Cordless Batteries

Cordless power tool batteries are supplied in three specific forms, NiCD batteries, NiMH batteries and the latest Lithium battery technology, popular voltages for Nickel Cadmium are 12v, 14.4v and 18v batteries carrying an amp hour rating 1.5Ah to 2.4Ah, with relatively low resistance the NiCD battery supplies high surge currents favourable for use on lighter professional power tools.

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries are similar to NiCD but use a hydrogen absorbing alloy for the negative electrode giving a larger capacity than an equivalent sized NiCD battery. Used throughout the battery power tool market and normally supplied as 14.4v or 18v with an amp hour rating of 2.6Ah to 3Ah, however compared to a Lithium battery the NiMH batteries energy density is lower and self-discharge is quicker & higher.

Lithium-ion batteries allow the lithium ion to move between anode and cathode during discharge and reverse the action when charging, Lithium batteries give you the best energy to weight ratio with the 18v Lithium battery 20% - 40% lighter depending on the manufacturer, no memory effect plus minimum loss of charge when not in use. An 18v Lithium battery gives 2 to 3 times the performance of standard 18v NiCD batteries, longer run time with fade free power gives maximum performance throughout the charge & ultimate durability with multiple recharges compared to any other form of rechargeable power tool battery. At present the most popular model is the 18v Lithium battery however the range now covers 10.8v to 36v Lithium with some manufacturers batteries being backwards compatible with machines already using NiCd & NiMH power.