How to convert a screwdriver to lithium-ion batteries

You can give your old screwdriver new life by converting it to run on lithium-ion batteries. Compared to the outdated nickel-cadmium batteries, lithium-ion batteries are lighter, more effective, and have a longer battery life. This easy improvement can improve your screwdriver’s performance and save you money.

Although the process may initially seem overwhelming, you can complete it on your own with the correct assistance. We’ll guide you through each step, from selecting the appropriate batteries to carrying out the required adjustments. You won’t need to be an expert do-it-yourselfer because the instructions are simple to understand.

It’s crucial to gather all required tools and materials before you start. Everything needed to complete the task quickly and smoothly will be on hand. In order to make sure you stay safe while working on this project, we’ll also include some safety advice.

Are you prepared to begin? Now let’s use lithium-ion technology to make your screwdriver a more potent and effective tool!

Screwdriver battery structure

A screwdriver is a multipurpose tool that can be used for work, home maintenance, furniture assembly, and repairs. There is no need for a connecting cable with a socket for the standalone device. Current models come with an impressive battery, which will cost the user nearly as much to replace as a brand-new tool.

The battery’s design, which consists of a plastic shell housing several power components, is universal. There are anywhere from a few to several dozen connected battery banks, depending on the model’s features. In this instance, the connection is made in series, ensuring memory access by forming a short circuit between the first and last links.

On professional devices, the voltage level varies from 9–18 V to 18–36 V. The battery life is directly correlated with this indicator.

Interesting. A thermal breaker and temperature sensor built into the block structure can shield the tool from overheating by shutting off the circuit.

Converting a 12/14 volt screwdriver to lithium batteries

The screwdriver battery will run out after a while and will need to be changed. You will now find it useful to know how to convert a screwdriver to lithium-ion batteries.

It only takes a basic understanding of repair and the acquisition of the required parts for the user to replace the batteries in a screwdriver with lithium 18650 batteries.

Crucial! In addition to having a high energy density per mass and a low level of self-discharge, the lithium-ion block is reasonably priced.

Batteries must be connected to the board in the following order: 0 V, 4.2 V, 8.4 V, 12.6 V, and 16.8 V. If you don’t, the device won’t function. Maintaining the same charge level is crucial.

You must choose the type of soldering in order to comprehend how to convert a 12-volt screwdriver to lithium-ion batteries. Since overheating is undesirable, spot welding is the best option. Soldering is also acceptable, though. It is advised to practice on extra batteries to prevent needless costs that result from careless work.

To determine the number of 18650 batteries required for a 12V screwdriver, utilize the following calculation scheme: 1 lithium for every 2 nickel; 5–7 = 2, 8–10 = 3, and 11–13 = 4.

Replacement highlights

When remaking batteries, being aware of the most crucial times will help you avoid mistakes:

• Using exclusively high-quality and original components.
• Replacement with lithium substitutes is made by calculating the number of batteries.
• The quantity is based on 3.7 V per element.
• The dimensions of the cans are different compared to Ni-Cd, which requires additional installation of charge and discharge controller cans.
• There is no need to rush to dispose of your original battery; diagnostics will determine whether it can be repaired.

A great way to increase a screwdriver’s lifespan and performance is to convert it to run on lithium-ion batteries. This easy upgrade is swapping out old, worn-out batteries for new lithium-ion ones, which are more reliable, lighter, and have a longer lifespan. A few simple tools and some knowledge are required, but with clear instructions, you can increase the effectiveness of your screwdriver and save costs.

Reasons not to upgrade

When a component malfunctions, the owner unintentionally questions whether repairs are required and wise. It is reasonable to caution about the following points because they could prove to be too much for the user to overcome:

• As mentioned above, due to the impossibility of increasing or decreasing the charge of lithium cells beyond the allocated limits (4.2V above and 2.7V below), the connection of a charge-discharge controller will be required.
• The cadmium analogue is in a lower price segment.
• Low temperatures can make lithium batteries unable to function properly. This makes it impossible to use the tool outdoors in winter.
• In some cases, it is not possible to convert the charger for cadmium variants to a new way. This will require purchasing a universal or special charger.
• The modernization carried out, especially after the introduction of a charge-discharge controller into the body, will make the tool inconvenient to use.

It is plausible that the arguments put forth could persuade the user to switch to lithium analogs.

Preparatory stage

Rushing will never produce the desired outcome. The preparatory step is where step-by-step instructions for changing batteries start.

The number of blocks used in the battery must be determined before you begin work, as this will have a big impact on the final voltage level. The selection of the appropriate lithium component is equally important. Particular consideration should be given to the discharge current and capacity indicator. Remember to keep the controller in mind.

The rated voltage and discharge current are compared with the part’s characteristics. In other words, a controller with the same voltage level is required to assemble 14V power supplies.

Features of choosing lithium batteries

The most recent is the lithium-ion generation. You should consider the following signs when selecting a battery:

• The number of available discharge and charging cycles (the latest models can be discharged to 600 times).
• Charging speed (maximum 2 hours).
• Price (no more than 50 % of the cost of a screwdriver).
• Feature of work at full power.
• Memory of charge level.
• Self -loading.
• Dimensions.
• Temperature drops resistance.

Dismantling of the battery body

With its two parts held together by glue and screws, the case can be independently disassembled by each user. After removing the screws, a thin object is used to disturb the glue layer, and glue is then poured around the entire perimeter.

Following the repair, the glue layer is updated and the screws are put back in their original positions.

Types of compounds of elements in battery

• Sequential connection – the positive pole is connected to the negative.
• Parallel connection – a positive pole is attached to a positive, negative to the negative.

It’s important to remember that soldering lithium batteries will render them unusable at high temperatures.

Soldering of power supplies

There are various ways to solder, but the most popular one is using a metal ribbon that can be taken out of the jar. Future contact locations are tinned on both sides using a heated soldering iron and a solder drop. Use the tape without causing severe overheating.

Soldering battery wires with module

The ends of the wire are cleaned and the surface treated with flux before soldering. To join the wire to the block’s contact area, utilize a traditional 25-watt soldering iron. Solder is made with a compound that melts slowly. Three seconds is how long the final melting should take.

Battery assembly

You can start assembling the battery after making sure each cell has the proper internal resistance. The gathered cells are arranged according to polarity in a bag. The packages are then connected, along with balancers and power wires.

Soldering and bolting are the two methods for connecting batteries. A dependable connection must be ensured when soldering a part, so if you are unsure of your ability, it is best to go with an alternate method and choose components meant to be assembled using bolts.

All the components are assembled into a pre-made box with a cable hole after the screed. Balancing and BMS fees are fixed. The holes are sealed following the power wire output.

Making the switch to lithium-ion batteries for your screwdriver could change everything. Compared to older battery types, it offers improved performance, a longer battery life, and faster charging times. Your tool may become more effective and user-friendly with this update, which will facilitate and enhance your do-it-yourself projects.

Make sure you have all the materials needed and are aware of the steps before beginning the conversion. It is important to prioritize safety, so make sure to take all necessary safety precautions. You can successfully upgrade to a more powerful screwdriver and reap the benefits with the right tools and a little perseverance.

The performance of your screwdriver will noticeably improve after you’ve made the switch. Because of the longevity and dependability of lithium-ion batteries, your tool will always be prepared for use. This easy upgrade will improve your overall experience with home repair and improvement while also prolonging the life of your screwdriver.

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