![]() All C3 19.2-volt batteries with all types of C3 19.2-volt tools that were made previously. But that was annoying so I just have up and bought new packs.Fortunately, with the Craftsman C3 batteries, they ARE reverse compatible, working with both older and newer tools. It worked fine when I charged it off an external lithium ion charger. I tried replacing the cells, but it refused to charge. Its probably possible to figure out how to undo that, but the one I looked at had a microcontroller that had internal flash and the security bits set. Once the charger determines the battery is bad, the controller records that in nonvolatile memory and will henceforth refuse to take a charge. Some power tool batteries however have a built in smart controller. ![]() ![]() At that point you can charge it normally. Obviously, the way resurrecting a battery that's gone so low as to activate the cutoff circuit is to connect a charger directly to the cells and supply a small charging current until the cell comes up to a voltage above the cutoff. An appropriate fire extinguisher is a good idea too.Ī quick search turns up that they require a class B extinguisher. That way if it cools off a cell in the pack, I can put the lid on it and just let it burn itself out harmlessly. I like to put mine in a giant metal stock pot, preferably outside. But when you attempt to jump start a cell, make sure it's somewhere where it won't set your house on fire. I'm not waving my hands and screaming "OMG safety, don't do it" Far from it. At that point when you charge it it creates hydrogen and can explode. If the battery goes to far dead, the cell can reverse polarity. I don't know how long they'll hold up or if they'll stand up to an afternoon driving deck screws, but for $30 they brought a mothballed drill back to life.Ĭlick to expand.Lithium ion batteries have an internal disconnect circuit. They still run the drill fine, though I use it very little. They always test good and they always retain most of their charge, even though my visits are 1-2 months apart. I throw the batteries on the charger every time I visit (at least 3-4 times now). Both batteries arrived fully charged, both worked in the drill and the circular saw, and both of them tested OK on the charger. It was a last-ditch effort so that I wouldn't be tempted to buy a set of newer cordless tools to keep at their place. I bought the cheapest batteries that had decent reviews, knowing full well it would be a gamble. I went on Amazon and bought a pair of batteries for about $30. They're elderly and not very handy so the tools have hardly been touched, but the batteries were stone dead and wouldn't charge. They have an almost-new set of Craftsman 19.2V tools. and is full, so taking power tools would've meant a second bag and even more weight. I wanted to avoid lugging power tools on the off chance I'd need them- the tool bag I take when I visit already weighs 43 lbs. I have family out of town, and whenever I visit I end up doing repairs. Would definitely like to avoid replacing these tools. What are other people doing to keep their old Craftsman rechargeables in service? (I hear about adapters for other battery types. put it in the charger, watch it start charging, move on to other things, few days later it's flat-dead in the charger and reinserting gets you the "defective battery" blink.Īm I really that unlucky, or is this just the state of most/all cheap repro C3 batteries today? The second failed likewise after a month or so. Still, the first one failed to charge after a couple weeks/uses. So I bought a couple more aftermarket Li-Ion batteries, which by that time were all you could get (no more OEM ones that I could find). After that they would not charge, charger claimed they were defective. They worked great - until the first time they were exposed to winter (<50°) temperatures. So I bought a new charger, and a couple of aftermarket Li-Ion batteries. ![]() Two years back I finally exhausted the handful of Ni-Cad batteries I'd been using. Couple of drills, angle grinder, reciprocating saw, 1/2" impact wrench, etc., all in good shape. So I've got a pretty acceptable set of Craftsman 19.2 cordless power tools. Seeking the wisdom of those who've faced the C3 dilemma in past years.
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