T&L Publications

eBay and Amazon have inexpensive 1700ma packs. I'd buy them today, but there is a problem.
Look at the attached images. Notice there are three rows with the center row offset. That's
what I need.

I've been soldering and welding most of my life, but I will not buy a box of tabbed batteries. If
there is the slightest misalignment, the pack will not fit inside the case.

Where can I buy 18 volt NiCd packs with the center row offset?

(Want to buy three packs.)

Go check out DigiKey.
https://www.digikey.com/?utm_adgroup=Di ... gLrbPD_BwE

I remember that they have a service.
Where they would build battery packs to the customers specifications.
When you ordered the individual cells from them.

DigiKey Customer service: 1 (800) 858-3616


Signed: Janitor Tzap

What you are after is ----> https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32951045518.html

and cheaper as ----> https://www.ebay.com/c/26011463278

and even cheaper with charger plus drill at ----> https://www.ebay.com/itm/18V-2000Ah-Ni- ... 3f99448052


What I have done to five of those packs (for drills, reciprocal saws... I have) is replacing the 15 NiCd cells with a series of five pairs of lithium 18650 inside, canibalized from mostly laptops..
I carefully recharge then with very regulated 21.00V , and for the little use they get, everything is well for a couple of years so far.

Thanks Janitor Tzap and Externet.

Years ago I used a battery rebuild service. The first time it was ok. The second time I received
defective packs. If you have expensive lithium packs, I suppose it makes sense to use a battery
rebuild service.

Externet, that aliexpress link is for an NiMH pack. I've got power tool chargers for NiCd and Li-ion
battery packs. The designs (look at the schematics) for chargers are specific for different battery
chemistries.

I do not own a Porter Cable drill (ebay link). I'm 99.99% certain those battery cases will not fit my drill.
Do you happen to know if the packs inside those cases have an offset center row? If they do, I can
remove the packs and use them in my battery cases.

NiMH are replacements for NiCd. Same charging protocol, same charger useable.

That was the point, to canibalize the PorterCable or any battery to use their cell packs in your application. BlackDecker have that offset centre row geometry too. Shown here ----> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPH11WVHp6o

Yeah,

The cell arrangement in most of the battery packs is going to be the same as your old battery pack.
Thus, going to Harbor Freight, Northern Tool&Equipment, etc....
Find one you can grab the cells out of too replace the bad cells in your old battery pack.

The reason I mentioned DigiKey, is that you can get higher capacity NiCads.{1800ma Cells}
Have them assembled in the 3 row arrangement.
Thus, you'll get more running time out of your power tool.


Signed: Janitor Tzap

I think at one time, Battery Warehouse would spot weld them for you at the store. Might be worth a call!

If it's something small like that ,I might be able to help.
I have a K-Weld battery spot welder.
I have rebuilt a hand full of packs.
shipping to me and back might not make it worth it tho
what exactly is the pack going too ?

Last time I checked, rebuilding a pack like this was only going to save me a few dollars over a new replacement pack (Greenworks BP91001). It may be more of an advantage when rebuilding laptop battery packs.

Original Pack has 15 cells, NiCd, 1700mAh,

I found one NiCd, 1700mAh with tabs assembled for $16,
2 packs for $22 NiCd 1700mAh, that's not a bad deal, I have two cases

if I want 2300MAh, NiCd or NiMh its $25 to $33 with nothing in the right configuration
Battery tab welder and some tabs to get you started $200 and up

aftermarket brand, New pack with 2000mAh, NiMh (its lighter) for $21.50 on amazon
its close, $5.50 and I don't have to open the pack and I get an extra 300mAh in the deal
I never saw any Lithium types for this cell shape. , Just as well, wrong voltage would lead to mishaps.

All things equal, do NiMh packs last longer than NiCd (charge recharge cycles), i.e. longer service life (not capacity).

[quote=sandpiper post_id=88249 time=1598507035 user_id=28505]
Thanks Janitor Tzap and Externet.

Years ago I used a battery rebuild service. The first time it was ok. The second time I received
defective packs. If you have expensive lithium packs, I suppose it makes sense to use a battery
rebuild service.

Equote]

Was that Primecell ?They were the only ones I had any luck with. since they closed I havenn't been able to find a good replacement battery for either laptops or portable radios..

Primecell was a good rebuilder. It's a shame they bailed out of the business. We had many Dewalt 18v packs done by them with great success.

Seems like a Lithium pack rebuilding service would need to carry some heavy liability insurance or risk going down in flames.

Or lengthy T&Cs like these, see 9 and 15
https://www.mtobattery.com/pages/terms-of-service
Otherwise, this site seemed to have a comprehensive selection, no comment on price or quality, I don't know

Its important because there are low quality cells on the market and negligent assembly can make even a good cell catch fire