dremel batteries

[Nomad]

I have the older dremel drills, some use the 4.8 (mini mite) and some the 7.2 (multi pro). I expect I could get batteries somewhere but dremel has come out with new machines and as far as I know the batteries are different and won't interchange.
So I had a couple of older NiCad batteries that went belly up. I bought some double A Nickel Metal Hydride batteries at Wal-Mart and soldered some short small wire to the ends in the correct configuration to go back in the original battery case. Snapped the top back on and it works fine. These batteries will tend to self discharge, or so it seems, over a couple weeks so they have to be charged up once in a while even if not used too much. They will not take a memory effect like the Ni cads so topping them up before they are completely run down will not harm them.
Just pry the top of the battery case off while pressing on the sides that you press to insert the battery in the drill to get the top off. Note how they come out so you can insert them back the same way.

I don't think it is recommended that you solder on these batteries, but I have done it numerous times without anything happening. Heat the tip up really hot before touching it to the battery with the wire and solder. That way you won't put any more heat on the battery than you have to.

They charge up just fine in the dremel charger.

At least this worked for me. This may not be for everyone but I like to tinker and know how to solder so didn't have a problem. This isn't any cheaper than buying a new battery but will give you a NiMH battery pack that should be better than the old NiCads.
Caution.
Batteries can explode if heated too much, wear face shield, glasses etc.

[toab]

Quit farting around with those things and just get an inverter and a battery power pack 12v.Plug inverter into pack and use cheaper electric die grinders for your drilling and buffing needs.die grinders are $10. on sale up here.Once my small batt drills are done I'll fully switch over.