Recommendation? Help ! I have a bunch of old, but entirely functional , Hitachi 18V tools that need replacement post type batteries !

DocJD

DocJD

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There apparently are no brand name batteries of this post type made now . Planned obsolescence . :mad:

I have much newer 18V Makita tools and slide type batteries and could maybe use a an adapter / converter , if I could find one ?

I'd be willing to buy some replacement clone , but I don't want some worthless / dangerous junk . Burning our place down is not a cost savings ! :rolleyes:

Suggestions welcome ! :)
 
They may make adapters to different batteries IMG_7988.png

I don’t know what “post batteries” are but ebay seems to have just about every combination

I found ones to use my Milwaukee batteries on my obsolete Dewault tools.
 
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eveled said:
Bottom of the drillView attachment 2807477
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Yeah , that's the right combo .:cool:

I did look at the Ebay listing and it is a possibly .

I'm somewhat leery of 3D printed stuff . Had a bad experience with some pistol magazine extensions that came apart in use .

Much appreciated the resource in any case !

I hate to just throw away functional tools because of battery issues . Expensive and just seems wrong and wasteful .
 
What Hitachi models are they, and what type of battery? Li-ion, Ni-MH? When I search Amazon for Hitachi 18V battery, I see both post type and slide on batteries, and both Li-ion and Ni-MH types. And if you have a problem with them, Amazon is pretty good about returns, but check if the seller gives free return shipping or not. YMMV. A couple of years ago, the Nicad batteries in my old Dewalt 3 speed drill drivers died, and I got a pair of Ni-MH batteries on Amazon that fit, worked with the original charger, had higher Ah rating, for about $30-35 for the pair. Hardly ever use them these days, since I have a lot of Milwaukee M18 Fuel tools, but they still hold a charge, and I make sure to charge them up at least once a month.

One of my ex neighbors used to buy Harbor Freight drill/drivers on sale, and when the battery died, give the tool away, and just buy another on sale. He claimed the replacement batteries cost more than the new tool. That's crazy.
 
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A lot of battery packs can be rebuilt since they are almost all based on 18650s. It's tough to get them apart though. Since the pressures and mechanical stresses are lower, the 3d prints should last a decent length of time if the maker knows what they are doing. But battery adapter kits are becoming more and more common.
 
Hate saying it but I'd let it go. I tried for a while to keep an old Makita cordless drill around by buying "new old stock" batteries and they had set around so long that half of them wouldn't hole a charge for very long and the other half wouldn't take a charge at all. A buddy tried some trick of forcing a charge and that helped a little but not for very long.
 
DocJD said:
Yeah , that's the right combo .:cool:

I did look at the Ebay listing and it is a possibly .

I'm somewhat leery of 3D printed stuff . Had a bad experience with some pistol magazine extensions that came apart in use .

Much appreciated the resource in any case !

I hate to just throw away functional tools because of battery issues . Expensive and just seems wrong and wasteful .
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I hate discarding otherwise functional items too. One idea is finding an eBayer with 100% rating and return policy and discuss your concerns with him before possible purchase.

Batteries have that inherent problem with losing charge faster with age, etc., so this may not be feasible.
 
Maximumbob54 said:
Hate saying it but I'd let it go. I tried for a while to keep an old Makita cordless drill around by buying "new old stock" batteries and they had set around so long that half of them wouldn't hole a charge for very long and the other half wouldn't take a charge at all. A buddy tried some trick of forcing a charge and that helped a little but not for very long.
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I made the mistake of buying an iPod Nano , brand new sealed , but many years sitting inactive .

Dead as a doornail , but worked fine plugged in .

Tried to find a replacement battery , but was told by a repair tech that they all crap now , for that model .

Apparently those Li-ion batteries need to be "exercised " or they die . Just like us ! ;)
 
gadgetgeek said:
A lot of battery packs can be rebuilt since they are almost all based on 18650s. It's tough to get them apart though. Since the pressures and mechanical stresses are lower, the 3d prints should last a decent length of time if the maker knows what they are doing. But battery adapter kits are becoming more and more common.
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Li-ion batteries kinda scare me , honestly . Heard too many horror stories of flashlight mods blowing up ! :eek:

I know there are safe methods of working with them , but not something I'm comfortable trying myself .

But if someone rebuilt a battery , with top of the line 18650s , it could have impressive capacity , I bet ? :cool:
 
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