Cordless tool batteries are half the investment in any battery-powered shop. The charger matters more than people realize.
Why Charger Quality Matters
A good charger brings batteries to full capacity faster without damaging them. Poor chargers can overheat cells, reducing battery lifespan. Fast chargers are convenient, but gentle charging extends overall battery health.
I run DeWalt 20V tools and keep two chargers – a fast one for when I need a battery now, and a standard one for overnight charging that’s easier on the cells.
Single vs Multi-Port
Multi-bay chargers let you charge several batteries simultaneously. If you have a lot of batteries or multiple people using the same tools, these make sense. For most home shops, a single charger is fine.
Some chargers also work as USB power sources – handy for charging phones in the shop.
Battery Care Basics
Don’t leave batteries on the charger indefinitely. Modern lithium batteries don’t have “memory” issues, but sitting fully charged for months isn’t ideal. Charge when you need them, store at partial charge for long periods.
Heat kills batteries. Don’t leave them in a hot car or charge in direct sun. Room temperature charging is best.
Platform Lock-In
Once you pick a battery platform (DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, etc.), you’re invested. The batteries and chargers are a significant part of the total cost. Choose based on the tools you actually need and stick with that system.
When Batteries Die
Lithium batteries have limited charge cycles – usually 500-1000 before capacity drops noticeably. Replacement batteries from major brands are expensive. Third-party batteries are cheaper but quality varies. I’ve had good luck with some aftermarket cells, bad luck with others.
