Milwaukee 48-11-2230 18-Volt 2.4 Amp Hour NiCad Slide Style Battery

Comment: My second set of batteries are showing signs that the end is near. I purchased this replacement set over 5 years ago, the first set died after 4 years of hard use in construction. Most of the use is on the 18v Hammer-drill. I've run this drill hard and now expect 4-6 years from a set of batteries. So, the choice is another set of 2 batteries at $75 each or move on up to a new Milwaukee, hmmm ... I will try the 9 volt battery trick to try and save these batteries.

Update: I decided to try an salvage the batteries and started by running the batteries dead on the flashlight, it was part of the combo package, overnight. Used a 9 volt battery as has been recommended for 30 seconds then charged the battery the next morning and was surprised when the drill was once again going at full speed. As the batteries were dying, the drill no longer operates at full speed and then it won't even turn on, but the flashlight continued to work for 3-4 hours.

So, I don't have to buy new batteries. I'll update if they crash. From my experience, it seems that battery life is extended if they are used often.

Comment: its a good battery but not as good as others, that being said the drill is great the weak part is the battery,i own 6 other cordless best tool but low end battery

Comment: The 9-volt battery jump-start worked on my Milwaukee NiCad battery like a champion. This little trick saved me the expense of a new battery and it is wonderful. I had two batteries that came with the original purchase and have purchased two more since I have owned the Drill Driver. I am a thrifty type Yankee so I never throw any thing away until I am convinced that all hope is gone. So now, thanks to DB I'll have 4! Functional batteries! Almost better than Christmas, its tax free and legal to boot.

Actually, I was planning to make a drawing and submit it to Digi-Key to have some cells configured for the battery casings as replacements but now I can procrastinate a little longer. Has anyone gone to the trouble to do this him or herself? I see some web sites that do exchanges but was put off by the shipping expense.
I'm not an EE so I'm wondering why not just go all the way and do it with lithium-Ion cells using the same charger. Any comments on that

Comment: The 18v NiCad was the worst of all. After it stopped getting charged, opened it, the cells had leaked and the terminals rusted. No hope of bringing it back. I am in the market for a new 18v cordless but no brand has impressed me yet. The three drills(two 14.4v and one 18v- almost new as the two batteries died in about one year after I purchased them) have been great but no batteries, the worst in the world. Bye Bye Milwaukee!!

Comment: Non Li-io batt. . fits the bill for my 18v at a much lower cost . Good buy, Good bye