It can be easy to dismiss the importance of a high-quality battery in the functioning of your cordless tools. As it turns out, however, a good battery is just as essential to a cordless tool as a healthy armature or motor. Battery technology has significantly advanced since the introduction of cordless power tools; since the development of the Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), power tool batteries have evolved from NiCad to Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), and most recently to Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) technology.
Drill Lithium Ion
Nickel Cadmium batteries were the first on the market for cordless power tools and though the technology is older, it is still very reliable. NiCads are less sensitive to adverse temperatures and have a high recharge cycle, meaning they can be charged and recharged repeatedly for a long period of time. NiCads are also less expensive than NiMH and Li-Ion batteries. On the down-side, however, NiCads tend to suffer from battery memory effect. This occurs when a battery can no longer accept a complete charge because it had been repeatedly charged without first being fully depleted. It seems the battery "remembers" how much energy it has discharged, and only wants to accept back that much energy from charger. The element Cadmium is highly toxic making it the most harmful battery to the environment. The NiCad's negative effects on the environment, in fact, cause them to be heavily taxed outside the U.S.A. As a result, many European vendors won't sell NiCad batteries.
Drill Lithium Ion
Nickel Metal Hydride batteries run on a higher amperage than NiCads, because of this, they also have a longer run-time. NiMHs are lighter than NiCads but they are far more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, in fact, NiMH can't work in below freezing temperatures (32 degrees Fahrenheit and below) and they degrade very quickly in intensely high temperatures (105 degrees Fahrenheit an up). Although the NiMH has a longer run-time than the NiCad it doesn't accept as many charges. NiCad and NiMH batteries do have very similar overall lifespans but NiMH has a larger energy storage capacity.
Lithium Ion batteries have a higher energy density than most other rechargeable batteries. A high energy density means that the Lithium Ion has a superior energy to weight ratio storing more energy for their size than most other batteries. Li-Ions have a very slow self-discharge rate meaning they retain their charge for much longer. Most rechargeable batteries significantly deplete as they are disengaged, the slow rate of charge-loss in Li-Ions, however, allows them to maintain most of their charge for longer periods, even on a shelf in your shop or garage.
There are many benefits to working with Lithium Ion batteries from their light-weight, to their long run-time. Li-Ions maintain their charge for much longer and have continuous max power throughout their energy discharge cycle. Other batteries consistently lose power as you work. Li-Ions are light-weight, and have a huge storage capacity, this means you now have a lighter, more efficient and powerful battery without the bulk. Lithium Ion batteries are by a landslide the least detrimental to our environment, and for many reasons they are the favorite of most craftsmen.
There are, however, some disadvantages to Lithium Ion batteries. Li-Ions are a bit more expensive. The complexities of production (in circuitry) accounts for this price difference. Each Li-Ion also requires a specifically built charger to accommodate that type of battery; this means that chargers are more expensive as well, and aren't universal to all types of Li-Ion batteries. The Li-Ion has a built-in chip that protects the battery from over and undercharging, and ensures it has a longer life. This computer chip, however, doesn't allow the battery to continue accepting charge once its energy level has dropped below a certain point. Once this happens the battery is essentially dead. Li-Ions also rely on this circuit to stay cool. Since Li-Ions lose charge so slowly, and the battery and charger communicate so well together, it's fairly simple to keep Lithium Ions temperate and at a safe charge level.
Remember, the quality of the battery you use is just as important as the quality of your power tool. The battery gives the right amounts of energy and finesse to your tools and their working parts.
Power Tool Battery Directory - NiCad, NiMH, and Li-Ion Batteries in Your Cordless Tools
Drill Lithium Ion
Nov 23, 2011 07:52:35
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>> Click here to update Black Friday prices for DEWALT DCD970KL 18-Volt XRP Lithium-Ion 1/2-Inch Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver Kit <<
Black Friday DEWALT DCD970KL 18-Volt XRP Lithium-Ion 1/2-Inch Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver Kit Feature
- DEWALT 18-volt XRP track saw; batteries offer long battery life; durability: 2,000 recharges
- Patented 3-speed all-metal transmission matches the tool to task for fastest application speed and improved run time
- Heavy-duty 1/2-inch self-tightening chuck tightens throughout operation providing superior bit gripping strength
- LED worklight provides increased visibility in confined spaces
- High power, high efficiency motor delivers 450 unit watts out of max power for superior performance in all drilling and fastening applications
Black Friday DEWALT DCD970KL 18-Volt XRP Lithium-Ion 1/2-Inch Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver Kit Overview
Dewalt-built high power, high efficiency motor delivers 425 unit watts out of max power for superior performance. The 18V high performance battery pack provides longer run-time and battery life than 18V systems, and the patented 3-speed all-metal transmission matches the speed to the application for optimal performance. It has a heavy-duty 1/2-inch self-tightening chuck and enhanced durability and reliability to withstand the job-site environment and the most demanding applications. It also has an anti-slip comfort grip.
Black Friday DEWALT DCD970KL 18-Volt XRP Lithium-Ion 1/2-Inch Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver Kit Specifications
Handle everything from wood and steel to masonry and concrete with the DEWALT DCD970KL 18-Volt 1/2-Inch XRP Lithium-Ion Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver Kit. Built around a versatile tool and highly efficiency motor, this DEWALT drill makes quick work of drilling and fastening tasks at hand. Enjoy the patented, three-speed, all-metal transmission and comfortable grip for job-specific performance and less user fatigue. This kit includes a convenient one-hour lithium-ion charger, two 18-volt XRP lithium-ion batteries, a 360-degree side handle, and a sturdy kit box.
 | 18-Volt 1/2-Inch
XRP Lithium-Ion
Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver Kit
At a Glance:- Powerful, 18-volt motor delivers 450 unit watts out
- Three-speed transmission for fast application-specific performance
- Easy-to-maneuver, lightweight, and compact, design
- Improved visibility with LED
- Three-year limited warranty, one-year free service, 90-day money-back guarantee
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A 360-degree side handle offers hand-position options for comfort and reduced fatigue. View larger. |
The comfortable mid-hand grip and balanced body make this portable tool easy to control. View larger. |
Powerful Motor and Three-Speed TransmissionThe DEWALT 18-Volt 1/2-Inch XRP Lithium-Ion Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver's high-power, high-efficiency motor is capable of delivering a maximum of 450 unit watts out, which translates to performance in a broad range of applications. Its patented, three-speed, all-metal transmission matches the tool's performance to the task at hand, resulting in the fastest application speed and improved run time.
This hammerdrill/drill/driver features three speed settings--0 to 500, 0 to 1,250, and 0 to 2,000 rpm in drilling, as well as 0 to 8,500, 0 to 21,250, and 0 to 34,000 bpm in hammerdrill mode--that make precise hole placement and material-specific performance easier to achieve.
Comfortable Handling and Convenient LED
The DCD970KL is built with an ergonomic grip for comfortable handling that goes a long way toward ensuring accurate results. Its balanced, mid-tool handle placement makes control easy, while a 360-degree side handle offers hand-position options for comfort and reduced fatigue when tackling extended applications.
Stay on point with the DCD970KL's heavy-duty, 1/2-inch, self-tightening chuck that tightens as you use the drill to provide superior bit-gripping strength.
It weighs an easy-to-manage 5-1/4 pounds and features a convenient LED for visibility.
Trademarked XRP Extended-Life Battery System
A tool's only useful if it runs long enough to get the job done and the The DEWALT XRP extended run time lithium-ion batteries keep the DCD970KL running at full tilt. They provide up to 40 percent more run time than standard Ni-Cad batteries, and any XRP battery can be used with any 18-volt DEWALT tool, which allows you to expand your system by adding other DEWALT cordless tools (sold separately) as the demands of your job grow. In addition, the one-hour yellow lithium-ion charger helps to reduce downtime, so you can recharge and be back to work quickly.
This 18-volt 1/2-inch XRP Lithium-Ion Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver comes with a DEWALT warranty package that includes a three-year limited warranty, a one-year free service contract, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
What's in the Box
DCD970KL 18-Volt 1/2-Inch XRP Lithium-Ion Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver, one-hour yellow lithium-ion charger, two 18-volt XRP lithium-ion batteries, 360-degree side handle, and kit box.
Drill through masonry, power through metal, and fasten material with this versatile tool. |
SAVE NOW on Black Friday offers below!
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| This Black Friday DEWALT DCD970KL 18-Volt XRP Lithium-Ion 1/2-Inch Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver Kit ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. |
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Limited Offer Today!! DEWALT DCD970KL 18-Volt XRP Lithium-Ion 1/2-Inch Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver Kit Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2011 Deals
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This kit includes a 1/2-inch drill/driver and an impact driver.
This durable kit box stores your drivers, batteries, and charger. View larger.
