Are the 3.5 amp hour nimh panasonic 12 volt batteries the best battery in terms of weight, run time and battery charge cycles.
I just looked on Amazon to see what replacement batteries for panasonic cost and they have the 3.5 amp hour nimh batteries in a 2 pack for 89 dollars. They also have a “topcell” copy of the panasonic battery in a 12 volt 1.4 amp hour nicad for 14 dollars. Both have free shipping.
I am curious if any panasonic users or others knowledgeable about batteries would recommend the 3.5 amp nimh pack or the 1.4 amp hour nicad as the best value?
I understand that in theory the 3.5 amp hour pack should have more than double the run time of a 1.4 amp hour pack but I can’t really say that I have been convinced that the 3.5 amp hour batteries I have been using for the last year or two really seem to last twice as long as the old panasonic nicads.
I have never heard of topcell and can’t find any reviews of them. For 14 dollars I figure I should just give it a try.
FWIW,
I have a friend who is trying to sell me on the benefits of Ryobi Li ion tools. Three tool bodies, two batteries and a charger for $159 at Home Depot.
I looked at them and am not impressed by the weight and balance compared to the Panasonic 12 volt drills and impact drivers I have been using for the past 15 years. I have no shortage of tool bodies, I just seem to be wearing out batteries so I am inclined to buy some more batteries and keep on using what I have.
Replies
think of those amp hour ratings as the cranking power in yur car or truck....
lesser rated batteries work hader and have a lot less performance than higher output rated batteries...
WTB in this case ... you'll get what ya pay for...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
karl
On Lith batteries go to this thread.
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=112842.1
I have the 15 V panasonics and are batteries are getting old or lost.
4 drills and only about 6 batteries left.
Rich
I used to use a bunch of Panasonic tools. I thought the 3.5 amp hour batteries were much better than the old 2 amp hour.