Can you exchange Ni-MH batteries for Ni-CDs?

Question

I have an 1/2" Drill with Ni-Cd battery pack that has died. Can I exchange them with Ni-Mh batteries? Will the charger still work? Can I expect the same performance from the Drill?

Answer 1

You can do that however you really have to know what you are doing. You also have to have a charger that will be compatible with the Ni-Mh batteries. Doing all of this can be expensive though so you may be better off buying a new battery all together. Http://www.needbattery.com sells the ni-mh power tool batteries. Check them out.

Answer 2

Unfortunately batteries are not usually exchanged. Depending on the brand, you can probably upgrade the batteries to an lithium ion battery.  The Lithium ion usually holds a charge longer than a ni-cd or ni-mh. Also the lithium ion has a longer life than a nickel battery. The charger does usually need to be changed out with the lithium ion, but the battery is a better product.