James and Franc,

I've been purchasing cordless tools for 20 years, mostly for industrial apps, but for home use too. 20 to 15 years ago, Craftsman sold a decent unit but Milwaukee was king for reliability. Makita and DeWalt a distant second. I found their tools to not have the torque or ruggedness needed for an industrial setting.
About 10 years ago, Milwaukee went in the crapper along with Makita. Sears sold a "Pro-Line" but the batteries, used or unused lasted 12 months and had to be replaced. At enormous cost. More than the tool.
For the last 8 years, I've been buying DeWalt and found that the batteries supplied in the sale are crap. Seconds, maybe, but the replacements I've found on-line for them have lasted longer and held a charge better than the originals. It's important too, to know that DeWalt's chargers have a maintanence mode that's safe for long-term storage of batteries.
I know they cost alot more, but I saved my money while using a corded drill and bought the best.

I HATE having a tool go dead in the middle of a job. Unacceptable.

Oh, the secret to reviving a dead battery is:

there ain't no secret. It's dead. I have had no luck with these tricks.