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OzTools

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Everything posted by OzTools

  1. I took cells out of my bad Ridgid pack and found 5x LR1865BE cells inside: http://www.master-instruments.com.au/cgi/ajax/get_file/60601/1 These are 1.4Ah cells, 45 grams each, max. discharge current is 25A. At 3.7V nominal voltage the pack can get 463W at the max recommended current. The 150 cycles at 15Amp discharge stated in the pdf is disappointing. In these ideal lab conditions (23 degrees celsius) the pack capacity would go down to 60% of the original capacity after only 150 cycles. The pack is 2-3 years old so now they might be using different cells. Here is another cell for a comparison, Emoli IBR18650BC: http://www.molicel.com/ca/pdf/Certificates/High%20Power%20Cells/IBR18650BC/DM_IBR18650BC.pdf These are 1.5Ah cells, 45 grams each, max. discharge current is 30A. At 3.7V nominal voltage the pack can get 555W at the max recommended current. They claim about 77% capacity at 20Amps with 1000 cycles.
  2. I got the batteries and they had no sign of any use. No marks where they slide against a power tool. I took little bit of gamble here as I am sure some people will try to sell used packs or old cells inside of new shells. I charged them and tested them by screwing big bolts to a board. So much power.... Now what to do with the old unusable week packs? I did open them to look inside. There is quite a bit of electronics and 5 cells.
  3. I ended up buying new (but without a warranty) X4 high capacity packs for $60 each which at HD go for $99. They are 2x more capacity than what I had and will give out 2x more current making it harder to "kill" the packs. With the Fuel Gauge I can now monitor the status of the packs and prevent full discharge to extend the life of the pack.
  4. http://toolguyd.com/ridgid-x5-cordless-tool-rumors/
  5. Hi, I am not a pro just a homeowner. I have a set of Ridgid tools, impact driver, drill, charger and two dead compact battery packs. I think the compact packs simply do not last long regardless who makes them. I think they can be overloaded much easier than the bigger packs. Correct me if I am wrong here. In my case the packs lasted 2 years of occasional use. Going forward I would like to go with bigger packs. Now my dilemma is... Do I spend $100 on a new bigger pack (I am not a pro and I can share the pack between the tools or use corded drill if needed)? Do I buy a new set of Ridgid tools and rely on their lifetime battery replacement program? Many report issues with this program and I am not sure I want to get upset over slow or no repair/replacement and bother with shipping it all to them. Do I ditch the tools and buy something else (may be just an impact driver with (Impact Driver Conversion Chuck for drilling)? I wonder if there is anything you guys can say/recommend.... Thanks!
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