As innocuous and mundane as it sounds, storing power tool batteries — and doing so properly — can have a tremendous impact on your device’s performance, lifespan, and even its safety.
Table of Contents:
Essential tips for mastering power tool battery storage:
- Storing lithium-ion packs in a temperature-controlled, low-humidity environment prevents irreversible cell degradation and maintains peak performance for years.
- Maintaining a charge level between 40% and 60% while avoiding constant connection to chargers ensures that the internal components remain chemically stable.
- Removing batteries from tools and keeping them away from metallic objects prevents parasitic drain and hazardous short circuits during long-term storage.
As innocuous and mundane as it sounds, storing power tool batteries — and doing so properly — can have a tremendous impact on your device’s performance, lifespan, and even its safety. As with any electronic device, the changes that occur aren’t noticeable day-to-day, but rather stem from accumulating any infinitesimally small damage over time that slowly degrades your power tool and its battery. The most important aspects to consider pertain to storage temperature, humidity, and maintaining optimal charge levels when the power tool is not in use. To get the full picture, read the rest of our guide on how to store power tool batteries!
Why is proper power tool battery storage critical?
Proper power tool battery storage is critical because it directly preserves the chemical health of lithium-ion cells, preventing capacity loss and increased internal resistance. By maintaining a stable environment, you mitigate safety risks like thermal runaway and ensure your tools deliver consistent power without the need for frequent, expensive replacements.
First off, let’s note that lithium-ion batteries (the kind you’ll find in most power tools tehese days) are not nearly as dangerous as many make them out to be. The technology has come a long way since its inception and modern tools have several failsafes in place, like comprehensive battery management systems, to prevent any sustained damage from harming you in the vast, vast majority of cases.
However, that doesn’t mean improperly storing power tool batteries won’t eventually increase the risk of something going wrong. Here are just a few of the most common consequences:
- Shorter Battery Lifespan: Poor storage conditions (wrong ambient temperature) lead to cell degradation, which leads to the battery needing replacement sooner than later.
- Reduced Power Tool Efficiency: Over time battery efficiency will decrease due to increased internal resistance. It means that more energy will be converted into heat instead of the power of your tool.
If you already own a set of power tools and didn’t know how to store power tool batteries properly, chances are they’ve already degraded. To err on the side of caution, we recommend reading our guide about the Top Signs Your Power Tool Battery Needs Replacement.
What are the ideal conditions for power tool battery storage?
The ideal conditions for power tool battery storage include a cool, dry environment with a steady temperature between 10°C and 25°C. You must maintain a partial charge of 40% to 60%, avoid direct sunlight, and ensure low humidity to prevent terminal corrosion and internal stress on the battery’s components.
Below, we outline some of the best practices to keep in mind for storing your power tool batteries. If you’ve read our guide on storing E-bike batteries, most of these points shouldn’t come as a surprise to you:
Store at an optimal temperature
Ideally, you should always store your power tool batteries between 10°C and 25°C (50°F to 77°F). Exposing them to extremes above and below this range can either increase the battery’s internal resistance or cause it to swell, leak, or even experience thermal runaway.
Maintain moderate charge level
Try to keep the charge level between 40% and 60% when not in use. Avoid storing it with full charge or no charge at all, as a more balanced state prevents degradation of the battery’s internal components.
In practice, this means you can’t be completely hands-off when storing power tool batteries. At the very least, you’ll need to check their charge levels every couple of weeks. If they fall outside the 40-60% range, plug the device in for a while to bring it back up.
Keep batteries in a dry environment
Humidity and moisture buildup are major enemies of lithium-ion batteries and can severely affect their lifespans. Excess moisture can cause corrosion on the battery terminals, which can lead to poor electrical connections and potential failure.
- Store batteries in a low-humidity environment.
- If you live in a humid climate, consider using a sealed plastic container with silica gel packs to absorb excess moisture.
Avoid sunlight exposure
Direct sunlight can cause the battery to heat up quickly, even if the surrounding air is otherwise cool. Because of this, power tool batteries should always be kept away from windows in a shaded or enclosed area. UV light also will age the plastic housing.
Prevent short circuits with metallic objects
One of the most overlooked safety tips is keeping your batteries away from metallic objects like coins, keys, or other hand tools. If these items come into contact with the battery terminals, they can create a short circuit, leading to sparks, overheating, or even a fire hazard in your workshop storage area.
When in doubt, rely on the manufacturer
Lastly, one crucial power tool battery storage tip that shouldn’t be overlooked is to trust your manufacturers. Companies like EMBS are required to produce their batteries according to strict technical specifications. Therefore, the storage instructions are always formulated with your best interest and safety in mind.
How should you store your power tool batteries long-term?
Storing power tool batteries long-term is best achieved by avoiding moisture, direct sunlight, and exposure to exceedingly high and low temperatures. Keeping the battery charge levels between 40% and 60% ensures that your power tool will serve you well for a very long time without losing efficiency.
By following these simple but vital rules, you can significantly extend the functional life of your investment. Regular inspections and proper environment selection are the easiest ways to guarantee that your tools pack the same punch as the day you bought them.
What are the ideal storage conditions for power tool batteries?
How should I manage the battery’s charge level during storage?
Are there any additional precautions to take when storing power tool batteries?
Sources
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Lithium-Ion Battery Safety for Consumers.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Safety Alert: Batteries and Chargers.
About the Author
EMBS
Leading manufacturer of advanced battery systems with a market presence of over 25 years. We specialise in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, producing a wide range of systems with varying power and capacity.