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Battery packs are made up of individual cells that are usually rechargeable. They can be wired in a series to provide increased output while maintaining the same capacity, or wired in parallel to increase capacity and maintain the same output. Battery packs are commonly used by remote control vehicle enthusiasts to power their model cars or airplanes. The output voltage of battery packs vary depending on the number and type of batteries used. Over time, battery cells deteriorate, but they don't all do it at the same time, and therefore it's cheaper to replace the damaged cells than replace the complete cordless drill batteries. Replacing cells in your battery pack is moderately easy. Charge your battery pack for an hour or more. Leave the battery pack unused for a few hours. This will allow the cells that need replacing to lose voltage while the good batteries will retain their charge. Open the cover or your battery pack. Some unclip, while others have small screw fittings. You will see the batteries connected in series. Label each battery numerically, then remove them from the pack. If your battery pack has six cells, label them one through six. You need to check each power tool battery for Dewalt to find out its voltage. Set your voltmeter to the output voltage of the individual battery cells. For example, NiMH battery cells have an output of 1.2 volts, while LiPo batteries have an output of 3.7 volts, when fully charged. Attach the red positive wire from your voltmeter to the positive terminal of battery cell labeled one. Connect the black negative wire from your voltmeter to the negative terminal of battery one. The positive terminal is on top of the battery the negative on the bottom. Check the voltage reading on the voltmeter and write it down. Repeat the process on the remaining batteries. Compare the reading from each battery cell. The readings should be similar, and, as you charged your battery pack prior to testing the cells, the readings should be close to each battery cells maximum voltage, if the battery cells are good. Remove and put to one side the batteries that have a voltage reading similar to the output voltage, printed on the side of the battery. These are good battery cells and can be re-used. Battery cells that have a low voltage need to be disposed of. Get new battery cells to replace the ones you have discarded. Do not label them. This means that when you need to check your battery pack again, you will be able to identify the older batteries as you labeled them earlier. Insert the batteries into the battery pack and close the cover. Put the pack on charge for a short while so the battery cells get the same charge and equal voltage. If you have a sealed tool battery pack for Paslode, its best not to break it open. Purchase a new one, ensuring it has a removable cover so you can change the individual cells when necessary.
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