Cordless Tools

[a. palmer jr.]

I have several cordless drills and was just wondering if it hurts the NiCad batteries to sit out in the unheated garage in the winter. I'm sure it doesn't help them any but I've not read anything on it. Here in Indiana it has dipped below 0 a time or two and was wondering if I should bring them in the house.

[k.hill]

I have found that both nicd and lithium-ion batt. do not like to work after they have been outside or in cold weather.

[UtahAV]

Cold shouldn't effect your NiCd batteries much. The biggest concern I can see would be bringing a cold battery into the house and using it. The cold battery / tool will likely condensate and then you run the risk of things shorting out. NiMH Batteries don't like cold at all. You will see quite a reduction in performance with the NiMH batteries as the temp drops.

-UtahAV
-Mark

[Hunter Woodworking]

It really depends on the extremity of the temperature. I have found that prolonged cold will cause NiCad batteries to run out of juice quicker, and extreme heat as well. That being said, I have also heard from people I have worked with that the Lithium Ion batteries are just as susceptible to temperature variance. If you work your batteries hard, they are going to croak on you sooner or later anyways, though, so don't let that keep you from making money in adverse weather conditions.