I own several Craftsman Cordless Drills and Screwguns. I know they are not top of the line brand, but they are priced right... until the batteries go bad.

I noticed that on eBay, there is a 2 page document proceedure to purchase that will bring these batteries back to life. 98% effective.

Anyone have any idea what needs to be done to bring these batteries back to life?

Thanks, James

 

James- How old are the batteries? You can try and fully discharge them then fully recharge them. If that does not work the only thing you can do is purchase new ones. Sears sell replacement batteries for most models. from time to time they run them on sale really cheap. Last fall I purchased 19.2 volt C-3 batteries for $25.00. I have 12 tools which run off these batteries so I purchased 4 packs as spares to go along with the 6 packs I use. From what I've read these batteries will not go bad if not used. I been told you can only charge discharge a battery for some many cycles. I also been told not to leave them in the charger after they have been fully charged. Hope this helps ya.

 

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.

 

I just purchase when there is a great Sears sale....dang things last about two yrs, sell them in a garage sale, take what I can get, and go buy new again....and for reliability, I plug in my "old Milwaukee" drill, yes just like the cheap beer, and drill away....

 

If there was some miracle way to bring a dead battery back to life, it wouldn’t be buried in some place on Ebay. It’s just like those chips that claim they increase HP on your car.

While the majority of my projects are generally light duty projects around the house, I have been very happy with my Ryobi cordless tools. I have two batteries and two chargers. The batteries charge fast. One of the batteries is at least 8 years old and still going strong.

 

I just saw this Deal of the Day at Amazon. 80% off cordless Milwaukee cordless screwdriver. Good today only:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox/ref=pe_36900_11824100

 

Doc, I have 2 Milwaukee corded drills, one straight and one with a right-angle adaptor at home and another at the lab. All mine.

When you need horsepower, well, you need horsepower! It's a darned good thing they all have a T-handle. Twisted wrist syndrome is a bad thing!

 

SOLD OUT

I gave up on all these cordless pieces of crap some time ago
Like Doc said plug it in and get the job done.
Thats what extension cords are for right ??

 

But there are times the cordless is great....
I have a couple of Hitachi cordless drills and even though they are usually on the cheaper side, one is over 4 years old and still going strong.
Sorry, but they are very handy at times.

 

I HATE having to messing with cords. The smaller the project, the bigger the hassle. My cordless drill has been going strong 8+ years and works today as well as the day I bought it.

For heavier projects likes saws, etc, give me DC power baby.

 

No need to be sorry
Handy ? ...yes for little jobs
Reliable to get the job done ? ....not always

 

I replaced all the drywall in my garage (47 4x8 sheets) with mine - a DeWalt The trick was having 2 batteries - one to use while the other was charging. I never had to take a break because of dead batteries - just because of dead arms! I would never be without mine after using it for the last 8 years...