Why can't Li be used in NiCd tools?

[atgcpaul]

My next drill/driver will be Li Ion. Other than the manufacturer wanting the
consumer to buy a whole new drill + battery at a greater cost, is there any
practical reason why a manufacturer couldn't retrofit a Li Ion battery to fit
there old NiCd tools?

[viking4949]

Ryobi LiON fit the old Ni-Cad tools, I believe DeWalts do as well.

Brandon

[sscherin]

About all I can think of is the higher voltages frying the ESC's

Nimh is 1.2v pr cell.
LiIon is 3.7v pr cell.. they don't always add up the same.

I'm wondering when they will step up to brushless motors.

[LCHIEN]

probably the main reason is that the cost of new batteries plus new smart charger at replacement parts costs (e.g. lower quantities than new tools) would be 60+% of a new tool plus batteries... they'd rather sell you the new tool and battery system.

Assuming hypothetically the market for any new tool that comes out is around 100,000 units. If they took a 2-3 year old tool and designed a new battery pack and charger for it, then the sales of the new batteries would be limited by the original market, less those tools lost, damaged, broken, and less those whose owners were happy with their tools as they are, don't use them much, or don't pay attention to whats available. Thus the total market would be less than 10,000 units and probably closer to 5000 units. Not worth their while to chase this market.

[ars_lurker]

Sears is doing it with thier 19.2v nicad line. The li-ion battery is about $70 though so I only have one