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Taking Care of Your Power Tools

It used to be that power tools were reserved for pros or big time do-it-yourselfers.  Today, even the occasional weekend warrior has some sort of power tool cache in the garage or tool shed.  It’s because power tools are easier to use, charge and handle than ever before.  But with SO many choices out there – how do you know what’s right for you?  And once you get them home, are there any special things you need to know to keep those tools “power performers” for their whole life span?  Here are some frequently asked questions and the answers from the experts at Ryobi tools. 

Q.  Is it ok to leave my battery on the charger?

In the past many chargers would create memory in the pack.  Meaning if you consistently put the battery back on the charger half full eventually the pack would believe that half full was the new full.  In Ryobi’s new chargers they don’t create a memory effect but as always depending on how often you use it we always recommend you leave off the charger during long periods on non-use.

Q.  What is the difference between Alkaline, Nicad, Lithium and Lithium-Ion batteries?

Alkaline is the least expensive but does allow recharging.  Nicad is the most readily available and will allow recharging.  Lithium is a powerful and lightweight but will not allow recharging.  Lithium-Ion is powerful, lightweight and will allow recharging.

Q.  How do I know if my battery can be recycled?

General rule of thumb, if you can recharge it then it’s recyclable.  Ryobi donates to the RBRC program which provides consumers drop stations throughout the US to recycle used batteries

Q.  We’ve been hearing a lot about lithium-Ion.  What exactly is it and how does it benefit consumers?

ithium-Ion is a chemistry that combines metals and when combined with ions you have a rechargeable battery cell.  Lithium-ion provides on avg. 2 the run-time at a significantly lower weight than traditional NiCad batteries.

Q.  What are the new exciting tools in Ryobi’s line-up that we can get this new battery technology?

We have three options for consumers to take advantage:

            -  4V Lithium Scredriver (Perfect for a kitchen drawer)
            -  12V Compact Lithium-Ion Drill kit)
            -  18V One+ Line-up (Battery Upgrade for current platform users and Drill & Combo Kits for new users)

 
 

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