Cordless Drill Batteries: How many amp hours do I need?
For long jobs where you need to use your drill for long periods of time, we recommend using a battery with a higher amp hour rating.
Batteries with a larger number of amp hours, will last for a longer period of time.
An alternative would be to buy a second battery to keep on the charger while using the first one. When the first one runs out of charge, swap it with the second one.
If you are performing tasks where you will not use your cordless drill for long periods of time, then select a battery with a lower amp hour rating to save money.
Cordless Drill: Battery Capacity
Cordless drill battery capacity refers to the amount of electrical charge the battery can hold.
It is measured in amp hours.
Amp hours refers to the amount of amps a battery can deliver over the period of one hour.
For example, a battery capacity of 1 amp hour will deliver 1 amp of power for 1 hour.
The higher the number of amp hours, the longer the drill can be used before having to recharge the battery.
Cordless Drill Battery Storage Tips
Cordless drill batteries should be stored in cool and dry places. Leaving it in direct sunlight, or on the seat of your car on a hot sunny day, could cause the battery to explode.
To prevent the battery from overheating and catching fire, ensure that the contacts of the battery are not touching metal parts.
Cordless drill batteries will include a cover to protect the battery contacts.
Cordless Drill: Plastic Gears vs Metal Gears
Cordless drill gears are made of either plastic or metal. Metal gears can take more pressure than plastic gears. Plastic gears are more prone to breaking than metal gears.
Cordless drill: what is a spindle lock?
Spindle locks lock the chuck so one can change the bits safely. When the lock is engaged the chuck screwdriver or drill bit cannot move.
Most modern drills automatically lock the chuck when the variable speed trigger is released.
Some models have a manual spindle lock. The lock is the middle position of the forward/reverse switch.
When should you use the spindle lock?
Use the Spindle Lock when Inserting or Removing Drill Bits
The spindle lock is usually used when inserting or removing drill bits to prevent injury to the user.
Use the Spindle Lock when Manually Loosening or Tightening Screws
A spindle lock can also be used to use the cordless drill like a screwdriver. With the spindle locked firmly in place, the user can use the drill like a manual screwdriver.
Cordless Drill: What is no-load speed?
Cordless drill speed is measured in rotations per minute, or RPM. One rotation is one complete turn of the chuck.
No-load speed is the number of RPM a cordless drill will reach when it is not driving screws or drilling holes.
The real speed will depend on how much resistance is encountered when drilling. For example, drilling through metal would give more resistance than drilling through wood. The increase in resistance causes the drill to slow down.
Cordless drill: What is the chuck?
A cordless drill chuck is the part of the drill which holds the drill or screwdriver bit.
Inside the chuck are 3 metal jaws that open to insert drill bits and close to lock them in place.
A keyless chuck is a type of cordless drill chuck which does not require a key to open and close the jaws.
How to Remove a Detachable Battery From a Cordless Drill
Time needed: 1 minute.
Follow the steps below to detach the battery from a cordless drill:
- Step One
Locate the clips on each side of the drills handle - Step Two
Press the clips down at the same time - Step Three
While holding the clips down with one hand, pull the battery out with your other hand.
Removing and charging the battery of cordless drill
Cordless drills will usually have a detachable battery; a battery that can be disconnected from the base of the tool.
The amount of time it takes to recharge a battery depends on the make and model of the battery and charger.
Smaller batteries can take only 30 minutes to fully charge, where as larger batteries can take up to 90 minutes.
If you are constantly running out of battery, consider purchasing a spare one to keep on the charger while you work. Then simply, swap the batteries when the first one runs low on power.
What is a battery level indicator on a cordless drill?
The battery level indicator on a cordless drill tells you how much battery power is remaining.
Not all cordless drills — especially the more inexpensive ones — will have a battery level indicator.
Without an indicator, the only way to tell when the battery is low, is when the drill start to slow down.
Cordless Drill: What is no-load speed?
Cordless drill speed is measured in rotations per minute, or RPM. One rotation is one complete turn of the chuck.
No-load speed is the number of RPM a cordless drill will reach when it is not driving screws or drilling holes.
The real speed will depend on how much resistance is encountered when drilling. For example, drilling through metal would give more resistance than drilling through wood. The increase in resistance causes the drill to slow down.
Cordless drill: What is the chuck?
A cordless drill chuck is the part of the drill which holds the drill or screwdriver bit.
Inside the chuck are 3 metal jaws that open to insert drill bits and close to lock them in place.
A keyless chuck is a type of cordless drill chuck which does not require a key to open and close the jaws.