Hey Festool T-drills owners! How are your batteries in the cold weather?

[Administrator_JSVN]

Title says it all. Darcy (WarnerConstCo) is looking for some feedback on the performance of the lithium batteries in cold weather. Honestly, I don't have the answer but maybe one of you guys does. Anyone????

You answer to my question in this thread will be considered an entry into our contest for the month.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/new-c%27s-vs-t-drills/msg167242/#msg167242

[big grin] [big grin] [popcorn]

 

[tbellemare]

Mine have never failed me. But then, I moved from Fargo to Texas over 50 years ago...

Tom

 

[vwdave]

My lithium battery didn't do so hot when it's really cold. Once warmed up they preformed quite well. The thing I love about the lithium drills is I can use the batteries from my c12 if the lithium batteries are to cold.

Dave

 

[Brice Burrell]

I never had any problem with mine last winter. I carry 2 T15s & a flashlight with a battery in the side tool boxes of my work truck. As you know Shane, it was a long cold winter in central Indiana, the drills & light worked every time I needed them.

Chris, I've found they work but the battery life isn't good if they're left in the cold overnight.  How much runtime are you getting?  

 

[Brice Burrell]

My lithium battery didn't do so hot when it's really cold. Once warmed up they preformed quite well. The thing I love about the lithium drills is I can use the batteries from my c12 if the lithium batteries are to cold.

Dave

Dave, that's what I've found too.  Throw them on the charger for a few minutes to warm them up.  Once warm they work and if you keep working they'll will too.

 

[builderbob]

I have yet to find any Lithium battery that performs optimally in cold climates until they've warmed up. I live in New England and have learned my lessons...either bring the drills in overnight (everynight) or wait for then to warm up the next am. I have the T-15 Li-Ion & a C-12 NiMh...the C-12 performs in the cold like a champ. I've actually considered buying 1 or 2 more 3.0 NiMh's as I have another C-12 with NiCad batteries in the shop, but they're losing steam.

Just my experiences!

Bob

Ps. I think I'll be bringing in the CXS everynight this winter...I LOVE that drill!

 

[Michael_MA]

I have yet to find any Lithium battery that performs optimally in cold climates until they've warmed up. I live in New England and have learned my lessons...either bring the drills in overnight (everynight) or wait for then to warm up the next am. I have the T-15 Li-Ion & a C-12 NiMh...the C-12 performs in the cold like a champ. I've actually considered buying 1 or 2 more 3.0 NiMh's as I have another C-12 with NiCad batteries in the shop, but they're losing steam.

Just my experiences!

Bob

Ps. I think I'll be bringing in the CXS everynight this winter...I LOVE that drill!

the reason, why Lithium Ion batteries have a poor charging performance - or better - why they can easily die if charged below 5°C / 41°F,  is very well explained here:

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/charging_at_high_and_low_temperatures

kind regards, Mike