DIY & Home Improvement

HereSince1628

(36,063 posts) Fri Nov 22, 2013, 04:26 PM Nov 2013

A 12 volt NiCd battery on a drill, sizzled and then started smoking

it got --very-- hot to hold and I put it down on a gravel drive away from combustibles, expecting it to immolate.

It didn't over 20 minutes.

My question is about the root of the problem...is it more likely to be the battery proper or some problem in the drill?

I know there is no way to be sure... I'm looking for something of a probability.

The damned batteries are expensive and I'd hate to spend over $50 if there is a better than 50% chance the battery underwent suicide because of something about the drill.

7 replies

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A 12 volt NiCd battery on a drill, sizzled and then started smoking (Original Post) HereSince1628 Nov 2013 OP

Probably the battery intaglio Nov 2013 #1

Thanks. HereSince1628 Nov 2013 #2

I'd guess it's the battery Warpy Nov 2013 #3

Somehow I fing myself intimidated to do that... HereSince1628 Nov 2013 #4

If it's new, you'll void the warranty if they know you've had it apart Warpy Nov 2013 #5

It's over 6 months old. The original batteries that came with the drill lasted >8 years HereSince1628 Nov 2013 #6

Check the manufacturer's website Warpy Nov 2013 #7

intaglio

(8,170 posts)

1. Probably the battery

Reply to HereSince1628 (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 04:32 PM

Nov 2013

What you are describing is consistent with an internal battery short. It is possible for an external short to have a similar effect but usually that will also fry the control switch

HereSince1628

(36,063 posts)

2. Thanks.

Reply to intaglio (Reply #1)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 04:36 PM

Nov 2013

Warpy

(113,130 posts)

3. I'd guess it's the battery

Reply to HereSince1628 (Original post)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 04:39 PM

Nov 2013

If you can open it up, check it for corrosion.

HereSince1628

(36,063 posts)

4. Somehow I fing myself intimidated to do that...

Reply to Warpy (Reply #3)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 04:54 PM

Nov 2013

I know that's weird because the thing doesn't work and so is worthless.

I should be willing to just do that..

Warpy

(113,130 posts)

5. If it's new, you'll void the warranty if they know you've had it apart

Reply to HereSince1628 (Reply #4)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 04:57 PM

Nov 2013

but it would be interesting to find out what's going on.

In any case, take it back where you got it. It might be an isolated incident or it might be a general problem that should initiate a recall. It wouldn't be the first time a product got recalled over defective batteries.

HereSince1628

(36,063 posts)

6. It's over 6 months old. The original batteries that came with the drill lasted >8 years

Reply to Warpy (Reply #5)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 05:09 PM

Nov 2013

My guess is...this battery was MADE in _____________ (fill in a nation known for zero quality control in its factories).

I suppose taking apart the battery is less ri$ky than doing the same to the drill...

Warpy

(113,130 posts)

7. Check the manufacturer's website

Reply to HereSince1628 (Reply #6)

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 06:48 PM

Nov 2013

and see if they have some replacement batteries kicking around. If the insides of the case haven't been choked up with gunk leaking out of the battery, you could be golden for another 8 years.

8 years is pretty impressive.

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