Source - Reasonably Priced Cordless Batteries.

Consider having them rebuilt by

I bought some replacements for another brand of drill from Suburban Electronics (via web - storefront might be somewhere in Maryland, IIRC). Seemed, at that time, to be the best price for batteries to fit that drill - They are third-party batteries, not the maker's brand - I have no problem with that - they fit and work perfectly, and have for almost

There has also been some mention from time to time of places that will rebuild your batteries, or of doing so yourself if you are so inclined.

I checked with BatteriesPlus, and they would rebuild my 14.4V pack for about $35, plus tax. Don't know if they do web/shipping type work.

That same week in the paper, Sears had a craftsman 14.4V drill/driver with 2 batteries for about the same price as rebuilding both batteries in the old one. Yeah, I know, crapsman, but I was pleased with mine for the first 6 or 8 years, until the batteries wouldn't hold a charge anymore.

I've priced the cells to do the rebuild myself, and I couldn't do it as cheap as $35, ignoring the fact I don't have a spot welder.

-j

Here is a place that rebuilds batteries and is supposed to do a better job than the batteries that come from the factory. Max

The craftsman will last 3-4 years so then you will have to buy two craftsmans to get the 6-8 year lifespan of rebuilding your batteries. So in the long run you will have paid twice and thrown away three drills.

Just checked this out on Ebay. Doesn't look too bad.

Paul

I used Primecell to rebuild my DeWalt 12v batteries 2 years ago and believe that the rebuilt have had better life between charges than the original batteries. I have no logged data to prove the difference, just perception and I will use them again. Chris

FYI- I've used Craftsman drills for a long time & have gone thru two of them. When one of the Sears batteries will no longer charge, I give the drill & all to one of my sons. The one battery system works for them. The new battery for the Sears is around $60.-- Anyway, I buy my drills reconditioned at the Sears outlet/repair station in Sherman, Texas. The last one I bought was a 19.2V for 52 dollars. Two new batteries, flashlight, 1/2" chuck on drill and one hour charger in one of those hard plastic cases. The drill batteries usually last me for three or so years. There may be a Sears outlet near you. Phil

As opposed to corded ones??? :)

Why not buy one good drill that will last 10+ years instead of buying a sears one every 3. I still have my $99 makita kit that I bought in 1995 and it works fine. So instead of spending $60 3-4 times for cheap drills, I spent $99 once and then bought an angle drill, hammer drill, saws, etc to add to it.

Try a "Batteries Plus" store, if there is one near you. They rebuilt the battery (replaced the cells with new ones) for my 9.6 volt Panasonic drill for half what a new one cost. Works great. Just like a new battery!

Barry