cordless drills

[paulz]

Have an Elu 12v drill, about 8 years old. The batteries are not holding their charge for very long [about � an hour]. Are they worn out or is there any other way round it?

[Drewhound]

They'll be Nicad cells when they're that old and worn out. You could try Elu for replacements but it might be better to get a new drill

[paulz]

I thought there was a way of totally discharging them to allow re-charging to full power? Or is this a myth?

[LeMarchand]

With NiCads, you should discharge the cells completely before recharging, or they suffer from a "memory effect". Once the damage is done, I don't think there is a way of correcting it.

[paulz]

Thanks Drewhound & LeMarchand have just spoke to Black & Decker who've told me my nearest stockist that can [a] test the batteries & [b] rectify the problem - or tell me if the cells are shot. Cheers Guys, p'rhaps I'll get a new toy for Christmas !!