Rechargeable batteries can last a long time, if you fully discharge them every so often.
Nickel cadmium (NiCd) batteries, as the name suggests, contain a chemical mixture of nickel and cadmium. They are a popular rechargeable battery, although they have been superseded slightly by improved chemical bases such as nickel metal hydride and more recently lithium. NiCd batteries can lose the ability to retain a full charge, if they are not completely discharged on a relatively regular basis. However, unlike the lithium-based batteries, you can often repair them to an almost new condition.
Instructions
1. Charge the NiCd battery you to intend to repair in the usual way. The repair process needs to start using a battery that's as full as possible, even if you have found that it doesn't last long once charged.
2. Insert your NiCd battery into the device it powers as soon as charging is complete. Turn on the device and use it as usual. However, it needs to be continuously used so the energy drains as fast as possible. Use as much power as possible by turning the device to the highest run setting.
3. Use the device until it stops running or turns off. Remove the battery from the device and let it cool for about 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Put the battery into the device and turn it on. The device will operate again so let it run until it stops. It's unlikely to take long.
5. Leave the battery to rest in the device for 10 minutes. This allows it to cool and recover slightly.
6. Turn on the device again and see if it runs. If it does let it run until it stops then rest the battery for a few minutes and repeat until the device doesn't work. The process is a little monotonous, but each time you do this, it is breaking the internal chemicals down inside the battery; the smaller the chemical crystals, the more energy can be stored. If the device doesn't run, then the battery is totally discharged.
7. Put the NiCd battery back on charge. Leave it to charge until the charger indicates the battery is full. The battery will take a reasonable time to charge, if the repair process has worked. The longer it takes, the more confident you can be.
8. Check the battery is repaired by putting it in the device it powers. You will find it lasts much longer, perhaps close to when you first purchased it, if the repair was successful. If it doesn't last much longer than before, then it's worth repeating the process, as sometimes it can take a couple of attempts.
Tags: NiCd battery, until stops, battery into, battery into device, device doesn