5 Simple Steps to Save Your 20v Craftsman Battery

Do you have a Craftsman 20v battery that’s not holding a charge as well as it used to? Don’t despair; you may be able to save it! With a little care and attention, you can extend the life of your battery and keep your tools running strong. In this article, we’ll provide you with comprehensive instructions on how to save a 20v Craftsman battery. We’ll cover everything from troubleshooting common problems to performing a full battery reconditioning. So whether your battery is slightly sluggish or completely dead, read on for all the information you need to get it back up and running.

One of the most common reasons for a Craftsman 20v battery to lose its charge is sulfation. Sulfation occurs when lead sulfate crystals build up on the battery’s plates. These crystals can block the flow of electricity, reducing the battery’s capacity. To remove sulfation, you can use a battery desulfator. A battery desulfator is a device that sends a high-frequency electrical pulse through the battery. This pulse helps to break down the lead sulfate crystals and restore the battery’s capacity. Another way to remove sulfation is to perform a battery reconditioning. A battery reconditioning is a process of charging and discharging the battery several times. This process helps to break down the lead sulfate crystals and restore the battery’s capacity.

If your Craftsman 20v battery is completely dead, you may need to replace the cells. Replacing the cells is a relatively simple process, but it does require some basic soldering skills. Once you have replaced the cells, your battery should be as good as new. By following these simple steps, you can save your Craftsman 20v battery and keep your tools running strong. So don’t give up on your battery just yet; give it a try, and you may be surprised at how easy it is to bring it back to life.

Cleaning and Inspecting Contacts

Battery contacts can become dirty or corroded over time, which can interfere with charging. To clean the contacts, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Gently scrub the contacts until they are clean and shiny.

Inspecting for Damage

Once the contacts are clean, inspect them for any damage. Look for any cracks, breaks, or other damage that could prevent the battery from charging properly. If you find any damage, you will need to replace the battery.

Troubleshooting Charging Issues

If you are still having trouble charging your Craftsman 20V battery, there are a few other things you can try:

– Make sure that the charger is plugged into a working outlet.
– Try using a different charger.
– Check the battery terminals to make sure that they are clean and free of corrosion.
– If you have tried all of the above and you are still having trouble charging your battery, you may need to contact Craftsman customer service.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Solution
Battery will not charge	Dirty or corroded contacts	Clean the contacts with rubbing alcohol.
Battery charges slowly	Weak charger	Try using a different charger.
Battery does not hold a charge	Damaged battery	Replace the battery.

Deep Discharging for Extended Life

Leaving a battery in a discharged state can lead to sulfation, a process where lead sulfate crystals form on the battery’s plates, reducing its capacity. To prevent this, it’s crucial to avoid deep discharging your Craftsman 20v battery. Aim to keep the battery level above 20% before recharging.

If you accidentally deep discharge your battery, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to recover it:

1. Charge the Battery

Connect the battery to a charger immediately to prevent further sulfation.

2. Discharge the Battery

Once the battery is fully charged, discharge it to 10-20% of its capacity. Use a light load or a battery discharge tool to gradually drain the battery.

3. Recharge the Battery

Recharge the battery to its full capacity. This process helps dissolve the lead sulfate crystals and restore the battery’s capacity.

4. Repeat Steps 2-3

Repeat steps 2 and 3 a few times to fully desulfate the battery and extend its lifespan.

5. Maintenance

To prevent deep discharge damage in the future, follow these maintenance tips:

Tip	Description
Store Properly	Store the battery in a cool, dry place with a moderate temperature range.
Regular Use	Regularly use the battery to keep it active and prevent sulfation.
Avoid Overcharging	Unplug the charger once the battery is fully charged to prevent overcharging.

Avoiding Overcharging and Overdischarging

Overcharging and overdischarging can significantly reduce the lifespan of a 20v Craftsman battery. To avoid these issues, follow these guidelines:

Overcharging

Do not leave the battery on the charger for extended periods after it is fully charged.
Use the original Craftsman charger or a compatible charger designed for 20v Craftsman batteries.
Avoid charging the battery in extreme temperatures (below freezing or above 120°F).

Overdischarging

Avoid running the battery completely flat. When the battery is low, recharge it promptly.
If the battery does become overdischarged, let it cool for 30 minutes before attempting to recharge it.
Overdischarging can permanently damage the battery cells, so it is important to monitor the battery level and recharge it regularly.

Storage

When storing a 20v Craftsman battery, consider the following factors:

Store the battery in a cool, dry place.
Avoid storing the battery in extreme temperatures (below freezing or above 120°F).
Do not store the battery for extended periods (over 3 months) without charging it.

Following these guidelines will help extend the lifespan of your 20v Craftsman battery and ensure optimal performance.

Proper Storage and Temperature Management

Storage Environment

Store batteries in a cool, dry place at a moderate temperature (ideally between 50-70°F). Avoid extreme temperatures (below freezing or above 100°F) or environments with high humidity or direct sunlight.

Storage Temperature	Impact
Below freezing	Damage to battery cells
Above 100°F	Reduced battery life

Extended Storage

For extended storage periods (over 3 months), partially discharge batteries to 40-60% capacity before storing. This minimizes self-discharge and extends battery life. Store batteries in a cool, dry environment with a temperature between 32-50°F.

Temperature Management during Use and Charging

Do not use or charge batteries when they are extremely hot or cold (below freezing or above 100°F). Using batteries in extreme temperatures can damage cells and reduce battery life. Allow batteries to cool or warm to a moderate temperature before use or charging

Recycling and Disposal Options

What to Do with Old Craftsman Batteries:

Recycle: The most environmentally friendly option is to recycle old Craftsman batteries. You can drop them off at most hardware stores or home improvement centers that accept batteries for recycling.
Dispose: If you cannot recycle your batteries, dispose of them properly. Place them in a sealed plastic bag or container and label them "hazardous waste." Do not put them in your regular trash can.

Local Recycling and Disposal Options:

To find recycling and disposal options near you, visit:

Earth911: https://earth911.com/recycling-guide/how-to-recycle-batteries/
Call2Recycle: https://www.call2recycle.org/locator/

8. Craftsman Battery Recycling Program:

Black & Decker, the parent company of Craftsman, has a battery recycling program that accepts all Craftsman 20V batteries, regardless of condition. To participate in the program:

Visit the Black & Decker website: https://www.blackanddecker.com/en-us/customer-service/battery-recycling
Enter your ZIP code to find a nearby recycling location
Bring your old batteries to the recycling location and drop them off

The recycling program is free and open to the public. By participating, you can help keep old batteries out of landfills and prevent them from harming the environment.

Other Disposal Considerations:

Do not: Incinerate or burn batteries. This can release harmful toxins.
Do not: Dispose of batteries in waterways or on the ground. This can contaminate groundwater and soil.
Do not: Mix different types of batteries together. This can cause a chemical reaction that can be hazardous.

Using Battery Testers for Diagnostics

Battery testers are essential tools for diagnosing Craftsman 20v batteries. They provide quick and accurate readings of the battery’s voltage, capacity, and internal resistance.

Types of Battery Testers

There are two main types of battery testers:

Analog Testers: Use a needle to indicate the battery’s voltage.
Digital Testers: Provide a digital readout of the battery’s voltage, capacity, and internal resistance.

How to Use a Battery Tester

To use a battery tester, follow these steps:

Connect the Tester: Connect the tester to the battery’s terminals.
Observe the Readings: Note the tester’s readings for voltage, capacity, and internal resistance.
Interpret the Results: Compare the readings to the manufacturer’s specifications to determine the battery’s condition.

Common Battery Tester Readings

Reading	Interpretation
Voltage	Indicates the battery’s charge level.
Capacity	Indicates the battery’s ability to hold a charge.
Internal Resistance	Indicates the resistance of the battery’s internal components.

Troubleshooting with Battery Testers

Battery testers can help troubleshoot common Craftsman 20v battery issues:

Low Voltage: Indicates the battery is discharged or has a faulty cell.
Low Capacity: Indicates the battery has lost some of its ability to hold a charge.
High Internal Resistance: Indicates the battery’s internal components are degrading.
Intermittent Readings: Indicates a loose connection or a damaged battery cell.

How to Save a 20V Craftsman Battery

20V Craftsman batteries are designed to last for several years, but even the best batteries eventually start to lose their capacity. If you find that your Craftsman battery is not holding a charge as well as it used to, there are a few things you can do to try to revive it.

First, try cleaning the battery terminals. Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the terminals, which can prevent the battery from making a good connection with the tool. To clean the terminals, use a soft brush or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Be sure to allow the terminals to dry completely before reconnecting the battery.

If cleaning the terminals does not solve the problem, you can try resetting the battery. To do this, remove the battery from the tool and insert it into a charger. Once the battery is fully charged, remove it from the charger and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then, reinsert the battery into the tool and try using it again.

If neither of these methods works, you may need to replace the battery. Craftsman batteries are available at most home improvement stores. When replacing the battery, be sure to choose one that is the same voltage and capacity as the original battery.