DeWalt is one of the most trusted names in power tools. Cordless power tools use large lithium batteries usually stored in the handle to supply the power. The convenience of not having to worry about a power cord in the workshop or jobsite is convenient, but many user may wonder: how long will DeWalt batteries last.
Most lithium batteries, including DeWalt’s, have a minimum expected lifespan of roughly 3 years. With proper maintenance, however, source assure that the batteries can last longer than the minimum provided in the warranty.
Keeping the batteries in your powertools alive as long as possible is important for several reasons. Aside from saving money on new batteries, reducing consumption of lithium batteries is beneficial to the environment. Read on for more information about what causes DeWalt batteries, why they fail and what you can do to keep your power tools running as long as possible.
Why Do DeWalt Batteries Go Bad?
All batteries do eventually go bad. There may be some variation in the way individual units or batteries behave. Here are a few factors which generally can cause DeWalt power tool batteries to go bad:
- Over-charging – While some lithium batteries can be left on the charger at all times, constant charging can can ruin a DeWalt Battery. Over-charging is common if you have multiple batteries which are continuously rotated through the charger.
- Temperature – If the battery temperature rises above 105℉, a DeWalt battery will not take a full charge. The same goes if the battery temperature drops below 40℉. If the batteries are placed on the charger outside of that temperature
- Trickle Charge – From the point of initial use, lithium batteries essentially begin the process of degradation, which is ultimately inevitable, according to Air Quality News. There’s nothing to suggest that this issue is limited DeWalt batteries, however.
Best Practices to Increase DeWalt Battery Life
According to DeWalt, batteries are expected to last a minimum of three years. If users take proper care of their battery, however, the lifetime can be extended far longer. Here are a few tips on how to increase the longevity of your DeWalt batteries:
- Charge the battery as soon as there is a noticeable decrease in the tool’s power. If the battery is allowed to run all the way down, it will damage the long term lifespan of the lithium-ion battery as a whole. Taping or holding the trigger of a DeWalt power tool to run down the battery before charging will damage the battery.
- Memory, in the context of DeWalt batteries, is caused by consistent, repetitive use in the same function. This can cause the battery life to get shorter over time. This is less of a problem for power tools, as their variable nature keeps them from performing the same task too identically. However, if a tool is used by only one person for a single reason, the battery life can be expected to reduce.
- Keep tools out of extreme heat and cold whenever possible. If working in summer heat conditions, keep batteries stored in shaded or cooled areas to avoid overheating. Overheating causes a chemical reaction within the lithium battery which causes a dramatic reduction in the length of charge the pack is capable of holding.
- Allow batteries two hours minimum to reach room temperature before placing them on the charger. Charging while the battery is hot can cause it to overheat.
- DeWalt batteries are designed to be interchangeable with generator inputs. This means that, if the batteries fail unexpectedly, DeWalt power tools can be run using a generator.
- Lithium batteries can start fires if the terminals connect with with metal. In order to avoid fires, be sure to safely pack and/or insulate the batteries when they are not either charging or in the tool.
- Never tape down the trigger in order to run out the battery. This type of unsupervised overuse is likely to cause overheating and will swiftly damage the battery life.
What To Do With Expired DeWalt Batteries
DeWalt lithium batteries can be recycled, according to the company website. DeWalt participates the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation in order provide their customers with a safe, convenient way to dispose of their spent batteries.
It’s environmentally important to recycle batteries rather than adding them to the landfill, as the chemicals present in lithium batteries can be harmful pollutants. More information about how and where to recycle power tool batteries can be found at DeWalt’s Find a Service Center page.
Final Thoughts
Most major producers of lithium batteries, such as DeWalt’s, warranty their products for three years. This represents the minimum amount of time a user can expect top quality performance from their battery. If the rechargeable batteries are properly maintained, following the steps of practice provided by the DeWalt website, users can expect their batteries to hold a charge far beyond the guaranteed three years.
