"Bill" wrote in message
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"Ralph Mowery" wrote in message
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"Bill" wrote in message
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What do you think about just replacing the batteries inside with new
Ni-Cads
from the store? Any problems just soldering them together, or should I
buy
"shaver" batteries with the terminals built in, though they are much
more
money?

Most batteries are very difficult to solder to if they do not have the
solder tabs built on. The material does not seem to take solder very
well
and also you can over heat the battery. The solder tabs are usually
spot
welded on.


I've "roughed" up the ends of nicads a bit - scratching them with a knife or
sandpaper or whatever, then spot "soldered" or "tinned" them prior to adding
any leads. I've had pretty good success doing that. Some cells do give
trouble not wanting to take solder, but most have done ok. IF you're good at
soldering, you should be able to do it with minimal heat to the battery.
I've rebuilt more packs than I can remember. My earlier problem was - in
experimenting - I used older cells with "some" life left. After a while they
did die and had to be replaced, sooner than newer cells of course. But then
I bought new cells and have had good luck with all packs. So, it isn't
impossible! MNS