How long do batteries last?

[Ron B]

I just bought an HKC 55 saw at a discount.  Although the ad did not mention it I knew it was old inventory because the model # was not current.  (564626) I bought on internet from a dealer I have not dealt with before.  This saw has TCL3 charger an BPC 18 batteries.  I could not find any manufacture dates, but I do not really know where to look at.  I tried to charge one battery yesterday and last evening the charger was flashing red. I am trying again to see if it takes the second time.  I may have a dead battery. I think this product was probably stored in the heat, because on the 420 guide for the HKC the splinter guard had come unglued and was laying lose in the box.  The grit on the sys case indicates it was warehouse stored. 

My question-how long do these batteries last?  I assume storing in the heat does not help the life.  I am waiting to see if the red flashing battery takes a charge the second time.  If it takes a charge the second time, is the battery on its last leg? Although the ad did not mention it, I knew I was buying old inventory (from the batteries not being airstream or bluetooth and old model #).  Can I buy a new glue strip to glue the splinter guard back on?  Is any of this covered under warranty?  Should I be going back through the dealer or Festool?  I just received it yesterday, so have not sent in warranty card yet.  I am new to Festool and I want to be fair.  I tried to save some $ by buying an older model, but I did expect the batteries to work and the splinter guard to not fall off.  Is this a"buyer be aware" thing, or should I expect the dealer to make this right? I just want to see what FOG thinks, because, again, I want to be fair to all parties. 

 

[tjbnwi]

I have some 15 volt batteries that are 10 years old, still going strong.

Once in awhile if I don’t get the battery on the charger correctly I’ll get a red flashing light.

Tom

 

[AstroKeith]

I don't think this sounds good I'm afraid. Too many bits wrong.

Lithium batteries have protection circuits for good reasons. No1 they try to prevent the battery being completely exhausted - this wrecks the battery. It can also lead to explosive venting. If the battery has been on the shelf for a longtime it may be so discharged the charger has decided it isn't safe.

With the splinter guard having fallen off, I'd return the whole lot and go elsewhere.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Can I buy a new glue strip to glue the splinter guard back on?  Is any of this covered under warranty?  Should I be going back through the dealer or Festool?  I just received it yesterday, so have not sent in warranty card yet.  I am new to Festool and I want to be fair. 

I have four 15 volt batteries from 2008, they're down to like 20% capacity now, but they still work, and they have been used a lot.

So if you have a fresh unused battery that's just a few years old, it should work and give you many years of functionality.

A bad battery should definitely be a reason to go back to your dealer and claim warranty. The batteries are the most expensive parts of the entire kit.

 

[mrboult]

I’ve had the red fishing light on that charger model quite  a lot. And not because it’s too hot, which I think is one if the reasons for the red light. No, sometimes a battery just flashes red when you put it in, then once removed and replaced, it’s fine.

I’m sure you’re not being silly, but just thought I’d mention that’s my experience with that charger.

 

[Mario Turcot]

Several factor impact battery life. The life of a battery is often gauged by the number of time it has been charged. A battery can hold up quite well over a decade if sporadically used. Like a laptop it is a good habit to remove the battery if not used for a long period of time, this also prevent leakage into your tool.

 

[Knight Woodworks]

I think Festool's 3 year warranty starts when you buy the tool, not when it is manufactured. Give Festool's customer service a call.

John

Edited for clarity.

 

[Mario Turcot]

I think Festool's 3 year warranty starts when you buy the tool, not when you purchase it. Give Festool's customer service a call.

John

I'm confused???  [scared]

purchase is for wholesale, buy is for retail?

 

[Knight Woodworks]

Me too Mario. Maybe I should read what I write before pushing the Post button? 

Thanks,

John

 

[Ron B]

Thanks everyone for your help.  I will decide tomorrow what I want to do.  The fact that the splinter guard came unglued (I assumed because of stored in hot warehouse) makes the guide pretty much worthless in my book.  Thanks to FOG members for your comments.

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

Modern batteries like to be cycled and not left on low charge for too long.
Every so often we gather all our batteries, which is a vast amount, and get them all charged up.
Then we do our best to rotate them.

 

[mrboult]

Warranty is 3 years from when you buy the tool, if you have the proof of purchase.
If no proof of purchase is available, it’s 3 years from date of manufacture.