Hey everyone! I just wanted to ask for some advice about my new FlexVolt batteries that I'm getting tomorrow (6Ah). I recently sent back my old ones for warranty as they had faulty cells, and the company is sending me replacements. Should I charge these new batteries fully before using them for the first time, or is it better to use the charge they come with before recharging? Also, I've been using the DCB118 charger—do you think I should switch to the DCB116 charger for better battery care, despite it being slower? Thanks in advance for your help!
2 Answers
It really depends on your usage. If you're just doing occasional home projects, a slower charger might help extend battery life a bit. But if you're working professionally and need frequent use, a faster charger would be better since you can get back to work quicker. Just keep in mind that faster charging might slightly reduce the overall lifespan, but you can always get more batteries when needed!
I'd recommend charging them fully before using. Even if they seem fully charged from the factory, letting them sit can lead to a cell imbalance. Charging them first helps to ensure everything is balanced and good to go!
Totally agree! I've used both types of chargers over the years, and I've seen batteries hold up just fine regardless of how they were charged. At the end of the day, if you use them hard, you might need to replace them anyway, so get what suits your workflow best!