Greetings everyone! This is my first post on this forum, and I have not been lurking up till now. This is the first I have ever logged on. I have a question which if it has been covered let me know and I will do a search.

I have a 12V Portercable cordless Drill that I believe its batteries have finally taken their last charge. Thing is, I doubt they have been recharged more than 1 or 200 times. They are about 3 years old and I use the drill about 5 or 6 hrs a month. My 9,6 Dewalt has been recharged about the same amount and is 7 years old and still takes as much of a charge as it did new. With batteries going for over $60 each, I am not opposed to buying a new drill in hopes that the batteries will last longer.  I really do not use the drill hard (under load) so I do not think over heating is a problem. I have read Richard Katz article in issue 104 and his more recent article on batteries from 126 I believe. Both articles are not that recent. Are there any new developments? Any recommendations for a good 12 or 14 volt drill? My main concern is not having to deal with this battery problem again. I know a couple hundred charges is not the norm, and perhaps I am way off on my estimate but I really doubt it. I am a plasterer so I really do not use the drill that often.

Thanks

Ron