Reconditioning NiCad batteries is good for the environment, too.
Even the most expensive rechargeable NiCad batteries eventually will hold a charge for less and less time. This is a result of buildup in the battery cells that prevents full charging of the battery. You can save your ailing NiCad batteries by reconditioning them to remove the buildup, thereby allowing the battery to charge to full capacity.
Instructions
1. Run the battery until it is completely empty, and then test it with a voltmeter. Touch the red test probe from the voltmeter to the positive terminal on the battery and the black probe to the ground terminal to perform the test.
2. Write down the reading from the voltmeter for later reference and then put the battery into a charger for 4 minutes.
3. Perform another test on the voltmeter and compare the new results with those of the first test. If the new results haven't changed from the first test voltage to the voltage at which the battery is rated, discard the battery.
4. Discharge the battery again if the voltage in the second test has risen to the battery's rated voltage. The battery is considered discharged when it tests to 1 volt per battery cell.
5. Connect the discharged battery to the charger again and let it run a complete cycle. Remove the battery as soon as the cycle is finished.
6. Run the battery until it is drained completely. Then recharge it to full capacity. Drain and recharge the battery at least two more times.
Tags: NiCad batteries, battery rated, battery until, first test, from voltmeter