Batteries in cordless tools

Batteries in cordless tools are for the most part Nickel Cadmium types. This kind of battery has a memory of the voltage prior to it's last charge. So when you recharge the batteries when you feel the tool hasn't enough power to complete the job, you're reducing the batteries life. If I remember correctly, nickel cadbmium batteries are good for about 1 000 recharging cycles. To increase the life of the batteries, they should be COMPLETELY discharged before being placed in the charger. I've soldered a 12 volt light bulb to the end of a pair of wires connected to a large set of alligator clips. Before charging I connect this light bulb to the battery to completely drain it and THEN place it in the charger. To learn more go to Battery Universityhttp://www.batteryuniversity.com/
Robert