Introduction: Battery Adaptor for Cordless Tool

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I had a whole set of 14.4 Volt cordless tools including flashlight, small circular saw and a drill.
First the charger went, then the batteries died, and then before I could buy replacements the company then switched to the 18V format and dropped all product support for the 14.4V line.
I purchased a new 18 Volt drill from another manufacturer in protest but it really wasn’t as good as my old one, the chuck slips when drilling and the drill clutch doesn’t seem to handle torque well.
So how to resuscitate my old tools cheaply?
I had two 18V batteries and chargers from other tools and when I jumped them to the 14.4V tools they seemed to run okay. The challenge then was to convert a 14.4V battery into an adaptor.

Step 1: Step 1 Salvage

Gut the battery, removing the NiCD batteries inside and safely recycle them. Salvage the clips off the battery that serve as the connectors to the Tool.

Step 2: Step 2 Solder Some Bits You Salvaged


Solder on a new wiring as needed for the clips

Step 3: Step 3 , Glue the Terminals Back In

Glue into the battery housing part that fits into the tool.
Note the polarities carefully!!!!!!
I use common plastic seals-everything glue as it’s also waterproof and serves as a good insulator

Step 4: Step 4 Solder in a Clip to Attach to the New Battery

Solder on a clip to attach to the battery. I used a piece I salvaged from inside an obsolescent cordless tool. ( they are good for something) and wirenuts to make sure nothing comes apart.

Step 5: Step 5 Cutting the Base to Fit the New Battery

Use the 18V battery as a template and cut out the oval from the bottom of the 14.4V battery case.

Step 6: Step 6 Reassemble and Glue on Something to Hold Them Together

Reassemble the 14.4V (no longer a battery) adaptor.
Glue on some salvaged hook and loop fastener strapping.
This pic shows the new battery clipped to the adaptor but not yet inserted

Step 7: Step 7 Insert Battery Into Adaptor

Connect the new battery via the clip and insert into the adaptor.
You may need to cut the hole a wee bit wider than than the battery's neck to allow the clip to pass.
Fasten the straps to hold it together

Step 8: Step 8 Polarity Check


Mark what side and what colour wire your polarities are on the adaptor so you don ‘t short out your tools by mistake. I have one 18V battery with the positive and negative the same side as the adaptor and one that is reversed......

Step 9: Step 9 Inset Into Tool

Step 9
Insert into your favourite tool!

Now you can get back to fixing all those things you said you’d get around to if you only had tools that worked.

I haven't run into any problems so far with the difference in the voltage. No guarrentees on that by any means. Matching voltages is preferrable but close will probably work fine. 14.4 and 18 might work okay, 9.6 and 18 will probably melt down but who knows......