Do you might have a Craftsman 20v battery that is not holding a cost in addition to it used to? Do not despair; you could possibly put it aside! With slightly care and a spotlight, you possibly can lengthen the lifetime of your battery and hold your instruments working robust. On this article, we’ll give you complete directions on how you can save a 20v Craftsman battery. We’ll cowl the whole lot from troubleshooting frequent issues to performing a full battery reconditioning. So whether or not your battery is barely sluggish or fully lifeless, learn on for all the data you should get it again up and working.
Some of the frequent causes for a Craftsman 20v battery to lose its cost is sulfation. Sulfation happens when lead sulfate crystals construct up on the battery’s plates. These crystals can block the movement of electrical energy, lowering the battery’s capability. To take away sulfation, you should utilize a battery desulfator. A battery desulfator is a tool that sends a high-frequency electrical pulse by means of the battery. This pulse helps to interrupt down the lead sulfate crystals and restore the battery’s capability. One other solution to take away sulfation is to carry out a battery reconditioning. A battery reconditioning is a strategy of charging and discharging the battery a number of instances. This course of helps to interrupt down the lead sulfate crystals and restore the battery’s capability.
In case your Craftsman 20v battery is totally lifeless, you could want to exchange the cells. Changing the cells is a comparatively easy course of, nevertheless it does require some fundamental soldering expertise. Upon getting changed the cells, your battery ought to be nearly as good as new. By following these easy steps, it can save you your Craftsman 20v battery and hold your instruments working robust. So do not hand over in your battery simply but; give it a attempt, and you could be shocked at how simple it’s to deliver it again to life.
Cleansing and Inspecting Contacts
Battery contacts can change into soiled or corroded over time, which may intrude with charging. To scrub the contacts, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Gently scrub the contacts till they’re clear and glossy.
Inspecting for Harm
As soon as the contacts are clear, examine them for any injury. Search for any cracks, breaks, or different injury that would forestall the battery from charging correctly. For those who discover any injury, you’ll need to exchange the battery.
Troubleshooting Charging Points
If you’re nonetheless having bother charging your Craftsman 20V battery, there are just a few different issues you possibly can attempt:
– Guarantee that the charger is plugged right into a working outlet.
– Strive utilizing a special charger.
– Examine the battery terminals to guarantee that they’re clear and freed from corrosion.
– You probably have tried all the above and you might be nonetheless having bother charging your battery, you could have to contact Craftsman customer support.
| Symptom | Attainable Trigger | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Battery won’t cost | Soiled or corroded contacts | Clear the contacts with rubbing alcohol. |
| Battery fees slowly | Weak charger | Strive utilizing a special charger. |
| Battery doesn’t maintain a cost | Broken battery | Exchange the battery. |
Deep Discharging for Prolonged Life
Leaving a battery in a discharged state can result in sulfation, a course of the place lead sulfate crystals kind on the battery’s plates, lowering its capability. To stop this, it is essential to keep away from deep discharging your Craftsman 20v battery. Goal to maintain the battery stage above 20% earlier than recharging.
For those who unintentionally deep discharge your battery, do not panic. There are steps you possibly can take to recuperate it:
1. Cost the Battery
Join the battery to a charger instantly to forestall additional sulfation.
2. Discharge the Battery
As soon as the battery is absolutely charged, discharge it to 10-20% of its capability. Use a lightweight load or a battery discharge software to steadily drain the battery.
3. Recharge the Battery
Recharge the battery to its full capability. This course of helps dissolve the lead sulfate crystals and restore the battery’s capability.
4. Repeat Steps 2-3
Repeat steps 2 and three just a few instances to totally desulfate the battery and lengthen its lifespan.
5. Upkeep
To stop deep discharge injury sooner or later, observe these upkeep suggestions:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Retailer Correctly | Retailer the battery in a cool, dry place with a average temperature vary. |
| Common Use | Commonly use the battery to maintain it energetic and stop sulfation. |
| Keep away from Overcharging | Unplug the charger as soon as the battery is absolutely charged to forestall overcharging. |
Avoiding Overcharging and Overdischarging
Overcharging and overdischarging can considerably scale back the lifespan of a 20v Craftsman battery. To keep away from these points, observe these pointers:
Overcharging
- Don’t go away the battery on the charger for prolonged durations after it’s absolutely charged.
- Use the unique Craftsman charger or a suitable charger designed for 20v Craftsman batteries.
- Keep away from charging the battery in excessive temperatures (under freezing or above 120°F).
Overdischarging
- Keep away from working the battery fully flat. When the battery is low, recharge it promptly.
- If the battery does change into overdischarged, let it cool for half-hour earlier than making an attempt to recharge it.
- Overdischarging can completely injury the battery cells, so it is very important monitor the battery stage and recharge it recurrently.
Storage
When storing a 20v Craftsman battery, take into account the next elements:
- Retailer the battery in a cool, dry place.
- Keep away from storing the battery in excessive temperatures (under freezing or above 120°F).
- Don’t retailer the battery for prolonged durations (over 3 months) with out charging it.
Following these pointers will assist lengthen the lifespan of your 20v Craftsman battery and guarantee optimum efficiency.
Correct Storage and Temperature Administration
Storage Atmosphere
Retailer batteries in a cool, dry place at a average temperature (ideally between 50-70°F). Keep away from excessive temperatures (under freezing or above 100°F) or environments with excessive humidity or direct daylight.
| Storage Temperature | Influence |
|---|---|
| Under freezing | Harm to battery cells |
| Above 100°F | Lowered battery life |
Prolonged Storage
For prolonged storage durations (over 3 months), partially discharge batteries to 40-60% capability earlier than storing. This minimizes self-discharge and extends battery life. Retailer batteries in a cool, dry surroundings with a temperature between 32-50°F.
Temperature Administration throughout Use and Charging
Don’t use or cost batteries when they’re extraordinarily scorching or chilly (under freezing or above 100°F). Utilizing batteries in excessive temperatures can injury cells and scale back battery life. Permit batteries to chill or heat to a average temperature earlier than use or charging
Recycling and Disposal Choices
What to Do with Previous Craftsman Batteries:
-
Recycle: Probably the most environmentally pleasant choice is to recycle previous Craftsman batteries. You may drop them off at most {hardware} shops or dwelling enchancment facilities that settle for batteries for recycling.
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Dispose: For those who can not recycle your batteries, get rid of them correctly. Place them in a sealed plastic bag or container and label them "hazardous waste." Don’t put them in your common trash can.
Native Recycling and Disposal Choices:
To search out recycling and disposal choices close to you, go to:
- Earth911: https://earth911.com/recycling-guide/how-to-recycle-batteries/
- Call2Recycle: https://www.call2recycle.org/locator/
8. Craftsman Battery Recycling Program:
Black & Decker, the mother or father firm of Craftsman, has a battery recycling program that accepts all Craftsman 20V batteries, no matter situation. To take part in this system:
- Go to the Black & Decker web site: https://www.blackanddecker.com/en-us/customer-service/battery-recycling
- Enter your ZIP code to discover a close by recycling location
- Carry your previous batteries to the recycling location and drop them off
The recycling program is free and open to the general public. By collaborating, you possibly can assist hold previous batteries out of landfills and stop them from harming the surroundings.
Different Disposal Concerns:
- Don’t: Incinerate or burn batteries. This may launch dangerous toxins.
- Don’t: Eliminate batteries in waterways or on the bottom. This may contaminate groundwater and soil.
- Don’t: Combine several types of batteries collectively. This may trigger a chemical response that may be hazardous.
Utilizing Battery Testers for Diagnostics
Battery testers are important instruments for diagnosing Craftsman 20v batteries. They supply fast and correct readings of the battery’s voltage, capability, and inside resistance.
Varieties of Battery Testers
There are two primary varieties of battery testers:
- Analog Testers: Use a needle to point the battery’s voltage.
- Digital Testers: Present a digital readout of the battery’s voltage, capability, and inside resistance.
Methods to Use a Battery Tester
To make use of a battery tester, observe these steps:
- Join the Tester: Join the tester to the battery’s terminals.
- Observe the Readings: Notice the tester’s readings for voltage, capability, and inside resistance.
- Interpret the Outcomes: Evaluate the readings to the producer’s specs to find out the battery’s situation.
Frequent Battery Tester Readings
| Studying | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Voltage | Signifies the battery’s cost stage. |
| Capability | Signifies the battery’s skill to carry a cost. |
| Inside Resistance | Signifies the resistance of the battery’s inside parts. |
Troubleshooting with Battery Testers
Battery testers might help troubleshoot frequent Craftsman 20v battery points:
- Low Voltage: Signifies the battery is discharged or has a defective cell.
- Low Capability: Signifies the battery has misplaced a few of its skill to carry a cost.
- Excessive Inside Resistance: Signifies the battery’s inside parts are degrading.
- Intermittent Readings: Signifies a free connection or a broken battery cell.
Methods to Save a 20V Craftsman Battery
20V Craftsman batteries are designed to final for a number of years, however even the perfect batteries finally begin to lose their capability. For those who discover that your Craftsman battery isn’t holding a cost in addition to it used to, there are some things you are able to do to attempt to revive it.
First, attempt cleansing the battery terminals. Over time, dust and particles can construct up on the terminals, which may forestall the battery from making an excellent reference to the software. To scrub the terminals, use a delicate brush or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. You’ll want to enable the terminals to dry fully earlier than reconnecting the battery.
If cleansing the terminals doesn’t remedy the issue, you possibly can attempt resetting the battery. To do that, take away the battery from the software and insert it right into a charger. As soon as the battery is absolutely charged, take away it from the charger and permit it to take a seat for a couple of minutes. Then, reinsert the battery into the software and check out utilizing it once more.
If neither of those strategies works, you could want to exchange the battery. Craftsman batteries can be found at most dwelling enchancment shops. When changing the battery, you’ll want to select one that’s the similar voltage and capability as the unique battery.
Folks Additionally Ask
How do I do know if my Craftsman battery is unhealthy?
There are just a few indicators that may point out that your Craftsman battery is unhealthy. These embrace:
- The battery doesn’t maintain a cost in addition to it used to
- The battery takes longer to cost
- The battery will get scorching when it’s being charged or used
- The battery leaks or bulges
For those who see any of those indicators, it is very important exchange the battery as quickly as attainable.
Can I recondition a Craftsman battery?
Sure, it’s attainable to recondition a Craftsman battery. Nonetheless, it is very important notice that this isn’t at all times profitable. To recondition a battery, you’ll need to make use of a battery reconditioner. These units can be found at most dwelling enchancment shops.
To recondition a battery, observe these steps:
- Join the battery to the battery reconditioner
- Set the reconditioner to the proper voltage and capability in your battery
- Begin the reconditioning course of
- The reconditioning course of can take a number of hours
- As soon as the method is full, take away the battery from the reconditioner and permit it to chill
