Re-Celling batteries - who's good?

[dom]

My Bosch batteries (14.4V 2.6Ah NiMh's, supplied with Bosch blue pro tools) are getting to the point where I'm swapping them onto the charger all the time - not much capacity, and even if unused self discharge all too quickly. They're probably around 4 years old and on busy days, even when new, would be cycled several times a day - so I think they've done their time and until very recently delivered excellent results.

So I can either buy new ones from an official supplier (around =A375 each), get them from a reputable ebay trader (around =A345 for someone I can be confident is selling genuine kit), find a deal on a new tool with higher capacity cells in the bundle (probably a bit less than 2 new cells from an official supplier - though there's no particular tool I need right now) - or I can have a look at getting them re- celled.

Anyone done this and can make a recommendation?

I'm looking for a re-celling service that will produce results as good as new genuine cells from bosch, rather cheapest.

[newshound]

With that sort of use I'd be going ebay. Being a cheapskate, I just successfully re-celled one of my Ryobi packs myself, but my use is VERY much lighter. The soldering was quite fiddly and ISTR the cells cost over £20.

Incidentally, how can you be sure your ebay trader is really selling genuine kit?

[The Medway Handyman]

I'd be interested in knowing that as well. My 14.4v Mak is showing the same symptoms.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Do a Google on Sanyo or Panasonic sub c cells of the correct capacity - you'd need 12. And weep.

[Bill]

In message , " [e-mail]" writes

I've used these guys before, for large DeWalt packs and they did a good job, maybe worth a phone call.

[Bill]

In message , Bill writes

Would be worth saying who they are I suppose !!!!!!

[RubberBiker]

By reputation/feedback and because they're selling lots of Bosch professional tools.

And by price - there's several traders selling "fits bosch" and about =A325, but for around =A345 there's 3 reputable looking sellers.

[The Medway Handyman]

[The Medway Handyman]

I just did & didn't find much that made sense. Could you be a little nore specific please Mr P?

[The Medway Handyman]

That should be more :-)

I did find this, which is interesting;

[PeterC]

'tis OK here.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Basically, good provenance cells of that type will cost the thick end of

10 quid each if bought in small quantities. 'No name' ones from a reputable specialist perhaps half that.

So in conclusion if a genuine Bosch battery can be bought for 45 quid you'll not get one re-celled to the same standard for less.

[RubberBiker]

Yup - just had a look inside my battery back (11 cells in a block, plus 1 cell above in the part that couples with the tool) - rather fiddly to get back together as something that will remain reliable after a few drops.

The price of 12 suitable cells is coming out around =A340 too - so probably won't do it myself.

[RubberBiker]

interesting;

seems to be saying that it's not worth tinkering with worn out battery packs.

Either buy new, or get them professionally recelled if this option is significantly cheaper (in my case the cost of the cells seems to be about the same as a new battery pack from ebay).

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Provided the warranty the re-celler provides is as good as a maker's one.

[The Medway Handyman]

And here now, piggin wasn't this morning.

[Nick]

So I can either buy new ones from an official supplier (around £75 each), get them from a reputable ebay trader (around £45 for someone I can be confident is selling genuine kit), find a deal on a new tool with higher capacity cells in the bundle (probably a bit less than 2 new cells from an official supplier - though there's no particular tool I need right now) - or I can have a look at getting them re- celled.

Anyone done this and can make a recommendation?

I'm looking for a re-celling service that will produce results as good as new genuine cells from bosch, rather cheapest.

I used this firm some while ago. Good to deal with and the batteries are still holding up.

[Huge]

Dunno if this guy does them;

I was dead pleased with the UPS I bought from him. I fully intend to buy all my batteries from him in future.

(And never go in Bedford Batteries *ever* *again*.)

[Bill]

In message , Huge writes

Their delivery drivers look good though!!!!!!!!!!!!! What did they do to offend you?

>

[RubberBiker]

Yikes!

I have just got a quote back from

for recelling my batteries - =A390 each.