Probably made 12-15 of these for mechanic buddies.  More than paid for my originals. 

10 hours ago, Woodbutcherbynight said:

, they expect the rechargeable batteries to last at least 1,000 cycles. 

 

 

I bought my ryobi 6-pak charger in Sept 2011 (wow, they keep all your data, don't they?!), so my (6) 18v (3 bigs, 3 smalls) have been "topping off" for 8 years now.  I get as many minutes blowing off the yard as before (closest I can measure charge state), so I suspect the old rules of thumb might not hold with newer tech.  I'll check back in 2027 and let you know.

I'm pretty sure mine sitting on trickle  each time I powered the shop up whether I was woodworking or not eventually killed mine. 4 batteries pretty much gone..I believe all were glued packs were you can get screwed packs with access these days. Something to look at if you like fixing your own..

12 hours ago, Woodbutcherbynight said:

Something I picked up from a Streamlight Rep, they expect the rechargeable batteries to last at least 1,000 cycles.  So get this revelation, everytime you put your flashlight in the charger, that is a cycle.  So if it is not dead, and you just want it topped off you cost yourself a cycle.  365 days a year adds up quick to 1,000 cycles.  Now they have gotten reasonable with the battery cost, now $20 but the flashlight ain't cheap. Off a tool truck, expect $200 min, online $130 ish.  

 

My solution to increase battery life was twofold.  I made  a charging station with a timer, you set the timer for say 2 hours and then the outlet cuts off, no topping off if the charger has no power.  Second thing I did was take a old unit and get a fresh battery.  Now I always have a spare full charged battery and still get he break on the number of cycles.  Did the same at home.  Limit the charger to topping off and just grab it and go.  BUT no matter what a extra battery is still a must.  

 

Here is setup I use.  I have been getting about 7 years on a Streamlight battery, have yet to have a Milwaukee M12 fail, or the DeWalt either.

 

 

 

 

Very nice setup. I usually just unplug them when I leave the shop. Where did you get the box and timer?