Erbauer 18v combi drill problem

[edunt]

Hi

I have had this drill for a few years now and it really has been a good buy.

However, both the batteries it came with are now flat and the charger will not charge them (green light only, comes on - no red charge light).

I am of the opinion that it must be the charger that is faulty (C1820A002) as I don't think both batteries would pack in at the same time.

I do keep it all in my unheated workshop, in a cupboard, but I don't think it would have got cold enough to destroy the batteries.

Any opinions please?

Thanks

 

[joinerjohn]

I had a similar problem with cheapo batteries and a charger. It will more than likely be the batteries that are faulty. I have 4 batteries and only two will charge up now.

 

[edunt]

Thanks for that - yes, cheap stuff normally doesn't last as long as good quality items, but I would have hoped for a longer life of both batteries.

I suppose what I need is someone nearby (Bedford) with same charger that is known to work - then I can see if that will charge my batteries. If not then I guess that would prove something one way or another.

 

[tinytom]

hi, one of my makita batteries packed in over xmas, i accidentally left one at work over xmas for about two weeks, so im guessing it was the cold that did it.

sorted out a replacement free from makita but didnt end up needing it

took the battery home for the weekend, left it for a few days, perfect, it just needed heating up abit, you could try that, leave them in an aring cuboard or something for a few days, might work?

hope you fix em

 

[big-all]

how old are the batteries where they used regularly where they stored flat or charged

and yes between 10 and 30 preferably between 15 and 25% for charging

 

[edunt]

Bought bundle in case from Screwfix about 3 to 5 years ago (I think - a while ago anyway).

usage was intermittent - just DIY stuff as and when required.

Batteries would be in a semi-charged state when stored (ie, however last used left them).

Will fetch them into the heat and see if that works.

Is the charger 'clever' ? ie, does the charge only get applied when battery is plugged in? Just thinking I could measure the output with my meter to see if it is actually charging and it's my batteries that are dead.

 

[big-all]

your charger will give out about 20.something volts off load[no batteries inserted]

your batteries if not fully shot are likely to be on there last legs at maximum around 25% capacity

time for somthing like ryobi one plus where the all batteries fit all tools and spares are easily found
http://uk.ryobitools.eu/specific/formats/index.jsp

 

[stewartstripitdown]

I have 18volt drill and charger light did not change to red when battery inserted?
so i took the charger apart and found a microswitch on pcb that switches when the battery terminals connect in charger.
the microswitch has a thin metal arm which i bent up right at the end to meet battery when inserted and charger works fine now..
i can only assume it originally had a rubber or plastic contact pad on the end which fell off or broke. But all is good,its worth a go!!!

 

[big-all]

i applaud your enginuity
in general a battery will loose around 15-25% off its capacity every year if well looked after and used frequently