Screwdrivers, like other cordless power tools , can work less and less efficiently on a single charge over time. The cause of the problem is usually the decreasing capacity of the battery. The battery naturally wears out. Its life can also be shortened by long periods of inactivity. If, despite a full charge, you notice a decrease in the efficiency of the screwdriver, it is probably time to replace the battery with a new one. This article will tell you which battery to choose for your screwdriver. In it, we focused on comparing popular Ni-Cd, Ni-MH and Li-Ion technologies.
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Which screwdriver battery is right - Li-Ion, Ni-MH or Ni-Cd?
Cordlessdrills and screwdrivers can use different types of cells. The most common types used in cordless power tools are:
- lithium-ion batteries (Li-Ion) – modern, popular due to their lightness, high capacity, increased service life and lack of memory effect, however, they are relatively expensive and sensitive to very low/high temperatures;
- nickel-cadmium batteries (Ni-Cd) – durable and resistant to low temperatures, but less ecological and having a memory effect;
- nickel-metal-hydride (Ni-MH) batteries - environmentally friendly, but more susceptible to discharge and having a shorter lifespan, lower capacity and memory effect, found mainly in older tools.
Regardless of your choice, always follow the battery manufacturer's instructions and ensure safe storage of your drill and battery.
What does it mean if a screwdriver battery has a memory effect?
The memory effect (memory effect) means the loss of energy capacity of the battery due to premature charging, i.e. connecting a not completely discharged battery to the charger. 
Due to frequent partial discharge, the battery remembers the energy requirement from the last charging process and only charges to the remembered level instead of to the original (full) capacity. This leads to a loss of energy capacity and, as a result, a reduced service life, the need for increasingly frequent charging and, ultimately, to the battery being unsuitable for further use. The memory effect occurs primarily in nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) and nickel-metal-hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. If your screwdriver has a battery with a memory effect, remember to completely discharge the power tool before recharging. Modern lithium-ion batteries, used by renowned power tool manufacturers, are devoid of the memory effect. They are therefore suitable for long-term use, which of course does not mean they are immortal.
How to choose a battery for a screwdriver? Other criteria
When choosing a battery for a screwdriver, in addition to the technology used, pay attention to two key parameters:
· rated voltage (V) - it must match the voltage of your screwdriver model (e.g. 18V, 20V, 36V);
· capacity (Ah) – this value indicates the amount of energy that can be stored, the higher the capacity, the longer the drill will work on a single charge.
To ensure that the battery is compatible with your drill, it is worth buying the same battery model or a battery with the same parameters as the one that was originally included with the device by the manufacturer. The model information should be on the rating sticker on the battery. Don't have an old battery anymore? You can easily find a compatible battery by the drill model. If you have any problems, ask the hardware store staff for help.
Many users wonder whether it is possible to use a larger battery in a drill than the one that was originally included. Understandably, after all, the more Ah, the longer the device will work on a single charge. As a rule, it is possible. It works the other way around as well. If you want to reduce the weight of the screwdriver, you can usually use a much lighter battery with a lower capacity.
When buying a battery for power tools, pay attention to quality. Opt for solutions from trusted manufacturers, famous for their reliable and durable products. A properly selected, high-quality battery can make your seemingly worn-out screwdriver instantly “come to life” and serve you perfectly for a very long time.
Don't wait until the old one is completely useless to buy a new battery. It's always a good idea to have a spare battery on hand so you don't have to stop the task at the least expected moment.
Are you looking for a durable and capacious battery for a screwdriver, drill or other cordless tool? Check out the offer of the online tool wholesaler Onninen.pl! We have prepared a wide range of batteries for power tools from renowned brands such as De Walt, Greenworks, Panasonic, Rems or Uponor. You will find both lithium-ion batteries and nickel-cadmium models. In case of problems with choosing a compatible battery, our technical and sales advisors will provide remote assistance. We also supply other accessories for power tools, such as chargers, bits, brushes, tips, milling cutters, stands, etc.