Charging cordless power tools on the plot

[bikermike]

I have just invested in Li-Ion batteries and kit. With two batteries I can strim my entire plot and have some charge left for the drill.

(Mine are 18V, so a 12V charge supply wouldn't necessarily help).

I'll ask on another list, but
1) charging voltage isn't output voltage (it's something like 1/10th IIRC)
2) dumb chargers and modern batteries will lead to fires, so you'd need to have the proper charging circuitry.

[4Shoes]

Does seam you already have the most flexible solution, Panel, Battery, inverter, Charger. Agree it will not be the most efficient, but that said, not paying for the electricity, so can off-set that against the benefit of using any tool or borrowing a low powered "mains" tool.


Get a 12V bulb and socket and you'll also have light in the shed.

[bikermike]

LED, or you'll just have a glow-worm...

[4Shoes]

LED, or you'll just have a glow-worm...

Aye --- was thinking of a car bulb, but LED would be much better.

And that wee immersion unit that plugs into cigarette lighter to make your tea.

[Jay-ell]

What about a 12v water pump to empty your buts in the hot sunny weather and water the beds.

[bikermike]

got some replies from another place

> A friend of a friend was musing about this
> 1) does anyone make a 12v input charger for cordless tools

Something like this:-
https://www.ryobitools.com/power-too...ehicle-charger
(not sold in the UK, afaik).

> 2) how complex does a charging circuit need to be for a Li Ion battery, and
> is there any code/way of finding out what the different terminals on the
> battery needs?

For Ryobi one+ batteries, it looks like there is a charge controller
built into the battery. So you’d probably get away with constant
voltage supplied to the battery, as long as the voltage is high enough.

Another answer to q2

The chargers probably have switched mode power supplies in them so you
could pull one apart and see if its possible to figure out the supply
voltage on the low voltage side of the SMPS since you could power that
directly. Given the higher voltages on some power tool batteries I
suspect its higher than 12V though so you'd still need to boost the
voltage at which point an inverter becomes easiest.

the most skilled engineer I know offered
> 1) does anyone make a 12v input charger for cordless tools

The expedient solution:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/NPET-Invert.../dp/B0771KQYMY


Hope that is of use.

[Baldy]

Thanks Mike et al.

Some interesting stuff on resurrecting seemingly knackered/disharged li-ion batteries on t'interweb - better not put a link to them though...

I might hit a car boot sale or two this weekend

[DWSmith]

My cordless drill:

[Baldy]

^^^
The histroy of drills is quite an interesting thing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drill
My old dad's drill is apparently called a 'wheel brace' - yours is a 'breast drill'
Whenever I try to use the wheel brace I have to spend 20 minutes oiling and or whacking it to get it moving... possibly I should retire it to a drier environment at home rather than the allotment shed.

Perhaps the start of the 'North Devon Hand Tool Museum' - would be another reason to come to this gorgeous part of the world for a holiday

[veggiechicken]

I have my Dad's drill which is similar to DWS's. I'm not qualified to use anything electrical.

[burnie]

How about a windmill?
https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/wind...-wind-turbines

[Snoop Puss]

How many watts is your solar panel? How many watts is your inverter?

[ESBkevin]

I'm not enamoured with the idea of leaving rechargable tools on the plot. Inverters are renowned for slow charge rates so are unlikely to get you going enough to finish most jobs. I have some cheap tools hidden in the shed. pliers, spanner set, screwdrivers, hammer, saw, hacksaw. All nasty and cheap but I wouldn't cry too much if the walked and they are ready for most tasks I happen upon. Anything serious I plan then I take proper tools from home including power tools. If it's proper serious like erecting the shed and bolting to the concrete base, then the genny comes too.

[4Shoes]

What about a bike-powered generator?

How about a generator connected to the water tap? Use the mains pressure to generate power to top up your battery whilst watering your plants.