cordless tool batteries... intercalate

[hubcapsc]

Over on PTGB's tool storage thread the idea of cold being bad
for lithium ion tool batteries was brought up, and it made me
google around for some new-to-me information...

Intercalate: insert (something) between layers in a crystal lattice, geological formation, or other structure.

I think the description of what goes on when a lion battery charges and discharges on this
link is real interesting... the interesting stuff starts at "Do not charge lithium ion batteries below 32°F/0°C"...
This is "just some guy posting on the Internet", but this "stackexchange" place often has
some pretty accurate stuff on it...

https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/263036/why-charging-li-ion-batteries-in-cold-temperatures-would-harm-them

-Mike

[Alpha Dog]

This sure got me wondering.  I have this EGO blower, very convenient and powerful at up to 530 cfm.  Last week used it to blow snow off vehicles and it discharged what seemed to be quicker.   Thought maybe that was due to the 0 degree weather.  I have since brought inside and read the manual, duh.

I have contemplated purchasing the EGO 21 inch snowblower that uses 2 56v batteries that reviews say works pretty good in most of the snowfall amounts we receive. It will shoot snow 35 feet.  Sure would be much easier to use then dragging the 24 inch Toro out.   Manual does say do not charge below 32.   I am just not sure if the technology is there yet before sinking 600 dollars.

[hubcapsc]

I've got the Ego chainsaw and Ego leaf blower.

The chainsaw is usable, and since it is electric, it turns on like magic 

The leaf blower... well... I've always just raked, but since it is here, I
blew leaves into piles with it before hauling them on a tarp off down
into the woods this year... I think it is very powerful...

I wish their batteries lasted longer, so I got one of the 5 ah batteries
(instead of 2 ah) recently... I haven't done any work with it yet, though...

For 15 years or more I've had a Red Max string trimmer, powerful and
starts easy even though it just sits around with bad gas in it most of the time.

Ego has a 56 volt string trimmer that takes the stout (.095) string... I'm
getting real curious about how it would perform.

I clear trails in the woods with the Red Max, you need to be wearing
overalls and eye-protection at the least, it is vicious...

-Mike

[Jess from VA]

Yep, I only used my Stihl weed whacker one time wearing short pants. 

It doesn't feel that good weed whacking your calf at high speed, even with long pants on.

My earlier comment on keeping batteries warm in winter (on hand tools and flashlights) was not specifically directed at ion batteries, just batteries in general. 

I murdered my old rechargeable Dewalt battery drill batteries by leaving them in the original case over the winter out in my shed.  And it turned out replacements cost more than a whole new ion battery drill. 

That Dewalt drill was like brand new, but I don't have any batteries for it anymore.

[Rams]

Pretty sure some folks will think this is a dumb idea but when my impact drill batteries finally went south, I was tired of having to upgrade due to battery issues.   So, I broke down the battery case on the drill, pulled the batteries out and solder a set of jumper cables to the battery leads.

The hammer drill now works off of any 12 volt battery I clamp onto.   It was an 18 volt impact drill, now it works off of what ever auto battery I clamp onto or to the Anderson plugs I have on the front and rear of both of my trucks.   Mostly use this for changing tires/wheels when I have a flat.   I also made up a 30 foot extension cord with Anderson plugs on each end so that I can use the same impact drill on my gooseneck tires/wheels.   Works for me and it was cheaper than buying new tools.  Yeah, I know, I'm a tight wad.  

[robin]

I've got the Ego chainsaw and Ego leaf blower.

The chainsaw is usable, and since it is electric, it turns on like magic 

The leaf blower... well... I've always just raked, but since it is here, I
blew leaves into piles with it before hauling them on a tarp off down
into the woods this year... I think it is very powerful...

I wish their batteries lasted longer, so I got one of the 5 ah batteries
(instead of 2 ah) recently... I haven't done any work with it yet, though...

If you use the chaps that are made to stop a chain saw if you come in contact with yourself they will not stop an electric chain saw!!!

For 15 years or more I've had a Red Max string trimmer, powerful and
starts easy even though it just sits around with bad gas in it most of the time.

Ego has a 56 volt string trimmer that takes the stout (.095) string... I'm
getting real curious about how it would perform.

I clear trails in the woods with the Red Max, you need to be wearing
overalls and eye-protection at the least, it is vicious...

-Mike

[hubcapsc]

The chainsaw is usable

If you use the chaps that are made to stop a chain saw if you come in contact with yourself they will not stop an electric chain saw!!!

How's that?

What I've found so far is that while this saw cuts trees down and bucks them up, it
is much easier to get it pinched to a stop than a decent gas saw. What would make
an electric chainsaw be more likely to cut through kevlar britches?

-Mike

[hubcapsc]

It doesn't feel that good weed whacking your calf at high speed, even with long pants on.

Down in the woods the business end of the Red Max is constantly spewing
out shrapnel, rocks and wood bits too...

-Mike