Shopsmith Forums

You can have your packs rebuilt a lot cheaper than new and often with better cells.

This is one of many that do that kind of work.
http://www.batteriesplus.com/

I have not tried this but have talked to a number of guys that swear by it.
Do a Google search on:
zap rechargeable battery
Some use a welder, some use a battery charger and some use a car battery and procedures vary a little.
All standard disclaimers apply... Use protective shoes, wear chainsaw pants, use a rubber raincoat, use high voltage gloves, carry an umbrella and don't forget the "cup"...

You can have a battery rebuilt. Some batteries have cases that are screwed together and others are glued or bonded together. Most places like Batteries plus won't mess with battery cases that are glued or bonded. Makita batteries happen to be bonded.

I have cut a few apart but the result was not very pretty so I never bothered getting replacement cells.

There is a guy on the web that will rebuild glued or bonded batteries but his price is almost new cost when you figure in shipping and handling.

Battery Plus also sells batteries under their name and they have sizes for most drills. My buddy bought one and I don't think he was all that impressed.

I also found out batteries have a shelf life and if you find a battery for sale far cheaper than the normal cost of your battery it is probably near the end of it's shelf life. I bought a set, one battery is super that other is leaves a lot to be desired.

I still like the Ridgid who offers lifetime battery replacement if you regisiter your tool at the time of purchase.

I manage a large hardware store in Wisconsin and thus have experience with problems that customers have with various drills. I find that with most shop type use, any of the drills are adequate. The problem arises if you routinely
use your dril in high torque situations. We find that Ryobi is underpowered as well as Black & Decker and Skill. Dewalt seems to have a lot of clutch problems. We don't deal with a lot of Makita but haven't had significant problems with them. Milwaukee seems to be the most reliable. They are however the most expensive. I would heartily recommend the new lithium ion batteries in any drill. Performance is definitely superior.

Roger