Flashing NICD Batteries

[Cofe]

I have some cordless Dewalt, and Ryobi tools that use 18 volt and 24 volt NICD batteries. They are getting old and won't take a full charge, or stay charged very long.
I was reading up online that there is a procedure to flash/ repair theses batteries. Has anyone had any luck with this procedure? Here is a link that I found, but I am a bit apprehensive about trying it.

http://ysuusy.com/easybatteryfix.html

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Flashing NICD Batteries

I tried that with one of my old 9 volt cordless drill batteries. It wouldn't last but 5 minutes.
After I did the surge. I think it lasted about 8 minutes....

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Flashing NICD Batteries

Didn't work for me, very little improvement at all, and a lot of risk..

Look around, there are quite a few articles on rebuilding batteries as well, I did it on a ryobi and it was not that difficult at all, ended up saving about $20 over buying a new one.

 

[generator12]

Re: Flashing NICD Batteries

In an emergency one may bring a nicad back to life long enough to get out of the emergency. I've done that, but it was very temporary. You can make 'em work again, but not for long.

 

[Adjuster]

Re: Flashing NICD Batteries

There are YouTube instructional videos. On the larger 18v, 24v etc. batteries you can shock them with an electric welder or shock them with a car battery charger that has a jump start setting. The videos say you need to quickly and several times hit them with approximately double the voltage of the battery. So for an 18v nicad you need to be able to hit it with at least 36v. The best method is with the welder because you can adjust the voltage to your application.