Semi-Cordless Drill.

Hi Gang!

So if you have a battery powered drill, one day you will find the battery pack dead and unable to charge again. I wasn't willing to pay the price for a replacement battery, but just couldn't trash the drill. Once I bought some new cells, but found them the wrong size to fit in the case. I did have a battery from an alarm system that had plenty of power, but it was just too large. So I decided to add a short cord from the cordless drill to the alarm battery, making it a semi-cordless drill. Here is how I did it.

So open the battery case, keep all the parts and screws. Notice where the cells are connected. Make a note of it, or take pictures. Then trash the old cells ( recycle properly please ).

So you didn't make notes or take a picture of the connections? Use some test wires on the drills terminals to find what works. Now make some notes!

Using your notes connect a two conductor wire where the cells were connected. Then drill a hole in the battery case for the new cord and pull the cord through.

To protect the connections put a wire tie around the cord so it can't pull out of the case. Make it tight and trim off the excess. If it looks OK screw the case back together.

I like to use spade connections to the battery. It makes it easier to move to a new battery. Alligator clips could be used for more versatility. If your drill runs backwards, just reverse the clips.

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So there you go. You have a new short cord on your old drill and can now use just about any battery to keep working.

Please work safely and have fun.

Carl.