Common Questions on Cordless Power Tool Batteries

DIYers and professional tradespeople alike will appreciate how much easier life is with cordless power tools. They deliver the same amount of power as corded versions without the need for bulky extension cables or generators. Who doesn't enjoy taking their cordless drill out to the backyard to continue laying deck boards without having to drag a long extension cord across the yard? 

The batteries that come with cordless power tools are the driving force behind getting your project completed. They may appear evasive and have their own set of queries. With the possible answers, you will not only be able to keep your to-do list short, but you will also have a piece of equipment that will be ready for any task for many years. Below, we’ve taken the time to sit down and answer a few frequently asked questions about power equipment batteries.

What Does Ampere-Hour mean?

The letters "Ah" or "AH" on your battery stand for ampere-hour or amp-hour, respectively. It relates to the battery's charging capacity. Over the duration of an hour, that is the amount of current you can expect to be consistently provided to your tool. Assume your battery has a capacity of 2.0Ah. That means it will consume 2 amps of power and will be completely depleted after an hr of constant operation. Bear in mind, though, that this is in ideal circumstances.

Is There a Difference in Longevity?

A 4Ah battery should theoretically last twice as much time as a 2Ah battery. There are, however, always compensating considerations. The amperage draw of the tool being used with the battery, for example, and the battery's construction play a role in the amount of run life you can expect. If you connect the batteries in series, you will double the voltage but not the run time of your power tool. Even if the voltage does not rise when connected in parallel, the run time is greater.

Most major power tool brands offer a three-year battery protection as a minimum. Obviously, your power tool battery's lifespan is influenced by limits and external circumstances. The status of the pack's charge when you stow it, as well as the temperature throughout storing, are two of these factors. Furthermore, the battery's storage location (whether on the equipment, on a shelf, on a charger or in the toolbox) can reduce its lifespan. These are all factors that go into determining your equipment’s longevity.