Makita Replacement Battery

Lack of a soldering iron, probably.

No, but it might ruin the batteries. IIRC, NiMH and NiCAD use very different voltage and amps when charging. Stick with the NiCADs...

That case is made to close tolerance and thermally sealed; I believe that was with the intention of preventing what you're trying to do. Replacements at $30 each make it not worth my trouble, as I get about 3-5 years per set.

You _can_ get the NiMH batteries and charger to use with the tool, but charging rates and feedback circuitry are too different to cross over.

I had the same problem with my old Makita. Both batteries no longer took a charge at nearly the same time. If I was going to replace one, I had to replace both. I took one of the batteries apart to try what you suggested. I messed around with it for a while and finally opted to pitch it all. New drills are cheaper than the two replacement batteries. I opted to get a 18v in its place, for not much more money. It's been worth it to not have the agravation.

-- Tim

-------- See my page @

I actually did this to my dewalt batteries a month ago. The soldering was a PITA because of the connections. I had to get the right size cells at a battery store but they work like new now.

TroyD

Do you have a Lowe's near by? I looked at their Makita 9.6V batteries and they wanted $33.80 each. Right around the corner they had a Makita

Thanks for the advice :-) The drill is not as powerful as the fancy new ones anyway, maybe it is time for a replacement as you suggested.

After picking up a "fancy new" 18V drill...I decided a 12V Makita was plenty. I have not been dissapointed.

However, I must admit that I have a 1/2" Milwaukee that I pull out for big jobs. Usually, it is more of a logevity issue, rather than power...such as 170 1/2"dia holes I drilled in oak this weekend.