Replies

1. 
   _MJ_ | Oct 23, 2020 09:48pm | #1

   Had some makitas done back in the day. Shoulda just bought new system. When the batts are gone the kit has been overtaken.

2. 
   John_C2 | Oct 24, 2020 03:54am | #2

   For newer tools, the electronics in the batteries are very complex. Power tool batteries these days are not just dumb energy storage reservoirs, they are part of the whole system. For the small savings in a rebuilt battery, it's not worth it. I personally wouldn't bother with a rebuild these days, and I'm super frugal.

3. 
   mikefm101 | Oct 24, 2020 07:30am | #3

   I used MTO Battery Rebuilders a few years ago.

   Batteries came back working well and definitely extended the life of the tool. I tend to have a philosophy of fix things like that at least once before adding more to the global trash pile.

   And besides once MTO finished the tools worked just fine.

   Mike

4. 
   67speed | Oct 24, 2020 12:58pm | #4

   Thanks for the replies. Mine is quite old (12v Makita NiCAD), so I might just give MTO a try. I figured it will cost about $50 per battery, which is far less than having to replace my drill-driver and 3" circular saw.

   I'm actually considering two alternatives, both of which I estimate will cost $50 (I'm frugal too). One is getting a 8-10 AH lead-acid battery and attaching 10-gauge wires though the power tool battery housing (I've already successfully disassembled a battery pack). The second is buying a 300-400w power supply, again using 10-gauge wires. Might be a bit clumsy, but I have an intense dislike for throwing away perfectly good tools that I love.

   My view is that the power tool companies all discovered the same thing; that the public is willing to replace their cordless tools every few years. Curious that we are so willing to do it. If our corded tool of comparable cost were to die after 10 or 15 years we'd think we were cheated. I for one am delighted to use a $5 corded variable speed drill I got in a garage sale. If someone were to make a quality corded version of a drill driver I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I don't know how many cordless toothbrushes, shavers, beard trimmers, hand held vacuums, etc. I've had to throw away over the years just because of the battery. It is maddening to no end.

5. 
   GeeDubBee | Oct 24, 2020 11:59pm | #5

   I also had some batteries rebuilt by MTO. This was back when NiCad was the big dog. The rebuilts outlasted the tool.

6. 
   67speed | Oct 25, 2020 10:17pm | #6

   Thanks for the replies. I may give MTO a try. Mine is an older 12v NiCad.

7. 
   BobboMax | Oct 26, 2020 12:59am | #7

   Anybody have experience w/ rebuilding Makita 18V Li ion?