42 Maintain Your Batteries!

Let's Talk... HOME repair!

Things that will shorten the life of your rechargeable tool batteries.

1. Keeping them on the charger - this can cause overcharging which results in a shortened lifespan
2. Storing dead batteries for long periods of time. Swap to a new one before it dies and charge dead ones for 20 minutes before storing.
3. Completely draining a battery. With older Ni-Cd it was recommended to drain them completely before storage. keep an eye on the battery’s power indicator.
4. Storing batteries that are fully charged. A fully charged battery exposed to high temperatures is more likely to degrade or explode. Instead, store batteries at roughly 50 percent of their capacity for the optimal lifespan.
5. Proper storage. The batteries have electronics, energy cells and and wiring that can be fragile. Keep in a padded bag or in their original container.
6. Exposing to extreme heat. Temps above 80 deg. Will degrade the battery. Temps above 100 or 120 can cause rapid damage. Unlike older Ni-Cd batteries, storing on concrete does not harm the batteries and is actually helpful in keeping them cool.
7. Not protecting them from moisture. Wreaks havoc on the wiring and electronics in the battery.
8. Not allowing them to cool down. They heat up when charging. When using. If not allowed to cool down they will degrade.
9. Using the wrong battery in the wrong tool. Batteries have between 300-500 charges. Using a power-hungry tool with a lower amp battery 2.0 or 3.0 amp-hour will drain the battery quickly and require more charges. Small batteries can be used for drills and impact drivers. Larger ones for the heavy-duty tools like a circular saw or grinder.

Remodeling advice - know the timeline and the order of operation.

Planning – know what you want, what are lead-times for materials

Budget – how much can you spend

Design – picking the design aspects and agreeing with your partner

Demo including lead-based paint testing (if your home is older than 1978) and remediation. Also asbestos testing which can be found in linoleum glue, drywall or insulation.

Plumbing rough in (tub or shower pan gets set at this time)- moving drain lines and supply lines to accommodate the new lay-out.

Electrical rough in – moving/adding lighting and switches

Inspections -need to be performed according to permitting department’s criteria and timeline.

Drywall – repair or install of new drywall, texturing and priming.

Painting – it is easiest to do the painting BEFORE anything is installed. Touch-up at the end.

Cabinets/counters for kitchens OR Tile for bathrooms

Plumbing trim out – faucets, sink drain, supply valves replaced.

Electrical trim out – light fixtures installed and switch plate and outlet covers

Finishing touches – towel bars, mirrors and other final, fancy touches

Final inspection

If you have any questions or want to share your story email us at [e-mail]