Ranking of the best screwdriver batteries in 2020

A storage battery (accumulator battery) is a device that stores, stores and consumes energy. Reversible chemical processes taking place inside it allow you to charge and discharge the battery many times.

Accumulators have penetrated all areas of our lives: from children's toys and household power tools to the automotive and space industries. Their widespread use has given rise to their diversity. In this article, we will look at the best batteries for screwdrivers.

Types of batteries for screwdrivers

The variety of storage batteries is due to the fact that various chemical elements can be used as electrodes and electrolytes. The quality of the power tool used depends on the correct choice of energy storage. The most widespread in the field of electrical appliances are the following 4 types:

• nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd);
• nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH);
• lithium-ion (Li-Ion);
• lithium polymer (Li-Pol).

Let's take a closer look at each of them.

Nickel Cadmium Batteries

Despite the fact that this species appeared at the end of the 20th century, their mass production began only in the middle of the next century. They use nickel as a positive electrode and cadmium as a negative electrode. Most often they have the shape of a cylinder, for which they received the common name "banks".

Nickel-cadmium batteries used for screwdrivers have a number of advantages:

• can be operated at low temperatures without much loss of charge, which is a huge plus when working outdoors in winter;
• up to 1000 charge-discharge cycles;
• there is no risk of spontaneous combustion;
• high load capacity;
• can be in a discharged state for a long time without losing their properties;
• the ability to recover failed batteries;
• can be operated until completely discharged.

Despite the existing advantages, Ni-Cd batteries have some disadvantages:

• toxicity of substances filling the "jar";
• complex disposal of used devices;
• heavy weight;
• self-discharge of the battery, which reduces the capacity and voltage;
• memory effect that occurs when the battery is not fully discharged and further reduces its capacity.

It should be noted that it is recommended to store nickel-cadmium batteries in a completely discharged state.

Nickel metal hydride batteries

The beginning of the creation of this type of elements dates back to 1970. However, the unstable operation of the first samples made it necessary to search for new metal hydride alloys. Only after the 80s Ni-MH batteries were improved. The new type of battery has the following advantages:

• they practically do not have a memory effect;
• no toxic components are used in their production;
• ease of disposal;
• capacity is 30% more than that of nickel-cadmium;
• lightweight and compact;
• are not afraid of mechanical damage.

Minuses:

• take a long time to charge;
• 500-600 charge-discharge cycles;
• after 300 cycles, a decrease in capacity can be observed;
• cannot be operated at negative temperatures;
• cannot be completely discharged;
• higher cost in comparison with the previous type.

Store nickel-metal hydride batteries half-charged and cool.

Li-ion rechargeable batteries

Li-Ion batteries appeared in the 90s thanks to Sony. The first elements of this type were distinguished by increased explosiveness. Only 20 years later they got rid of this problem. Currently, this is a battery with high performance and a number of advantages over the previous ones:

• short charging period;
• there is practically no memory effect;
• minimum self-discharge;
• capacity does not decrease when charging an incompletely discharged battery;
• lack of toxic components in the composition;
• long service life.

Despite the apparent advantages of lithium-ion batteries, there are some drawbacks:

• do not cause mechanical damage, because there is a possibility of explosion from impact;
• quickly fail at strong discharge;
• are not subject to restoration measures;
• discharges quickly at subzero temperatures.

Lithium Polymer Batteries

This type of battery was developed on the basis of lithium-ion batteries. The difference is that the liquid electrolyte has been replaced with a gelled polymer. This, first of all, increased the safety of using these elements. In addition, the capacity has increased, while the weight and dimensions, on the contrary, have decreased. So the pros:

• no memory effect;
• there is practically no self-discharge;
• have a higher capacity than Li-Ion;
• can be very thin (up to 1 mm) and of various shapes;
• can be used in temperature conditions from -20 to +40 Celsius.

Disadvantages of Li-Pol battery:

• service life - no more than 3 years;
• expensive;
• cannot be completely discharged;
• many nuances of operation and charging.

For screwdrivers, this type of battery is rarely used, due to their high cost.

It is difficult to say with certainty which battery is best for screwdrivers. Each type of battery has its own advantages and can be used in different conditions. For rare use in everyday life, nickel-cadmium batteries are more suitable, which can be stored for a long time without loss of properties. In addition, they can be used outdoors at low temperatures. If the screwdriver is used often and for a long time, then it is better to give preference to lithium-ion batteries. They are more capacious, there is no self-discharge and quickly become infected.

Thus, the choice of a battery for a screwdriver must take into account the peculiarities and conditions of use, as well as the tasks that are set for the power tool.

Below are the best, according to users, rechargeable batteries for screwdrivers from the most popular companies: Bosch, Hitachi, Makita.

Batteries compatible with Bosch screwdrivers

Hammer AKB1215

Nickel-cadmium battery pack is made in the form of a clip. Voltage - 12 V, capacity - 1.5 A × h.

Average cost: 1960 rubles.

• the ability to use at low temperatures;
• optimal price-quality ratio.

• memory effect, which obliges to charge the battery only when it is completely discharged;
• there is no indicator of the state of charge.

Charge NKB 1220 BSh-A 6117108

The battery consists of 10 HYCPSC2000N Ni-Cd cylindrical cells. They are combined into a single block made in the form of a clip. Voltage - 12 V, capacity - 2 Ah.

Average cost: 1530 rubles.

• work in a wide temperature range from -20 to 65 ° С is permissible;
• inexpensive.

• there is a self-discharge of the battery.

Practice (031-631) 12V, 1.5 A.h

Nickel-cadmium battery for Bosch screwdrivers. Made in the form of a clip. Approximate charging time is up to one and a half hours. Capacity - 1.5 A × h, voltage - 12 V. Manufacturer - China.

Average cost: 1690 rubles.

• collapsible;
• charges quickly;
• it is possible to replace faulty "banks".

• gradual decrease in capacity.

Hammer AKB1813Li

The lithium-ion battery in the form of a slider is designed to replace the native batteries in Bosch screwdrivers and drills. Voltage - 18 V, capacity - 1.3 A × h.

Average cost: 2450 rubles.

• short charging time;
• virtually no capacity degradation over time;
• light weight.

• can not be used at low temperatures;
• there is no indicator of the state of charge.

Bosch 1600A012UV

Li-ion rechargeable battery with a capacity of 3 Ah, made in the form of a slider. The operating time is increased by half in comparison with similar models. A distinctive feature is a very durable case that is not afraid of falling even on concrete.

Average cost: 4370 rubles.

• there is no memory effect;
• can be stored for a long time without losing charge;
• there is a charge level indicator.

• afraid of freezing temperatures.

Pitatel TSB-048-BOS12A-33M

Nickel-metal hydride battery with a capacity of 3.3 Ah. This capacity allows you to perform a large amount of work without recharging.

Average cost: 2490 rubles.

• can be used at low temperatures;
• not toxic;
• housing made of durable plastic.

• requires recharging during long-term storage.

Bosch 2607335686

Professional NiMH battery. Capacity - 2.6 A × h, voltage - 14 V.

Average cost: 9690 rubles.

• no memory effect;
• can be used at low temperatures;
• long service life (up to 1500 charge cycles).

• expensive.

Comparison of battery specifications for Bosch

Battery name	A type	Capacity (A, h)	Voltage (V)	Weight (gr)
Hammer AKB1215	Ni-Cd	1,5	12	600
Charge NKB 1220 BSh-A 6117108	Ni-Cd	2	12	690
Practice 031-631	Ni-Cd	1,5	12	600
Hammer AKB1813	Li-Ion	1,3	18	362
Bosch 1600A012UV	Li-Ion	3	18	450
PITATEL TSB-048-BOS12A-33M	Ni-Mh	3,3	12	726
BOSCH 2607335686	Ni-Mh	2,6	14	850

Battery compatible with Hitachi screwdrivers

Charge NKB 1220 XT-A

Nickel-cadmium battery with a capacity of 2 Ah and a voltage of 12 V. Consists of 10 cylindrical cells HYCPSC2000N, size - SC. Chargers from Hitachi batteries are suitable for charging. It looks like a clip.

Average cost: 1800 rubles.

• long service life;
• can be used at low temperatures.

• self-discharge is present.

Practice 031-679

Nickel-cadmium battery for Hitachi tools. Voltage - 12 V, capacity - 1.5 A × h. Charging time - no more than 90 minutes.

Average cost: 1690 rubles.

• holds a charge for a long time.

• decrease in capacity over time;
• fragile plastic case.

Pitatel TSB-026-HIT14B-40L

Lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 3 Ah with a voltage of 14.4 V. Ideally replaces the original Hitachi battery and does not yield to it in performance.

Average cost: 3490 rubles.

• no capacity degradation;
• if used correctly, they can last a long time.

• cannot be used at subzero temperatures.

Pitatel TSB-149-HIT18D-15L

Li-ion battery in slider shape with a capacity of 1.5 Ah. Voltage - 18 V.

Average cost: 2230 rubles.

• charges quickly;
• there is practically no memory effect.

• afraid of strong shocks and mechanical damage.

Hitachi EB1233X

Nickel-metal hydride battery pack with a capacity of 3.3 Ah. This battery capacity increases the time of using tools without recharging many times in comparison with other types of batteries. This model belongs to the professional series.

Average cost: 6880 rubles.

• charging time - no more than 90 minutes;
• low memory effect;
• durable body;
• reliable grip with the tool.

• not found.

TopOn TOP-PTGD-HIT-12-3.3

Nickel-metal hydride battery for Hitachi screwdrivers. Large capacity (3 Ah) ensures long and trouble-free operation of the power tool.

Average cost: 2190 rubles.

• equipped with an overload and overheating protection system;
• long service life.

• gradual decrease in capacity;
• use at air temperature below zero is not desirable.

Comparison of technical characteristics of rechargeable batteries for Hitachi

Battery name	A type	Capacity (A × h)	Voltage (V)	Weight (gr)
Charge NKB 1220 XT-A	Ni-Cd	2	12	690
PRACTICE 031-679	Ni-Cd	1,5	12	610
PITATEL TSB-026-HIT14B-40L	Li-Ion	3	14,4	592
Pitatel TSB-149-HIT18D-15L	Li-Ion	1,5	18	499
Hitachi EB1233X	Ni-Mh	3,3	12	1600
TopOn TOP-PTGD-HIT-12-3.3	Ni-Mh	3	12

Compatible batteries with Makita screwdrivers

Charge NCB 1415 MK-A

Nickel-cadmium battery with a capacity of 1.5 Ah. Consists of 12 SC size HYCPSC1500N elements. The cage battery design provides a secure grip and continuous electrical contact with the tool.

Average cost: 1550 rubles.

• you can disassemble and change individual elements;
• holds charge well.

• memory effect;
• self-discharge is present.

Makita PA12 (193981-6)

Nickel-cadmium battery for Makita screwdrivers. Capacity - 1.3 A × h, voltage - 12 V. Cube-shaped battery.

Average cost: 1990 rubles.

• does not heat up when charging with high currents;
• can be used at temperatures up to -20 ° С;
• service life up to 2000 charge-discharge cycles.

• memory effect;
• self-discharge 10%.

Makita BL1830

Rechargeable Li-ion battery in slider shape. The multi-pin mount ensures trouble-free operation of Makita's powerful screwdrivers. The large capacity (3 Ah) allows you to carry out a large amount of work without frequent recharging.

Average cost: 3850 rubles.

• no memory effect;
• charges quickly;
• there is practically no self-discharge.

• can not be used at low temperatures.

Makita BL1860B

High-capacity lithium-ion battery (6 Ah) for powerful power tools. 16 contacts provide a reliable and continuous electrical connection to the tool. The shockproof case protects the battery from mechanical damage.

• there is a charge indicator;
• built-in protection against overheating and over-discharge;
• short charging time (60 min);
• can be operated at temperatures down to -20 ° C.

• not found.

Makita 193101-2 1434

Compact nickel-metal hydride battery with excellent technical and operational characteristics. Capacity - 2.5 A × h, voltage - 14.4 V, charging time - from 10 to 90 minutes.

Average cost: 5890 rubles.

• can be used at temperatures up to -40 ° С;
• no memory effect;
• service life up to 2000 charging cycles.

• not found.

Sino Power 100157298V

Reinforced Nickel Metal Hydride Battery for Makita Power Tools. Capacity - 3 A × h, voltage - 14.4 V.

Average cost 2690 rubles.

• large capacity, which extends the life without recharging;
• non-toxic, no problems with disposal;
• no memory effect.

• production: China.

Comparison of technical characteristics of rechargeable batteries for Makita

Battery name	A type	Capacity (A × h)	Voltage (V)	Weight (gr)
Charge NCB 1415 MK-A	Ni-Cd	1,5	14,4	730
Makita PA12 (193981-6)	Ni-Cd	1,3	12	668
Makita BL1830	Li-Ion	3	18	496
MAKITA BL1860B	Li-Ion	6	18	496
Makita 193101-2	Ni-Mh	2,5	14,4	670
Sino Power 100157298V	Ni-Mh	3	14,4

Conclusion

We have reviewed the most popular battery models that are compatible with Bosch, Hitachi and Makita screwdrivers.As you can see from the descriptions, each of them has a number of advantages: large capacity, long service life, short recharge time, the ability to work in a wide temperature range, etc. However, these advantages are rarely combined in one model. Depending on the chemical elements used as electrodes, these differences arise.

When choosing a battery, it is important to determine in what conditions the instrument will be used (in the house or on the street), how often it will be needed. Not every battery can withstand prolonged inactivity without losing its properties. After all, it is precisely from the incorrectly selected operating conditions, the charging and storage mode that many complaints arise that have nothing to do with the quality of the battery. By observing all the rules for using the battery provided by the manufacturer, you will not only extend its service life, but also increase the level of comfort when working with the tool.

Attention! The above information is not a buying guide. For any advice, you should contact the specialists!