Ryobi Batteries
If you own a Ryobi battery and charger, you should take the time to learn how to properly care for them. The Ryobi batteries are durable and have the ability to hold a charge for extended periods of time if maintained properly. These batteries cater to the needs of contractors, handymen and the do-it-yourselfers.
One of the advantages of these batteries is the ease at which they can be used from one tool to the next . Many of the rechargeable batteries are compatible with several power tools.
It is important to know that in caring for your Ryobi battery, you need to try to prevent "memory effect" by ensuring that you fully charge and then discharge every time. Memory effect occurs when you don't discharge your battery completely before recharging fully. This will cause your battery to not fully charge over time. You will see this often with NiCad and NiMH batteries. Li-Ion (lithium-ion) batteries are not supposed to get memory effect but it is still a good idea to discharge your battery completely before charging (if possible) with a Li-Ion battery as well.
Time Between Charges
It is difficult to say how long a battery should stay charged when in use. The reason for this is that not everyone uses their power tools for the same purpose or at the same speed. For instance, drilling into wood or drywall takes less power when compared to drilling into steel.
One useful formula to determine how long you can expect to hold the charge would be by dividing the number or amps into the amp hours which will give you the number of hours. Generally you can expect your batteries to last from 2 to 3 hours, if not longer, before they will need to be recharged.
Differences Between Battery Types
As mentioned above, Li-Ion (lithium-ion) batteries have less of a chance of developing memory effect then a NiMH or a NiCad battery does. The Li-Ion battery is superior in other ways as well. Typically, a Li-Ion powered battery will last longer on a charge. Lithium-Ion batteries have became more popular and is quickly becoming the new standard for powering portable devices.
Another advantage of the Li-Ion batteries is that it weighes 20 to 35 percent less then other battery types. Using a tool that is lighter, due to the battery, will be appreciated by many.
Li-Ion batteries also usually have gauges or a way of determining how much charge is left. These batteries are also some what environmentally friendly, unlike NiCad batteries, because of their cadmium content. The downside with Li-Ion batteries is that they usually don't handle the cold that well, like a NiCad battery will.
Getting The Most Out of Your Ryobi Battery
Your battery will last you much longer if you take the time to maintain it properly. We listed some useful tips to help you keep your battery in good shape:
- Keeping Your Ryobi Battery Clean - Make sure you clean your battery's contacts by wiping it regularly with cotton dipped in alcohol. It will ensure the links are in good working order.
- Use the Battery Often - You need to use the battery at least once over a two week period to keep it at its maximum power.
- Storage of Battery - When not in use, make sure you keep it in a dry, clean and cool area that is away from any heat.
- Completly drain the battery before recharging to prevent memory effect.
One thing to keep in mind is that batteries will not reach their full charge the first few times that are used. It may take serveral charging cycles (a charge followed by a complete discharge and recharge) before the battery will reach it's full capacity.
By carrying out maintenance regularly the Ryobi battery is sure to last you for many years still. You will also enjoy the cost savings of not having to replace your batteries very often if they stay properly maintained.
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