Hello all My trusted B and D drill/screwdriver has decided not to recharge. Can anyone guide me to a website that will give simple instructions on using a Multimeter ( LCD display) to test whether it's the drill or the charger at fault......Please :-) Thanks Mick
A very simple check would be to measure the output voltage of the charger while it's disconnected but switched on - this will be *very* approximately the same as the voltage the drill works on, although it might well be twice or more higher off load.
If there is a voltage there that is higher than the drill voltage, the next step is to measure the current flowing while on charge. This will require some dismantling to wire the meter in series with the power supply, and without knowing the individual set up it's not easy to give advice - except not to mess with actual part that contains the mains transformer.
But by far the most likely thing is that the battery has failed. If the drill has a plug in battery, I'd take a chance and just replace it - if you can find one at a price less than a new drill. If the batteries are built in, as on some screwdrivers, you'll need to open it up for access. Spare cells are available from Maplin etc - you'll need Sub-C size and tagged so they can be soldered. But again, these might cost as much as a complete new unit. Sad but true. A separate battery pack can again usually be opened with some ingenuity and the cells replaced, but each cell (divide the device voltage by 1.2 to tell how many it has - ie a 7.2 volt drill will have 6) will cost between 2-4 quid depending on spec and where bought.
Dave
Thanks for the simple test idea.. I have done this and get a reading of 12 volts which seems to suggest the charger is ok.... I must admit I was reluctant to use the multimeter on a connected device.. I have had an unsuccessful go at dismantling the drill..........Will try again tomorrow :-). I think I go along with your "far more likely scenario" re: the batteries. Thanks again Mick
maybe of note that Lidl were flogging off 12v drill batteries for £9.99. They seemed to have no drill to go with them... The cells from these could be use to get another working, for 3 weeks anyway :-)
Bill Thanks for that........Was in Lidl's the other day and will look a bit closer next time :-) Mick
You might find these people useful. I haven't used them, but bookmarked it for the day I do...
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