Got a few that are probably 20 years old.
The batteries are long dead, and probably not worth replacing.
So, I guess it is best just to throw the whole works out?

Most of mine are DeWalt 18V. They need new batteries and I am thinking this is the answer:

18V to 20V Adapter - DCA1820 | DEWALT

I do not see a point in replacing the old style 18V.

Chubbs

Check your County website. There is usually a transfer center where they accept old power tools.
Geoff
Who visits his several times a year.

I found a young guy that was just starting out with a home and family and gave a bunch of stuff to him.
For the cost of a couple batteries, he has a set of decent, serviceable tools.

FWIW, the batteries can usually be rebuilt for less than the cost of buying new ones.

I replaced mine with corded tools, after the first ones died. I'm not going to be so far from an outlet that the convenience is worth the cost and aggravation of batteries.

The county recycle centers take the batteries.

If batteries are available, might be better to simply replace the battery. HOWEVER, a few months ago, I needed to replace an 18-volt Dewalt battery that would no longer accept a charge. Home Depot wanted $85.00 for the battery. For $99.00 at the same store, I got a battery, charger, power tool (drill) and a nifty carry bag.

I HAD the DeWalt 18v 4 pack in the huge suite-case the batteries were getting old and at $79 each (or 2 for $89 on sale). I bought a 6 pack of Ryobi 18v tools. I gave the DeWalt tools to my youngest son, who already had some 18v DeWalts. He found a source for brand new DeWalt batteries on the East Coast for $30 each and bought 6, so he was set for about 4 years, sold off the DeWalt stuff and went to a different system.

Ivan

The batteries usually cost enough that I just replace the tool when I find them on sale. The newer generation tools are usually much better. I need to check out the rebuilt option.

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Hue 68 noli me tangere

I had an old, fairly cheap 12v drill that needed new batteries that I didn't want to have to buy for a secondary tool. I took one of the batts apart, hooked up the contact leads to some heavy gauge wire and a cigarette lighter plug, then used it with my jump box. Ran like a champ, still portable if not completely hand-held, and the battery lasted for a looong time.

Also, you might want to take a peek inside the battery case. I had an instance with a big-name brand where the problem was broken soldered attachments inside the case, on both batteries. Fixed that, and they worked fine.

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TEAM DNF

Depending on the tool... replace the battery.

My 9.6v DeWalt drill is a keeper. It's the perfect size plus it's got close to 20 years of paint and stains, scrapes and scratches and blood history recorded on it. That and utility step ladder... never let go.

Limited application and about $110 for a battery and the needed charger.
Do a search for knock offs or just get the guts. Easy to replace.

Being a maple syrup producer I use loads of cordless tools. I replace the batteries when they'll no longer take or hold a charge. Most are DeWalt, but I have 3-4 other brands. I think I get more for my buck buying aftermarket batteries in the largest AH size offered.
My wife has done well buying yard sale tools for me too. Once she bought a whole set of tools, Ryobe (2 18V drills, 2 18V circular saws, a cordless light, a cordless miter saw and a cordless reciprocating saw). I bought a charger and 2 high AH replacement batteries. I've used them plenty over the past 12-14 years. Recently she picked up a 14.4V drill, impact 1/4" driver, a carry bag, 2 chargers , one good battery and 3-4 no good batteries. All DeWalt, since I had all 18V and 20V DeWalt, I ordered 2 high AH batteries, aftermarket, both tools work fine. On 18V DeWalt batteries I used to buy the twin pack DeWalt batteries from Lowes when they put them on sale. I've pd as little as $79 less 5% for 2, normally $89 for one.
The only time I get rid of a cordless tool is when it no longer works with a good battery in it.
I likely have 25+ cordless tools and they all get used regularly. The main thing is to keep the NiCad batteries charged, draw them down to zero then recharge, on the few lithiums I have, charge them anytime and keep them full.

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Certified NRA rifle instructor

If that was a gun it would be signs of honest use or patina
I've never had good luck with the DeWalt -finally got a 12V Rockwell with which I am well pleased. Anything that needs more power I go with a corded drill.

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Forum consigliere

Try an Interstate Battery store if you have one near. I have had batteries rebuilt many times. Sometimes at less than half the regular replacement cost.

Get There - Interstate Batteries

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SWCA #2306
DAV in honor of POP

You could see if a high school or vo-tech ed center could use them

But where is the original box, charger and papers??

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Still Running Against the Wind

When I determined I was going to buy new because cost of new was about the cost of buying replacement batteries, I found a guy on craigslist who wanted it.

I've been happily surprised at the enterprising folks I've found on craigslist willing to take stuff so they can improve their lives:
* Young couple upgrading their house - they took some sinks we were getting rid of.
* Family taking our basement carpeting we'd pulled out so they could put it in their unfinished basement for his brother and family to live on for a while while they got back on their feet.
* Husband/wife outfitting their trailer with furniture because they couldn't afford much.

The skeptics might say we were being given lines/stories that sounded good - and maybe that's true. But they had put in the effort to come over and get the stuff (and not stand on a street corner flying a sign).

I have a power tool kit, with drill, circular saw,saber saw, light, vacuum etc. The batteries died. I found some no name ones on Amazon for not a lot of money compared to name brand or having them rebuilt. It was worth it. They are all made in China anyway.

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Still Running Against the Wind

I'm dreading the day I have to replace the batteries. So far so good. Chain saw, circular saw, weed eater, blower, drill, driver they are all still working.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

I've seen "pistols" like that on GoinBroker listed as NIB!!

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PTLAPTA!

I had a battery powered drill that got recalled for possible fire hazard. Instead of getting a replacement drill I got my money back for it. I really don't like battery powered tools because I go so long between uses that the battery never fail to be dead.
I still have a battery powered weed eater that IMO is one step above being junk. Good thing it came with two batteries because one can't finish doing around my house before it is so slow it just bends the grass over instead of cutting it. Same thing with the batteries always being dead when I want to use it and they take over 4 hours to charge.

I have a Dewalt 18v six tool set that I bought in 2001 and everything except the sawzall is still going strong. Sawzall still works, but the handle broke and now it's a two man tool. My company replaces batteries as needed and also bought me a new sawzall ($79 on Amazon). I've added an angle grinder and impact (1/4" and 1/2") from eBay over the years. I use all of them on a regular basis. My 9.6v Makita set I bought back in the '80s sat in a box in my garage until I gifted them to a favorite apprentice about 10 years ago.

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

tlawler, There's a Dewalt repair center near you. somewhere. Tampa or Naples?

My neighbor works in the Davie/Broward shop and goes over there sometimes to fill in.

I tried to call him but he ain't answering.

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Dum vivo cano

All of mine are piled on bench in garage. I am hoping they all will fix them selves.

Replacement batts are expensive enough to justify buying new stuff. I have a nice dewalt drill that I thought was worth replacing the battery, once. Next time it's off to the tool section at Lowe's.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

You can find just about any battery on Amazon, even discontinued ones.

NO MORE Cordless Tools for me! Sold them ALL years ago (8 or 9 of them) and purchased Milwaukee, DeWalt and Porter-Cable CORDED Tools as their replacements. Almost ALL of the ones I bought were made in the USA as I spent months and months looking around the Country (online) for New Old Stock Tools of the model and Brand I wanted. Not easy these days, but I got what I wanted and never have to deal with dead batteries, their ridiculously high replacement costs and constant recharging. To me running an extension cord when ever I need one is certainly NOT a big deal! Since I have outlets all over including the back yard, front yard, Garage etc. I never need more than a 10 foot cord.

I sold the Cordless Tools as one lot on ebay. I think I got a few hundred dollars for all of them but I was honest and told the buyer that most of the batteries were over the hill and would need replacing. He told me his workers drop new tools so while he has new batteries, he was interested mainly in the tools themselves. Great for both of us and I will NEVER by another Cordless Tool.

Being in the business, cordless tools are great. Running around someones house or up on their roof with 5 miles of extension cords is for the birds. Keep the batteries charged and they will last a long time. On sale you can usually find decent 2 for deals.

I still have some old 9.6 volt Makita drills and screw guns that were replaced by 18 volt DeWalt.

In answer to the OP's question, many of the big box stores around here, HD, Lowe's etc., have bins when you come in the door where you can drop off old dead tool batteries so that they can be disposed of properly. Our local dump/transfer station also takes them in free of charge.

Like anything electronic, what you buy today will be obsolete by next month. DeWalt now has their 20 volt lineup but as long as my 18 volt tools continue to work, I will stick with them. I have used the cordless DeWalt impact gun to drive in lag screws for decks and it drives harder than the air gun attached to my compressor. Probably the best cordless tool in my arsenal.

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James Redfield
LM #497

Buy a table at the next gun show and sell them.

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That's gonna leave a mark.

I thought that way with my weedeater. Replacement betteries are ~$40/each X2 - $80 + tax. New 56V weedeater wasn't too badly priced UNTIL I saw what a second battery costs - $100..............

I'll hold off as long as I can.

The DeWalt tools look like a bargain, drill charger, and 2 new batteries, for just a little more than the replacement batteries. What they don't tell you is the batteries that come in the set are not the same as the replacement batteries. Mine are 18 volt, the all black batteries that come in th sets are junk. The yellow and black batteries are a lot better.

The other thing when you buy a set with multiple tools, the quality of each tool is not the same as buying the tools separate.

The 1/2" hammer drill from the set has a plastic Chuck, buy the drill alone it has a metal Chuck and feels more sturdy.

I had no complaints with the DeWalt, tools, but recently switched to Milwaukee for my work tools. They have much better trade specific tools.

The DeWalt can stay in the cellar and barn.

Goodwill may be able to repair and you get tax deduction.

What he said.
I've got nearly 20 years on this Black and Decker.


It's gotten a coupla new batteries over the years.

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Keep on Chooglin'

I use battery tools every day. I had Mikita, Porter Cable, Sears
Milwaukee and Dewalt. About 10 years ago I decided to go all
Dewalt to keep batteries standard. Got long life out of batteries
because I drained the ones I used with tail lite bulb rig. Don't let
anyone tell you they don't have memory. I always have 2 drills
the same. When my 18v nickel cad Dewalts needed new batteries
I was going to pick up a 2pk, $119.95 at Lowes. Right next to them was 20v Lithium Dewalts, 2 batteries, charger, case for
$99. No brainer, I bought 2. Also think if I really need battery tool
if not I buy the 110v corded Dewalt. I have milk cartons full of
good tools with no batteries, anyone who wants them are welcome to them. Most of the time a new outfit on sale will cost
less than new batteries. I have never had a tool go bad, just the
batteries. I do have a couple rigged to run off lighter plug, they
are Mikita 9/12v guns.

DeWalt usually has a tool trade in deal a couple times a year where they will give you like 100 bucks for credit towards certain new tools. I have a ton of old drill motors, etc. that I trade in for new. If the tools are still relatively current I will just have them repaired. DeWalt is pretty good on warranty work and generous on their trade in program. That is all we use anymore.

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paws for friendship

If there is an organization called "Makers Space", near you, donate the tools the them. They are a group of people who like to build things and offer help and assistance to those who have little/no knowledge of tools. Great place to go and meet fellow "makers."

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Bill

Cordless tools are great IF:

1) You have a business that requires work areas that do not have close by outlets, are on the roof a lot, in space restricted areas that a cord would interfere with etc.

2) You routinely use them on a daily basis so the batteries get cycled properly.

3) You work in areas in the woods, remote areas etc. with no power at all.

They are NO good (IMO) IF:

1) You do not use them on a daily basis.

2) You use them in a work shop with outlets all over the place.

3) They are not cycled properly and only get partially drained - then sit in the charging station regularly.

To each his own. I DID the Cordless thing for 25 years and went back to the cords simply because it made sense for my usages. YMMV

I am surprised to not see this mentioned...maybe they don't do it anymore. Several years ago I bought an 18V Ridgid drill and circular saw from Home Depot...for the specific reason that they guaranteed the batteries for life. Yes...the batteries. Sure enough, the first set was junk...and was replaced without issue. Years later I am still on the replacements. Both good tools.

Probably 90% of the cursing I've done in my life involved a cord or water hose.... so if it can be done cordless I'm all for it.

That said, I do have corded tools. I've had this Craftsman drill since I was a little kid. It's got to be 50 years old. Yup, good ole' Sears Made in USA. Works good as new. I can still remember putting my initials on it. Talk about patina...

"I can still remember putting my initials on it."

Your real name is peanut butter? WOW!

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!