For years, energy instrument model Makita has made Ni-Cd (or nickel-cadmium) batteries its specialty. Take the Makita PA12 12V Ni-Cd 1.3Ah battery, as an example. This 12-volt rechargeable battery had a compact, light-weight pod-style design and was appropriate throughout Makita’s line of energy instruments. It featured a sturdy housing and gave customers 1.3 amp-hours of capability. And although it is now not offered by Makita, the PA12 as soon as supplied folks loads of runtime for a wide range of duties (to not point out different Makita instruments) earlier than needing a recharge.
Makita’s firm historical past goes manner again with this particular battery chemistry. It is relied on nickel-cadmium to energy its merchandise since 1978, when it launched the primary detachable nickel-cadmium battery instrument, a cordless, rechargeable drill. Makita went on to play an enormous half within the cordless revolution to come back… However with the discontinuation of the PA12 12V Ni-Cd 1.3Ah battery and practically all different Ni-Cd merchandise from its website, it appears each Makita and the trade could also be leaving the ability supply behind.
The product web page for Makita’s PA12 12V Ni-Cd 1.3Ah battery has been eliminated, and the previous itemizing now shows a “Discontinued” banner above the product identify. The identical goes for different Ni-Cd batteries from the model, together with the Pod-Type 12V Ni‑Cd 2.0Ah battery, single 7.2 and 9.6V (1.3Ah) Ni‑Cd stick batteries, and practically ten different variants on their website. The one Ni-Cd product that is still? A 10-pack of the 7.2V 1.3Ah stick batteries.
What’s a Ni-Cd battery?
In a “Ni-Cd” battery, the optimistic electrode is made from nickel hydroxide, whereas the unfavourable electrode is made from cadmium. An alkaline potassium hydroxide answer features because the electrolyte. These elements are all rolled collectively right into a spiral-y construction generally known as a jelly roll (to not be confused with the pop-country rapper/singer).
Nickel-cadmium batteries turned a few of the first rechargeable battery sorts developed for business use, and that was thanks partly to Makita. For many years, Ni-Cd was trusted for its excessive discharge charges, lengthy cycle life, and distinctive sturdiness. Ni-Cd cells might endure tons of, typically even 1000’s, of cost and discharge cycles. It was what made them so ultimate for high-drain instruments like drills, saws, and flashlights. Plus, their potential to operate nicely throughout a variety of temperatures additionally made them dependable for each indoor and outside work.
Not like some newer chemistries, Ni-Cd batteries can preserve a gradual voltage all through most of their discharge cycle. This implies instruments powered by Ni-Cd cells are inclined to ship full energy proper up till the battery is almost depleted, relatively than progressively shedding energy as cost ranges drop. They’re additionally extra shock-resilient than different battery chemistries, which solely made their skilled repute much more stable.
What to do along with your discontinued Makita PA12 12V Ni‑Cd 1.3Ah battery
Alas, the chemistry does include its share of trade-offs. Ni-Cd batteries are prone to “the reminiscence impact,” which suggests recharging earlier than a full discharge can cut back the overall capability over time. In addition they comprise cadmium, a poisonous heavy metallic that has some severe environmental and well being hazards if improperly disposed of. In addition they have a decrease vitality density in comparison with nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) and lithium-ion, so that they retailer much less vitality for his or her dimension and weight. These limitations do not essentially outweigh their effectiveness on the job, however they do make Ni-Cd expertise harder to justify as a safer, extra environment friendly battery various that has entered the mainstream.
Right now, Makita makes energy instruments primarily for different battery sorts like lithium-ion. For these nonetheless utilizing the PA12, correct recycling is an absolute should. Due to the cadmium inside, they need to by no means be disposed of in common trash. As a substitute, it is best to deliver them to your closest battery recycling middle to ensure they’re dealt with safely for the surroundings. In the event you want a alternative, strive discovering one second-hand on eBay or the like. Or, if that proves to be too costly or too troublesome, it could be price upgrading to a extra trendy battery chemistry as a substitute.
