Battery replacement for C12 drill

[Eric Arey]

The drill is still in great shape.  It uses NiMH batteries.  What are my choices?
Can I switch it to Li-Ion batteries or stay with NiMh?
Is it worth the cost or should I move onto a new drill?

Eric

 

[Ivan T]

I purchased a replacement battery last year, from Tool Nut for my C 12, as the drill is still in good shape. I only have the one battery for the C12, but I do have my CSX and the Festool Impact Driver. Having the C12 for use with the accessories works for me. I do not think you can get a 12 volt Li-Ion for the C12. I priced a 12 volt from Battery Plus but it was only a couple of dollars cheaper than Festool, and Festool had the longer Warrenty. Also using the accessories with the Impact Driver is rather awkward.

 

[Jim Metzger]

I had 3 C12 batteries rebuilt by Primecell. Great service and about $33 per battery. Highly recommended. I love the C12 as an intermediate drill (have a CSX and an 18V. Fein) and want to keep it.

Jim

 

[scoffelt]

Just had two batteries rebuilt at Batteries Plus and they were in the $30 range as well. It was local and took about 3 days versus shipping off somewhere.

 

[Shane Holland]

The older C12 cannot be upgraded to use Lithium Ion batteries.

As mentioned, we have new NiMH batteries in stock, ready to ship. They are $83.
http://www.festoolproducts.com/festool-494522-battery-12-volt-3-ah-nimh.html

 

[Eric Arey]

So what's the better deal.  Buy brand new Festool replacement batteries at almost 3 times the cost of rebuilt or get the rebuilt battery.  I am sure, the Festool batteries are made of high quality battery cells, but what about the rebuilt batteries, from Primecell or Batteries Plus.

 

[waho6o9]

The better deals are usually found on top.

 

[scoffelt]

I guess time will tell on the rebuild longevity, for me I got two batteries rebuilt for less than one new one.  If they last half as long I am still dollars ahead and also more earth friendly approach.  I still have another 4 batteries that need rebuilt but figure for now I have 3 total that work so I can rotate in the charger and still not run out for now. Also I want to see how they do. I know with mine I have a 6 month warranty on the rebuilt job not sure if other places provide longer warranty. I'd love to justify an upgrade to LI drills and batteries, but I paid enough for the two drills I have and prefer to use them until they die.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I know someone that had his batteries rebuilt by Batteries Plus.  The price was reasonable.  The batteries were good for maybe a year, or a little more of heavy to moderate use, and then started to go down hill.  Seemed like a decent value. 

 

[Eric Arey]

So I contacted Primecell.  They are not doing rebuilds at this time due to health problems.

Took batteries to Batteries Plus this evening.  I was quoted $75/battery plus tax.  At that price I would buy new from Festool and probably only one and give the drill to my daughter for use in her new home.

Not sure if the quote I got was correct.

Eric

 

[Brice Burrell]

So I contacted Primecell.  They are not doing rebuilds at this time due to health problems.

Took batteries to Batteries Plus this evening.  I was quoted $75/battery plus tax.  At that price I would buy new from Festool and probably only one and give the drill to my daughter for use in her new home.

Not sure if the quote I got was correct.

Eric

Interesting.  I believe the price was half of that 2 years ago.  I'd go for new Festool batteries too if that price is correct.

 

[scoffelt]

Weird, I had mine done in KC two weeks ago for $60 and tax for two. I agree if they want that much better to just buy new.

 

[Eric Arey]

So I bit the bullet, bought 2 Festool batteries.  This has been a great drill for the past 8-10 years and I am tired of thinking about it.  My time is so much more valuable than saving a few bucks here and there.

Thanks to you all for your inputs.

Fyi, ordered them online from Tool Nut.  Time to get back to all my DIY projects.

 

[Shane Holland]

Thanks for the order, Eric.