Old battery packs for cordless tools can be restored with new cells.
Battery restoration is an alternative to buying a new battery pack for your cordless tool or appliance. Battery restoration companies replace the old battery cells in battery packs with new, fully rechargeable ones for less than the price of a new battery pack. They can even restore rechargeable battery packs for older tools that are no longer sold. When you send your battery pack to a restoration company, the same battery pack will be returned to you after the internal cells have been replaced.
Instructions
1. Select a battery restoration company. Ask your friends and coworkers for a recommendation, or search the Internet using terms such as "battery refill" or "battery pack rebuilding."
2. Determine your battery pack's model number, cell chemistry type and voltage. This information is on the battery pack label. The three types of cell chemistry for rechargeable batteries are nickel cadmium (NiCad), nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and lithium ion (Li-ion). You will need this information when contacting a restoration company.
3. Find out how much it will cost to restore your battery pack. Some company websites list the cost of refilling the more popular battery packs. You also may get a quote for your specific model by phone or email. Also ask about shipping costs.
4. Get shipping and payment information from the company you choose. Some companies allow you to pay in advance by credit card or PayPal, others require you to include payment when you ship the battery pack. Some companies will send you a prepaid shipping label by email.
5. Put the battery pack in a shipping box. Pack newspaper or other material around the battery pack to prevent damage during shipment. If you used an online ordering form, print out the form and put it in the box before sealing it with packing tape.
6. Label the box with the company address, your return address and any order number given to you by the company.
7. Ship the box through the U.S. Postal Service or a shipping company. For a small extra cost you can insure the power pack against loss or damage during shipment.
