corrosion on battery contacts

[ironhat]

This problem is on a Ridgid, 18v, NiCad, hammerdrill. It's getting up there in age and last year I sent it off to have the batteries rebuilt at Primecell. Ever since then I've had problems with battery contacts corroding to the point that the drill won't even work. I cleaned them off with a baking soda solution and rinsed with distilled water, being careful to not let any get into the case and that was about six months ago. I never had this issue with the factory batteries. Then again, the past few years I haven't been using my tools much. Would di-electric grease protect the contacts from corrosion and still allow flow of electricity? Is there anything better? Should I treat the contacts in the battery as well as the ones in the drill body?

That's the story. What's the verdict?

[Dal300]

I would suspect a leaky cell. No other way you can have battery corrosion.
If you still have a warranty, or even if you don't, contact the rebuilder and see if they'll stand behind their work.

Otherwise, just send it back and have it rebuilt again, maybe at another rebuilder.

[LCHIEN]

I think Dal300 is right.

[cabinetman]

I would just get a new battery.

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[chopnhack]

To answer the grease question - yes, that is something I have done on car batteries to keep them from corroding.

[ironhat]

Thanks folks. The battery is packed for the mail.

[cabinetman]

Thanks folks. The battery is packed for the mail.

What's the charge plus shipping for the re-do?

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