How to Fix a Ryobi 14.4 Battery
Ryobi specializes in affordable power tools purchased by homeowners and value-conscious contractors. A typical cordless battery pack used for powering Ryobi tools produces 14.4 volts and consists of 12 1.2 volt nickel metal hydrate (NiMH) or nickel cadmium (NiCad) rechargeable battery cells. Battery cells don't last forever; the battery life depends on how often the battery is charged and discharged. If you find your battery goes dead quickly after you've charged it, you need to get it fixed. Factory-made replacement packs often cost half as much as a new Ryobi tool, so the most cost-effective way is to fix it yourself.
Things You'll Need
- Twelve replacement 1.2 volt NiCad or NiMH battery cells
- Small Phillips screwdriver
- Soldering iron
- Solder
Instructions
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1
Remove the 14.4 volt battery pack from the Ryobi power tool. Look for several small Phillip screws. Remove all the screws using a Phillips screwdriver and put them in a safe place. There are 12 battery cells wired in series, a setup that combines the voltage from each cell.
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2
Remove each battery cell using a small flat-head screwdriver to pry them out. If the battery cells are soldered, heat a soldering iron and touch each terminal until the solder melts and quickly remove the cells. Make a note of how the cells were positioned in the battery pack on a sheet of paper. Turn off the soldering iron.
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3
Insert replacement cells in the battery pack. Ensure you purchase the same type of cell as the original. They are either NiCad or NiMH 1.2 volt cells and can be purchased at an electrical supply store. Replace the cells in their original places (refer to your diagram). If you pried the cells out, simple push them in. If you used a soldering iron, heat the soldering iron, insert each battery then carefully touch each terminal using the soldering iron and introduce solder. Allow a little to melt then remove the soldering and solder. Once all the cells are soldered in place, turn off your soldering iron.
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4
Let the battery cool if you used a soldering iron. Replace the plastic cover and use a small Phillips screwdriver to screw the screws tight.
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Tips & Warnings
Some Ryobi battery packs are sealed units. It's best not to try to open these kind, as you will damage the pack. Purchase a replacement, but ensure it has screws so you can replace the battery cells if you need to.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
