If all of the batteries for your DeWalt power tools have suddenly stopped holding a full charge, you wouldn’t be wrong for suspecting that something was going on with the charger. Still, it’s not as common to hear about problems with the chargers as it is the batteries themselves. You may still wonder, do dewalt battery chargers actually go bad?
While DeWalt battery chargers are known for being reliable and lasting a long time, they can go bad. When they do, they may not charge your batteries completely or at all. If you suspect that your charger is bad, make sure that you rule out the battery pack itself by testing multiple.
Whether you think your DeWalt charger has gone bad, or you just want to know more about how to extend its lifespan, we’ve got you covered. In the sections below, we’ll fill you in on how you can tell if yours has gone bad, as well as how long one you can expect one to typically last.
How to Tell if Your DeWalt Battery Charger Has Gone Bad
In the rare occurrences that they do go bad, DeWalt battery chargers don’t typically completely stop working overnight. If you know what to look for, this can buy you a little time to get a replacement.
One of the biggest signs to look out for is your battery draining quickly, even after it’s been “fully” charged. When this happens, most people assume that the battery is the problem. However, if it’s happening to multiple batteries, there’s a good chance it’s actually the charger that’s the problem.
Another big warning sign is if the charger doesn’t seem to take as long as usual to fully recharge your batteries. If you set a dead battery on the charger and ten minutes later it’s no longer charging, your charger is a likely culprit.
Finally, you should also rule out the possibility that your charger or your battery just needs to be cleaned. Check for any dust or debris around the port or on the contact pins. If you find any, simply clean it off and see if the charger works. If it’s still not working, it’s probably gone bad.
How Long Do DeWalt Battery Chargers Typically Last?
When we write that DeWalt Battery chargers rarely go bad, we really mean they rarely go bad before their typical lifespan ends. Still, that leaves the question; how long is the typical lifespan for a DeWalt battery charger.
While there are no major estimates on how long they can last, from experience many people will tell you over a decade if you properly maintain it. Of course many of these chargers come with a three year warranty, so if they do happen to go bad early, you may be able to get them repaired or replaced.
How Long Should the Batteries Last
Knowing how long the batteries are expected to last, can help you narrow down whether they are likely the problem instead.
DeWalt batteries are estimated to last about a minimum of three years. That’s how long they are under warranty for as well. However, with proper care they can last far longer than that as well.
How to Make DeWalt Battery Chargers Last
As we alluded to above, there are ways that you can further ensure your DeWalt battery charger lasts as long as possible. Really, all of them have to do with where you store the charger and how you maintain it..
Below are three tips to help you get the longest lifespan out of your DeWalt battery charger:
- Keep it in a cool dry place: Heat and moisture from humidity can cause your charger to overheat and sustain damage. One of the most common ways people’s chargers go bad early, is when they leave them outside in a hot shed or in a place where they are vulnerable to the elements like rain.
- Only put batteries on it when they’re charging: Try to only have batteries on the charger that are actually charging. You don’t want to leave them on the charger all the time because it can cause some slight damage over time. If you do this, it will not only ensure your charger lasts longer, but the batteries themselves do as well.
- Ensure it stays clean: Make sure that grime doesn’t build up on the contact pins of the charger. If it does, you may want to clean both your battery and charger. You can do so by simply using a brush, vinegar and water.
If you take each of these tips to heart, there’s no reason why you can’t be using the same charger five years from now.
So, Do Dewalt Battery Chargers Go Bad?
Dewalt battery chargers can indeed go bad. However, because it is far more likely that a battery goes bad instead, you should take steps to double check that it is actually the charger. You also want to rule out the possibility that the charger or your battery just needs to be cleaned.
You should start by examining the charger for any dust or debris. Clean it if there is any. Next, try charging more than one battery. If both batteries aren’t charging or they’re draining quickly, then the charger is most likely to be causing the problem. If it happens within the first three years of owing the charger, it may be protected under warranty.
