Thread: Which Battery

Some things that I see.

Battery chemistry choice is generally limited, the Ryobi one plus is the only system I know of that offers interchangability between both current chemistries (Lithium and Nicad/NIMH). I suspect that budget will affect chemistry choice, which will largely determine battery style.

Cassette batteries have one or two batteries in the 'probe' that connects them to the tool or charger. These batteries would most likely run hotter during operation and charging than the other batteries in the pack, and hence fail earlier reducing pack life.

Having a couple of batteries in the probe would raise the COG of the battery pack improving tool balance, but Lithium batteries (generally slide on) are lighter and the tools generally better balanced than an equivalent Nickel pack system.

Originally Posted by malb

Battery chemistry choice is generally limited, the Ryobi one plus is the only system I know of that offers interchangability between both current chemistries (Lithium and Nicad/NIMH).

The new Festools are backward compatible as well, they just cost 3 times as much

l'm l00king for something inbetween Ryobi & Festools
Are there any pros & cons between cass & slid on in relation to strenth of attachment.....
l am a bit butter fingered at times

With slide on batteries the battery contacts get cleaned every time the battery slides on and off.

I have had a few different cassette units and a Mak slide on Lithium gear, plus used AEG slide ons at work. Units range from Bunnings specials to fairly expensive stuff (no Fes). Never had a battery disconnect unintentionally yet, more often its a fighting to release them.

You're better to physically try them yourself. Some of those older ni-cad packs were so big you had to have hands the size of Andre The Giant to press both buttons on either side. Hooers of things.