How To: Zap and revive old NiCad batteries with a mig welder

Zap and revive old NiCad batteries with a mig welder

Nicad batteries often die in such a way that they won't take a charge and have zero voltage. This usually means they're shorted out by crystal dendrite growth. Here's a method of bringing them back to life by zapping those shorted crystal dendrites away with too much current and/or voltage. We'll use a welder as a power source. You could also use a car battery, a DC powersupply, or almost anything with some voltage. Charged-up capacitors are popular for this because you can get a very fast pulse out of them and still limit the power. it's a lot safer that way.

Just updated your iPhone to iOS 18? You'll find a ton of hot new features for some of your most-used Apple apps. Dive in and see for yourself:

2 Comments

I did this with a 24volt battery starter, could not believe it bough my 18v battery's back to life, I was going to put then in the dumpster, drill and all because I sure was not paying $80 pluse for 2 new battery's,,,,can't thank you enough!!!

I wasted a couple hours and lots of welding wire. Then tried to solder some contacts inside a porter cable 20v. I was so irritated I cant believe i bought this line of garbage. Its like saying drink sulfuric acid to cure a cold. Really! Dont put out stuff that is dumb and a waste of time. I can buy another one for the time , energy and wasted resources. The problem with google any clown can BS the public.

I have to read about 9 different posts to get some real useful information.

Share Your Thoughts

  • Hot
  • Latest