Oddbean new post about login | logout Power tool batteries these days contain single-chip computers for DRM. Consumer-oriented brands will "brick" themselves if they detect a usage pattern like a tradesman not a suburban dad. "For your safety". Of course. Buy the good brands like my contractor buddies. Or be prepared to Frankenstein up new batteries like I do :) White label Chinese battery controllers cost about $5 and are good enough to fool the tools into thinking they're OEM.
Damn. I had no idea.
Neither did I. I learned though, after I recharged a consumer-brand battery for the sixth time in 24hrs and it bricked. Eventually I opened the case (three Phillips screws, one security, need extra-long shanks) and found the 18650 cells were fine (~4.1v). Five dollars worth of Chinese control board (specific to that tool brand) later, it was back in business. That was pre-COVID. Still works today, though I've replaced one of the cells. Manufacturers all maintain separate brand identities for contractor and consumer tools. They're often (internally) identical, except for price - and DRM. Buy a contractor brand from a tradesman-focussed store, not your big box hardware store. Buy once, cry once; or prepare to learn more about your tools than you wanted to :D
The “Heavy Duty” version of most things is worth it. I got a pedal-operated Dremel with a 1hp motor years ago and it works like a charm, with so much more torque and control over lower speeds
Honestly I won’t be pushing them hard like a contractor would, just typical stuff around the house. It’s more the yard tools (lawnmower, leaf blower, etc) where I was mainly worried about the battery. But I am interested, what are some of the ‘good brands’ you mentioned? And where can I learn more about the control boards? Thanks
Yard tools depend on size of yard. I prefer gas. I have a leaf vacuum that is better than blowing for most clean up besides patio. Collects everything and mulches it up for the compost pile.
Pretty small yard, maybe 1/4 acre of grass
Check to see how many batteries you would need to get it all done without lag time. Upfront cost.