ten degrees and does not exceed forty. Batteries sometimes get warm during charging, but this should not be the case, as overheating negatively affects their performance, and they need to be cooled. It is undesirable to leave batteries in the charger. And it is better to store them by disconnecting them from the screwdriver, separately from the tool itself. If the batteries are not used for a long time, they should be recharged once a month.

It is better to buy rechargeable batteries at specialized points of sale. Correct use will help increase their service life. During operation, it is undesirable to discharge the elements completely until the engine stops. The fact that they need to be charged will be indicated by their markedly reduced performance.