How to charge an electric screwdriver battery without a charger

How to charge the battery of an electric screwdriver

Recently, screwdrivers have become indispensable devices for quickly repairing removable structures, screwing in, unscrewing screws, working with a drill, grinding with a carpenter’s attachment and other small repair activities.

Why does the battery of the device run out quickly??

Since the electric screwdriver is not a stationary device and requires transfer from place to place, it cannot be connected to the mains at the time of operation and is charged mainly after use. In fact, it turns out that after each long-term use, the question arises: how to charge the battery of an electric screwdriver so that it does not fail in a matter of months, but lasts for many years. Correct fulfillment of the requirements for the duration of the charging-discharging cycles of the battery plays a paramount role in this.

Features of recharging an electric screwdriver under various environmental conditions

Despite the fact that each device has its own accompanying documentation and operating rules, they all have some general patterns of battery use:

The role of the individual characteristics of metals in the composition of the battery

The chemical composition of the battery is almost its main characteristic, which determines the type of charging. Basically, it depends on the metal used how to properly carry out the charge-discharge cycle so that the electric screwdriver will serve you faithfully for many years. Based on the properties of the ions of the substance used in the battery, several types of batteries are distinguished.

How to properly charge the battery of an electric screwdriver

Proper charging differs from device to device and depends on specific factors:

• residual amount of energy (for some models it is recommended to wait until full discharge or, conversely, not to bring it to the limit);
• the chemical composition of the battery, that is, the characteristics of certain metals included in it (metal ions are extremely sensitive to the effects of heat, and prolonged, uncontrolled effects of energy can adversely affect the properties of conductors / semiconductors, which will lead to a rapid failure of the battery);
• charger type (impulse / conventional).

Hydride batteries

Hydride batteries have little or no environmental impact, but have less ability to remain charged when idle. Their energy consumption can be significantly reduced in as little as 30 days.

In view of such technical characteristics, the masters advise to always put the device on charge before use, and if you are going to leave for work and take the device with you, then do not forget to take the charger. Metal hydride batteries won’t last long without a charger. Not only will you not be able to do the intended work, but you also run the risk of making it completely unusable.

Nickel batteries

Nickel batteries with an admixture of cadmium (Ni Cd). they hold a charge perfectly, they work for a long time, provided that consumers do not start uncontrollably charging the device at the slightest decrease in the energy level. The capacity of the battery will decrease and the unit will run for less time if charged frequently. It is better to wait until the battery is completely discharged and only then connect the charger.

You don’t have to worry about how to charge your electric screwdriver for a long time when you buy a low-weight, high-power Ni Cd battery. Many craftsmen prefer just such models of the instrument. Charge the device to the maximum maximum and work quietly until the energy mark drops to the minimum possible. In the case of nickel batteries, the principle of “two extremes” applies. Even after purchasing an electric screwdriver, it is recommended that you charge it fully before starting to use it. When the device will not be used for a long time, it is better to leave it in a half-charged state. In this case, after a long lull, you will first have to fully charge the battery and only then start working.

Universal chargers

The universal charger is ideal for recharging screwdrivers and other frequently used tools

The most common way to quickly recharge an electric screwdriver is by using a universal charger. Such devices are equipped with special step regulators, with which you can adjust the current and voltage at the output.

Also, many such memory devices are equipped with indicators to monitor the process. With their help, it is possible to understand how much the battery has managed to charge.

Additional Information! If the used model of the universal charger provides for the possibility of changing the type of battery, you must select the appropriate type. This will significantly speed up the process of recharging a dead electric screwdriver.

Using an external power source

Fuses. elements that are installed in each charger

Using this method assumes that the instrument will be connected to a charger or car battery using cables. In this case, the connected power source must fully comply with the optimal characteristics of the electric screwdriver motor. This will prevent your blog from overheating while recharging.

There must be a fuse in the power supply circuit, the rating of which depends on the operating voltage. For example, if the power is about two hundred watts, an 11 A fuse is installed in a circuit with a voltage of 18 V.

Using a car charger

Car charger. a device that can be used to charge tools

Some people try to use car chargers and plug in an electric screwdriver. However, you should not do this right away. The fact is that such chargers are designed to serve car batteries with a voltage of 12 volts. If you attach them to a screwdriver, the tool may break. Therefore, it is necessary in advance to make sure that the charging parameters meet all the requirements.

If the device has a stepless current regulator, with its help it is necessary to set the parameters that correspond to the standard unit. To reduce the load, you can use the ballast resistance.

There are situations when it is not possible to find out the exact information about the optimal parameters. In this case, it is necessary to set the current to 50% of the nominal values. The voltage level is then kept to a minimum. It is also necessary to determine the polarity of the battery. This can be done using a test device.

Additional Information! On average, charging a Li-ion battery takes about 3-4 hours.

Safety and Precautions

Before charging anything, you need to familiarize yourself with the safety precautions. This will help prevent possible problems that may arise while recharging the instrument’s battery.

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It is necessary to adhere to the following recommendations:

• The process must be constantly monitored. As soon as the battery charging is over, the procedure must be completely stopped. This is because lithium components can boil as a result of overfilling. Their temperature readings increase sharply, which can lead to an explosion.
• Make sure that all network elements are correctly connected. Pay particular attention to the polarity used and the specifications of the battery.
• If the characteristics of the modules differ from each other, the battery cannot be charged for too long.

Additional Information! The recharge time depends largely on the type of battery. On average, the procedure takes about 3-4 hours. However, some batteries can only be charged after 7 hours.

How to charge an electric screwdriver battery without a charger

It often happens that the native charger breaks down and they cannot recharge the electric screwdriver. In such situations, you have to use other methods of recharging the battery at home.

How long does it take to charge the battery of an electric screwdriver

Many are interested in how long it will take to recharge an electric screwdriver. The duration of this procedure largely depends on the type of charging used. For example, if the instrument is connected to an impulse device, the process takes only an hour. During this time, the electric screwdriver will be able to fully charge.

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Some people use conventional, non-pulse chargers. In such cases, the tool will take several times longer to charge. Recharging will end in 5-8 hours.

Additional Information! The duration of a full charge depends on the model of the electric screwdriver used.

Each such tool is sold with an instruction manual. Before you charge the battery of an electric screwdriver, you need to familiarize yourself with it. In the instructions, you can find out more accurate information about how long charging should take.

Methods for charging the battery of an electric screwdriver without chargers

an electric screwdriver is an indispensable tool that is often used in the household. It’s no secret that most of these devices operate on a battery that has to be recharged periodically. There are situations when the charger fails and because of this it is not possible to use the tool. However, if you know how to charge an electric screwdriver without a charger, even a broken charger will not interfere with the planned work.

electric screwdriver. a tool that is often used during repair or construction work

Via USB

Some types of screwdrivers are initially equipped with a USB input for recharging

If you urgently need to replenish the battery capacity, you can use an external charger that is connected via a USB port. It is necessary to use devices that are designed for a current of 5-7 A. However, before doing this, you must yourself equip the electric screwdriver with a USB connector. This is done as follows:

• Remove the battery and separate the body sections.
• Cut a special hole in the case for installing the USB port.
• Insert a 10 A fuse into the circuit that connects the USB connector and the standard charging controller. It is attached with hot melt glue.
• Carry out a test charge.

To get a full charge from the installed USB port, you will need to wait at least 12 hours.

Important! You only need to install USB into an electric screwdriver yourself if you have good knowledge in the field of electronics.

Universal chargers

Universal battery charging equipment supports step or stepless regulation of voltage and current in the output circuit. The unit is equipped with instruments and indicators to monitor the charging progress.

If the device has a battery type switch, select the appropriate value. It is recommended to use universal charging equipment for servicing worn out elements.

How to charge an electric screwdriver battery without a charger

There are 3 types of power sources used in the design of an electric tool:

• Nickel-cadmium elements, characterized by the ability to withstand high loads and operate at negative air temperatures.
• The batteries are distinguished by a pronounced memory effect and accelerated self-discharge. Before connecting the battery to the charging station, a complete discharge of the can is required.
• Short-term connection of the battery bank to a non-original charging unit is allowed.
• Nickel-metal hydride cells have a reduced memory effect and increased capacity. It is not recommended to connect batteries to non-original chargers.
• Lithium-ion power supplies that prevent deep discharge and overheating. For charging, special blocks with microprocessor control are used, which control the state of the elements. Do not use charging units from car batteries or other power sources.

Before connecting the external unit, it is necessary to find out the type, capacity and charging current of the power supply. The information is indicated on the manufacturer’s label located on the body of the battery can. If the sticker is lost, then you will need to open the casing and find out the operating parameters by marking on the elements.

Using a car charger

Using a charger designed to service a 12-volt car battery may permanently damage the power source for your power tool.

Before connecting the devices, it is necessary to bring the operating parameters of charging to the necessary requirements.

If the equipment is equipped with stepless voltage and current regulators, then it is required to set the parameters identical to the standard unit. Ballast resistance is used to reduce the current load (for example, a car side light bulb).

If information about the operating parameters of the standard charging is unknown, then for a 1.3 Ah nickel-cadmium battery, the charging current is set within 50-100% of the nominal capacity. The voltage is set to the minimum level. Then the polarity of the battery bank is determined (according to the factory marking), the location of the minus and plus, if necessary, is specified by the test device.

For measurements, it is necessary to drill the plastic casing of the can and install a sensor inside (for example, from a household test device). Depending on the current parameters, charging lasts from 30 minutes to 2 hours, when the threshold temperature is reached, the external unit turns off.

Via USB

To replenish the capacity, it is possible to connect an external charger via a self-installed USB port. It is recommended to use adapters designed for a current of 5-7 A. It is not recommended to use computers or laptops to supply current, since the increased current in the circuit overheats the controller and destroys the unit.

Algorithm for equipping the battery of an electric screwdriver with a USB connector:

• Dismantle the battery can, and then separate the sections of the case (the elements are held by screws and additional plastic clips).
• Cut a hole in the housing section to accommodate the USB connector. The port installation location should not interfere with the placement of the power source in the tool handle or in the standard charging station. The channel configuration depends on the appearance of the prepared plug. The block is installed in the resulting socket and fixed with a special hot melt glue.
• Place a 10 A fuse in the circuit connecting the standard charging controller and the USB connector. Hot glue is used to attach the protective element and wiring. The cables are connected by soldering with lead-tin solder, the fixing points are protected with insulating materials.
• Connect the body sections using standard screws. If a one-piece structure was cut, then the line of the joint is covered with a strip of cloth or masking tape coated with liquid epoxy. After the material has solidified, the surface is sanded and painted in the color of the battery can case.
• Conduct a test charge of the DC power supply. Since the voltage in the charging circuit is 5 V, it takes up to 6-8 hours to replenish the capacity for batteries with a capacity of 1-2 Ah.

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Safety and Precautions

Basic safety requirements when charging power sources for the instrument from non-standard charging blocks:

• The tool uses direct current to charge the batteries.
• The connection is made with cables with a protective insulator, it is necessary to provide for a reliable fixing of the electrical wiring on the contact plugs of the batteries.
• When the capacity of the elements is replenished, heating occurs, accompanied by the release of gases. Battery cells are equipped with emergency valves, but the leaked component is not suitable for further operation.
• It is recommended to carry out work in a ventilated area, eyes and hands are protected with personal protective equipment. If the case overheats, smoke or electrolyte traces appear on the can case, charging stops immediately. Reconnection is performed after finding out the causes of the malfunction.
• Connecting power adapters that are not designed to charge the battery of an electric screwdriver is a last resort. Due to the inconsistency in the current parameters, the circuit components operate with overload, which causes increased heating and fire. Continuous use of non-original charging blocks is not recommended.

Methods for charging an electric screwdriver without a charger

The cordless electric tool is equipped with a factory charger to replenish the battery capacity. If the unit is lost and broken, the owner has a question about how to charge an electric screwdriver without a charger. In addition to purchasing the original unit, there are several methods for recharging the power source from household or automotive equipment.

Using an external power source

The technique involves connecting the instrument to a car battery or charging station using cables. The voltage of the external power supply must match the parameters of the electric motor. When the tool is running, the load on the motor changes, which leads to a change in the current in the circuit. An external power supply unit must ensure the operability of the motor and not overheat during long-term operation.

A fuse is provided in the power supply circuit, the rating depends on the motor power and operating voltage. For example, when installing a 200 W motor and a voltage in the supply circuit of 18 V, you will need to install a fuse with a rating of at least 200/18 = 11 A. Using a fuse with oversized parameters leads to overheating and destruction of the motor windings. When manufacturing the connecting wiring, the current in the power circuit is taken into account.

The cables are equipped with a switchboard made independently or removed from a standard faulty battery bank. Provides for fixing the plug with adhesive tape. It is not recommended to glue the block, since it will be difficult to open parts.