The Best Method For Storing Reusable DeWalt Batteries

If you rely on DeWalt's legendary yellow and black tools for handling projects around your home, you know that the batteries are the heart of your power system. The lithium-ion batteries for DeWalt's various power tools are designed for durability and performance. However, the lifespan of these valuable power sources depends almost entirely on how you treat them when they are not in use. By following a few simple and smart storage habits, you can be sure those batteries retain their maximum capacity and stay ready to tackle all your projects for years to come. So what's their ideal environment, then? Somewhere cool, dry, and protected.

The number one thing that affects the health of any lithium-ion battery is temperature. To prevent accelerated battery cell degradation and capacity loss, your DeWalt batteries simply need to be kept away from extreme heat and cold. The ideal storage range for these packs is between about 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This stable, moderate climate ensures all of the internal chemical components remain happy and unstressed. As a rule, if you are comfortable in a space, your batteries will be, too.

This advice immediately disqualifies several common storage spots. You shouldn't store power tool batteries in a shed, garage, or vehicle, as summer heat or winter cold can quickly exceed that comfortable operating range. Direct sunlight is also a major no-no. Instead, opt for a location inside your home or a climate-controlled workshop. You might also consider investing in a dedicated battery rack or protective plastic container for safe storage.

Beyond finding a better place than your garage to store batteries, a battery's state of charge is another important element of effective long-term storage. Even though it might sound counterintuitive, storing a rechargeable battery at either 100% full or completely empty is actually detrimental to its health and longevity. If you're going to be storing your DeWalt battery for an extended period (like anywhere from a few weeks to up to multiple months), the official best practice is to store the battery with a partial charge. This will be somewhere between 40% and 60% capacity. On most DeWalt packs, this corresponds to approximately two lit green bars on the battery's fuel gauge.

Storing your battery in this Goldilocks range is a big deal because it minimizes the internal stress on its lithium cells. A full charge pushes the cells to their limit and, unfortunately, also speeds up aging over time. On the other hand, storing a battery that's dead or below 20% might cause it to fall into "deep discharge." This is a serious issue that can cause irreversible chemical changes, voltage drops, and increased internal resistance to the battery. This can result in permanent damage or the battery being rendered useless.

Batteries naturally drain over time, so check yours every few weeks to keep it in that 40-60% range. Finally, ensure the battery has cooled down to room temperature after heavy use before charging it. Following these two simple storage principles, controlling temperature and managing charge levels, is the key to ensuring your DeWalt batteries deliver maximum power for years.