Converting old cordless tools to new lithium batteries.

David Paste · 2025-08-20T13:11:07+00:00

Hello all,I have an old B&Q own brand (Pro) 18 volt cordless set of drill, circ saw, recip saw, and torch which ran on NiCads, which now do not run as the batteries are buggered.They get intermittent use. When they are needed, they are very useful indeed.I was thinking of buying battery adaptors so that another brand of (widely available) batteries can be used.I know that the batteries must carry the BMS circuitry, and not the tools which eliminates some brands.I thought that the Bosch Power 4 All system (also 18 volts) would do the trick, despite them having a hefty price.Anyone done this, or have any advice or ideas about it?Thanks all.

Aug 20, 2025 Last reply: 10 months ago 43 Replies

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Sam Plusnet 10 months ago

Aye. That's the curse of moddun technology.

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alan_m 10 months ago

But the batteries don't actually have to be flat when you take your fingers from the hedge trimmer trigger and say in a loud voice 'curses, the battery has gone flat' :)

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Sam Plusnet 10 months ago

Happily, SWMBO does not read this newsgroup.

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Nick Odell 10 months ago

Or alternatively, as today:

I lend my newly re-celled hedge-trimmer to my neighbour then we both sit in the garden drinking beer!

Nick

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