Site (Makita) battery replacement - Ni-cad or Ni-MH?

As I said to the OP, it was not a particularly relevant example since he already has a DD and ID, but just a general point about looking for tool deals as a way of switching to a new battery platform more cheaply.

There are usually deals about which you can view as a reasonable price for a charger and a couple of batteries, and the tools are almost included "free".

Ni-Mh to Ni-Cd is probably not of a fair comparison performance wise. A comparison between OEM Ni-Mh and after market would be more interesting.

My own experience was the after market one performed as well when new, but it did not last anything like as many recharge cycles. That may just have been a reflection of the one I chose, it is possible other's used better cells (or were better matched etc).

Ordered a 6Ah 18V Makita clone from that seller, £14.08 delivered.

Initial impressions not that good though. 100g (20%) lighter than a Makita

Not tried it extensively yet, so we'll see.