Faulty NiCd batteries

[clogger]

Hi
I've not been using my Festool cordless drill (T12+3) for over a year  now.  I have one NiCd battery(BPS 15.6) attached to the drill and one left in the charger on charge.  Unfortunately the charges will not charge and the light is red.  Does this mean the batteries are now defunct? will I be able to replace the batteries?

 

[AlexThePalex]

Ar you sure you mention the right type numbers? I ask because a BPS 15.6 battery will not fit the T12+3, you can't put a 15 volt battery in a 10.8 volt drill (the T12+3 is a 10.8 v drill despite the name).

Do both batteries have the same problem with the charger? The charger could also be broken. 

There is a point where batteries are simply used up because their capacity deteriorates over time. But they should still load in the charger, be it for a short time, and not give you a red light. 

It is still possible to buy batteries from Festool, but they are not cheap, €124 here a piece. It is also possible to find 3rd party replacements, which are a lot cheaper, €55 here.

 

[carlb40]

Im not sure if this will apply or not. When i got my C15 the other week and went ti charge the batteries. I got the red light with the first battery. After some trial and error it seemed i was pushing the battery in too far?
I then slid it in gently and it charged as normal and no red light.

 

[clogger]

Thanks for the replies.  I'm an idiot. My drill is a TDK 15.6 ( I didn't have it with me when I first posted the query.    Both batteries give a red light.  In fact that give a green light for the first few seconds, then turn red.  The charger glows orange when no battery is inserted.  I guess I just need to replace the charger and batteries.

 

[carlb40]

My charger light is orange when no batteries are on charge. A simple multimeter would show the voltage on the batteries. Personally i would just try new batteries first. Unless the charger was thrown around when not being used, i doubt anything happened to it.

 

[clogger]

Yes  I've ordered 2 new batteries and I'll see how they go with my charger.