I got two drills from an estate plus a saw , Dewalt 14.4, with six batteries and two chargers. One drill sparks so it is not worth any effort.

One battery seems fine and one I would say a step below that. No others want to give a good spin to the drills.

 

Looked at replacement costs and thinking NiMH but what I read said that using NiCad charger for those will cause battery failure. Question is has anyone tried this? By the way ain't no cheap batteries out there , but cheaper to buy new on Amazon than rebuilt.

Why not just rebuild the batteries?

Nicad chargers will charge too fast. Nimh batteries need to “trickle” charge 

I did for some years. It's generally described as not being good, they are a mismatch for a few different reasons...but I bought replacement NiMh batteries for my (now gone) Dewalt drill and used them for about 2 years before I dropped the drill from a ladder destroying it. I listed the batteries on Woodnet free for the postage and gave them away. Anyway, they did just fine in light DIY use.

I think the best thing for me to do when the two good brands I have used for a long time went south it was time for me to go light weight next time. They were so heavy which was both 20 volt monsters, I decided I would not be building decks or anything that required heavy duty like that anymore I decided to go back to  12 volt models that only weights 2.25 lbs, each including the battery. 

 I knew I was taking a chance because they are Harbor Freight brand but very light to handle and just 12 volts.  And since they only come with one battery I bought 3 drills with batteries at 19.95 each which came to 59.85 plus tax.

We keep one in the house and the other two in the shop.

  From the things I post all the time I know I use my tools as much as any one.

This is not for every one out there to rush out and buy what I did only saying I am very pleased with the drills.

  I have been down that road of buying used good brands but was sorry of it more than being happy.

Edited August 29, 20223 yr by Smallpatch

Nothing wrong with that Jess, and I would certainly agree that you use your drills as much as or maybe even more than most of us.  I bought one of these for our daughter for Christmas last year.  My go-to drill is a 12 volt Milwaukee M12.  I got it several years ago and use it most of the time.  I also have several other M12 tools (including a heated jacket) that all use the same batteries, very convenient.

Just wondering does the converter NiCad to lithium work with a bosch 14.4 lithium? if so these converters could work for lots of tools but maybe be a little cumbersome.

 

 

https://electronicguidebook.com/can-you-charge-a-lithium-ion-battery-with-a-nicad-charger/

 

https://www.ryobitools.com/support/faqs/general