Question about storing batteries for a weed trimmer........

[CathyA]

This is embarrassing...........I bought a cordless weedeater about 3 years ago and never opened the box. (Yes, I know its probably fairly useless, but I wanted to use it just around my deck.) I decided to open the box. It has 2 rechargeable batteries. I was going to charge them, but I figured if they were just going to sit in the house until next year, I probably shouldn't charge them.....but wasn't sure if it was bad for them to have never been charged.
Should I, or shouldn't I?
Thanks!

[bae]

Depends on the battery chemistry. If they are "normal" batteries, in an ideal world, you'd charge them, and then keep them properly trickle charged. Else they will develop deposits on the plates, and become useless.

[ToomuchStuff]

Lithium batteries for power tools, tend to have about a three year life, IMHE. (charged or not)

Also, notice what Bae says about "trickle charger", because most power tools, do NOT come with a trickle charger, and you can kill a battery by leaving it in a regular charger.

[CathyA]

Thanks bae and ToomuchStuff. Not sure what a trickle charger is/does.
I do charge my golf cart batteries every day.
I decided to go ahead and charge the weedeater batteries. Will have to wait until next year to see if they still work. (Wouldn't have to wait, but I got too much other stuff to do now).
I'm embarrassed I never used it. I had good intentions though..................

[ToomuchStuff]

A normal charger is supposed to take them down and back up again, where a trickle charger is supposed to only add the electricity that they lose naturally from sitting, over time. (less wear on the batteries in laymen's terms)

[CathyA]

Thanks TMS.