How to check the battery from a screwdriver

Fault definition

The most common cause of failure is the failure of only one element. They are connected in series, which means that even a drop in capacity on one battery will lead to a complete malfunction of the entire battery. In this case, we need:

  • Screwdriver. Usually, the body is connected with Phillips screws. Some models have foolproof protection and there may be vandal-resistant sprockets, triangles or even spanners.
  • Multimeter. Any model is enough, even the cheapest DT-830. Since measurements are taken in millivolts, Soviet dial voltmeters will not work.
check, battery, screwdriver

Next, you need to follow the instructions:

  • The battery is disconnected from the screwdriver. It must be fully charged.
  • The case is disassembled.
  • Now you need to remove all the banks There are more of them in Ni-Kd, since the nominal voltage of one section is less.
  • Voltage is measured on each bank. For nickel-cadmium, 1.2 volts is nominal. For lithium. the normal voltage is in the range of 3.6-3.8 volts.
  • After measuring, you need to look at which banks the voltage is reduced. For example, if the voltage is 3.8 on two lithium batteries, and 3.5 on one, it means that it is defective.
  • The battery is assembled and installed in the instrument. Now she needs to be set to zero.
  • The battery is disassembled and the voltage is measured again. If the voltage on the alleged element is much lower than on the others, then it is being replaced or repaired.

Replacing cans in the battery

How to repair a battery for a screwdriver? The easiest way to revive the battery is to replace one of the cans.

It is necessary to find a defective element with a low voltage. To do this, you need to use a tester.

Instructions on how to check the battery of a screwdriver with a multimeter:

  • A conventional multimeter has two test leads. a red and a black one. There are two contacts from opposite ends of the can (plus and minus).
  • The tester selection lever is set to the “constant voltage” mode. If the multimeter has an automatic selection of values, this is enough. If it is not there, you need to put the lever in position “20”.
  • Probes are applied to the contact pads and the voltage is measured. The real voltage is shown on the screen. If there is a “-” sign in front of the numbers, then the probes need to be changed with each other.
  • Each bank is checked using this algorithm.

When a broken element has been found, it is simply soldered off and replaced. You need to use a powerful soldering iron so as not to overheat the jar.

General repair recommendations

How to restore a screwdriver battery? You need to have a basic understanding of electrical engineering. The battery circuit is idle. Ordinary serial circuit (plus connects to minus).

When repairing Ni-Kd, the following recommendations should be taken into account:

  • They have a memory effect. The classic scheme for commissioning such batteries is 3 full charges and 3 discharges to zero. The new element must go through the same buildup.
  • A similar item. So that it does not get knocked out of the chain and does not break the battery at all, the new element must fully correspond to the previous rating.

The lithium battery of a screwdriver can be repaired at home if you consider the following:

  • They cannot be soldered. Intolerance to high temperatures will lead to a non-repairable condition. To do this, you need to use contact welding (it heats the electrode for a short time without harming the battery). If there is no access to the COP, soldering with a very powerful soldering iron from 100 watts is allowed. Movement must be fast and accurate.
  • Identical models. Now there are several main manufacturers of lithium batteries, which are used in popular foreign models of screwdrivers, such as Hitachi, Makita and domestic ones: Interskol, Zubr.

Topping up with distilled water

Restoration of the screwdriver battery with topping up should take place with a completely discharged battery. Ni-Kd batteries are covered with paper. If there was evaporation, then there will be noticeable traces on the surface.

After measuring the voltage, you need to completely discharge all the banks using a 12 volt bulb. After that, the voltage is measured again. Those elements where it dropped to 0.7 are faulty.

To fill in distilled water, you need to make a hole in the side of the can. A groove is made with a very thin drill (0.5-0.7 mm). You need to make sure that it does not go inside and damage the plates.

A small amount of water is poured with a syringe with a fine needle. After that, the breakdown must be closed with epoxy resin or sealant.

The battery can now be rocked. Each unit must be discharged to zero again by attaching 1.5 volt bulbs to them. When the procedure is over, the battery is collected and it is necessary to carry out 5 charge and discharge cycles.

How to repair a screwdriver battery at home

The cordless screwdriver is a convenient mechanism that allows you to quickly deal with repairs. Instead of a heavy drill on a wire, it is better to take a lightweight screwdriver that can handle the same tasks without being tied to one place.

They have one problem. batteries fail. There are many reasons for this:

  • Long downtime. Modern lithium-ion batteries require periodic charging and discharging. They drastically lose capacity if they are idle for a long time.
  • Temperature drops. Li-Ion does not tolerate high temperatures well. Therefore, there are recommendations for storing these batteries in the refrigerator. But they cannot work in such conditions.
  • Overdischarge. The protection system can cause the batteries to discharge to zero and a large current must be applied to the input to resurrect them.

Repair and replacement of battery cells

Do-it-yourself screwdriver battery repair can be more extensive. For example, conversion of Ni-Kd to lithium ones. To do this, you need to purchase several Li-Ion batteries and a charging board. The number of batteries must correspond to the original voltage rating.

As practice shows, most screwdrivers are easily converted from one type of battery to another, without any problems. Thanks to the increased endurance, resistance to constant use and higher capacity, the old screwdriver will last much longer.

reconstruction based on laptop power supply

As already mentioned, this reconstruction method is considered simple and does not require much time. Check first what output voltage the device is designed for. The best option would be 12-19 watts. In the next step, remove the unusable batteries from the device with a screwdriver and disassemble the device.

  • Disconnect the entry (sized for the laptop connector) and strip the wires.
  • Take the contacts and simply solder them to the device.
  • Select a location on the device for the wire and drill it. At the end of the action, fold the structure and check for operability.

Why convert a cordless screwdriver to a network?

Battery-charged equipment periodically discharges if it is not used for a long time. This fact is a problem, since the main components deteriorate when the charge in the battery drops frequently. As a result, during the first signs of a breakdown, the battery holds less and less charge. In such a situation, complete breakdown of the part cannot be prevented; it is better to either replace it or change it to a new one. By the way, the cost of the first and second options will be the same.

Tip: If the user is going to work with hard surfaces, choose devices with rotation parameters of at least 20 Nm. This is the Sparky BR2 10.8Li-C HD mechanism.

The second reason is to remake the device. quality of work. Owners of such devices will easily confirm that the torque process is sometimes interrupted. It is also annoying that the power is not the best level. again, the partial discharge is to blame. The situation is saved by connecting the device to the mains supply. Here are the benefits we get in the end:

  • Charging time will be shortened and you can start working at any time.
  • Functioning without restrictions, confidence that the device does not sit down halfway to the job done.
  • Financial benefit: no need to periodically change the battery.

Tip: On high-quality equipment, there is protection against breakages, which is located near the nozzle. Such protection is available for devices Bosch PSR 1200, Bosch GSR 12V-15.

Screwdriver alteration process

Method number 2 (reconstruction based on a network unit from a computer)

For this type of reconstruction, only an AT class network unit is suitable. Such devices have a ventilation compartment, as well as buttons on. and off. The network block is used on many models of computers, so it will not be difficult for anyone to find an unnecessary part. Then check the output current, it should be at least 16 volts, and the power 300.30 W.

  • Disassemble the device and find the plate on which the wiring is fixed (board).
  • Disable protection: locate the green electronic component on the board and attach to any other black wire.
  • Find a design with two black, yellow and red wires (MOLEX pins). Attach or solder the extension cord to the yellow and black wires, and attach the other part to the screwdriver terminals. Now twist the mechanism.

How to convert a cordless screwdriver into a network: 3 basic methods

It is not surprising that almost every house or apartment has a screwdriver. Unfortunately, devices based on a wireless network source often run out of power and break down. Since buying a new battery is expensive, most owners convert their cordless screwdrivers to cordless ones. In this article, we will tell you how to remake the device using the parts at hand. We will also touch on the topic of why this type of equipment breaks down most often. Read carefully!

Choosing a power supply for a screwdriver

The task can be accomplished in several details. For example, with a laptop charger, this rework is considered simple and unassuming. Therefore, if an unnecessary network block from a laptop is left at home, you can use it. Second detail. network block from a computer. This option implies a certain amount of knowledge and skills to work with a soldering iron. Another option is how to convert a screwdriver to a network one. engage the desired inverter welding. In the next section, we will tell you in detail how to implement your plan in all three ways.

Tip: Pay attention to the device parameters. For effective drilling, the rpm must be at least 1300. For example, the Bosch GSR 1440-LI and Makita DF347DWE machines have this characteristic.

(reconstruction based on inverter welding)

Reconstruction of a screwdriver when using inverter welding involves lengthy checks and calculations for the fact that the necessary parts are working. The process of reworking itself is not complicated, it adheres to the same technology as in the previous methods. You just need to remove the old battery, and in its place, attach the cord entry to the contacts. In the case of inverter welding, you will also need to install a secondary coil.

Based on the article read, we can say that this goal can be achieved in different ways. For this, a number of items are used, such as: laptop charger, computer power supply and inverter welding. However, the most successful and uncomplicated reconstruction will be based on a laptop power supply. So, not a huge detail will not weigh down the apparatus and will work for a long time. Be careful, all actions related to electrical devices oblige you to follow safety rules.

See Converting a cordless screwdriver to a mains

How to check

Battery

To check the power supply of the screwdriver for performance, you just need to take the current and voltage readings at the time of charging. over, it is necessary to repeat the procedure several times in order to obtain the most accurate values.

Stages of voltage rise U:

  • after 30 minutes of charging. 13 V;
  • after 60 minutes of charging. 13.5 V;
  • after 2 hours. 14 V;
  • at the end of charging. 17 V.

Such observations indicate that the battery is completely intact and functional. In most cases, no further analysis is required.

At the same time, for a working battery, the current strength will also steadily increase within an hour after the start of charging. If after an hour the indicator has reached a value of 1 A, then this indicates the serviceability of the device.

There is also a method for accelerated testing of the battery, which consists in measuring the voltage at no load (no load). This voltage must reach the required value, which is directly related to the operating voltage of the battery cells (cells). If the indicator is lower, then there is a high probability of failure of one or more elements.

A separate type of battery capacity test with a multimeter from a screwdriver can be considered a load test. Additional equipment is used here, which needs recharging. Incandescent lamps are ideal for this. The power of such a lamp must correspond to the power of the battery. Otherwise, the test results may not be accurate enough. In most cases, the power is equal to half the current that the battery delivers multiplied by the voltage. For standard screwdriver batteries, 12 V lamps are used for testing.

The battery is connected to the load through a multimeter, which then takes readings. After a few minutes, you need to measure the voltage. It should be higher than 12.4 V. If this value has not been achieved, then there is clearly some kind of malfunction. Additionally, it is recommended to pay attention to the brightness of the light bulb. It must be stable enough.

How to check the battery of a screwdriver with a multimeter?

During intensive use of the screwdriver, there is a possibility of its breakage. And one of the most vulnerable parts is the battery. Consider how to check the battery of a screwdriver for performance by different methods.

General recommendations before testing the battery

Immediately before checking the battery, it is necessary to clearly determine what type of battery the battery belongs to. Depending on this type, and the approach may be different. For example, the most common nickel-cadmium batteries are highly sensitive to operating conditions. Infrequent or irregular full recharges will significantly reduce the battery’s capacity and the battery will not fully utilize its resources. In more detail, the types of batteries will be considered below.

It is also recommended to fully charge the battery before checking. This will make it possible to draw more accurate conclusions about the performance of the device. It has been proven that the most accurate readings are taken under load. And the full charge is a very suitable type of load.

Before testing, it is necessary to minimize the influence of the “memory effect” on the device. Since this effect appears with batteries in case of improper use, in order to eliminate it, it is necessary to use the battery several times in accordance with all the rules.

It is enough to carry out the charge / discharge cycles 3 times to significantly reduce the effect of the effect. For an accelerated discharge, it is best to use an incandescent lamp, which, together with a multimeter, will need to be connected to the battery.

If everything is done correctly, then after a few full cycles, the battery will be able to restore its capacity and can again be used in a screwdriver. If the operation did not help, then the problem was different.

Battery can voltage

After the first stage of verification, it will become clear whether the device is working properly or not. If the testing indicated a discrepancy between the parameters, then it is logical to proceed with the repair, accompanied by the replacement of faulty cans.

You need to open the battery case and identify the malfunction. For this, a multimeter is also used, which is connected to each element separately. The voltage of each jar must be at least 1.2 V. All discrepancies indicate a breakdown of the element. Defective cans must be removed from the common circuit and replaced with new ones.

If such a check does not reveal a breakdown, then you need to resort to stress testing again. And here the level of resistance is of fundamental importance, which is directly related to voltage and current strength. Each element is tested separately and resistances are calculated as well. In the event of a malfunction, this indicator will clearly deviate from the norm and quickly identify a broken element.

Nickel cadmium battery

The most common type of battery. They charge quickly enough and have a good volume. They are distinguished by their durability and resistance to external influences. The average number of charge / discharge cycles can reach 3500. When using accelerated chargers, the battery does not wear out faster and can last for a long time. Separately, it is worth noting the cheapness of such batteries and the ability to operate at temperatures below zero.

But there are also disadvantages, the main one of which is the so-called “memory effect”. Batteries are quite toxic in the event of a malfunction and have a high self-discharge rate. Due to toxicity, manufacturers are now trying to rapidly reduce the percentage of such devices.

To prolong the life of such a battery, it is recommended to completely discharge it before recharging.

Charger

The malfunction may lie not only in the battery, but also in the charger itself. Therefore, you first need to check the charger for the screwdriver with a multimeter.

On it, the mode of measuring direct current is switched on and, using probes, it is connected to the charger. The value of the current on the meter should be as close as possible to what is indicated on the case. If this is not the case, then it is better to replace the device with a new one.

Li-ion battery

A much more expensive analogue, which, however, has a number of undeniable advantages. Such batteries are used in advanced models of screwdrivers from well-known brands.

These batteries have a large capacity and a much lower percentage of charge loss due to self-discharge. However, such batteries are strictly not recommended to be overheated and left completely discharged for a long time. This can lead to degradation of the crystals and damage to the battery. If overheated, there is a risk of explosion of such a device.

Like the first type, the lithium-ion battery is capable of functioning in cold weather.

Checking the battery cans of the screwdriver

If preliminary tests on the tool indicate that the cans are defective, disassemble the battery case. Banks are batteries that are connected in series with each other and are located inside the battery. It is they who retain the electrical charge and provide power to the instrument. As a rule, any battery includes 10-12 cans of 1.2 volts.

Initially, it is required to visually check the integrity of the cans’ connections to each other. It often happens that several individual cans fall out of the circuit due to an open circuit, which leads to a deterioration in the performance of the battery as a whole.

If all connections are in order, you need to measure the voltage of each of the cells separately. In this case, the voltage must be at least 1.2 volts. Measurements are carried out using a multimeter, the probes of which are connected to the poles of the jar. If the device does not show voltage, such cans must be replaced. If defective parts are not detected, the stress test must be repeated.

To fix the battery, you need minimal knowledge of electrics. even a novice householder can handle this. Self-repair of the screwdriver battery will save your family budget and give your tool a second life.

Topping up with distilled water

Restoration of the screwdriver battery with topping up should take place with a completely discharged battery. Ni-Kd batteries are covered with paper. If there was evaporation, then there will be noticeable traces on the surface.

After measuring the voltage, you need to completely discharge all the banks using a 12 volt bulb. After that, the voltage is measured again. Those elements where it dropped to 0.7 are faulty.

To fill in distilled water, you need to make a hole in the side of the can. A groove is made with a very thin drill (0.5-0.7 mm). You need to make sure that it does not go inside and damage the plates.

A small amount of water is poured with a syringe with a fine needle. After that, the breakdown must be closed with epoxy resin or sealant.

The battery can now be rocked. Each unit must be discharged to zero again by attaching 1.5 volt bulbs to them. When the procedure is over, the battery is collected and it is necessary to carry out 5 charge and discharge cycles.

Guide to action

Before recognizing the battery as unfit for use, you need to check it for operability.

Replacing cans in the battery

How to repair a battery for a screwdriver? The easiest way to revive the battery is to replace one of the cans.

It is necessary to find a defective element with a low voltage. To do this, you need to use a tester.

Instructions on how to check the battery of a screwdriver with a multimeter:

  • A conventional multimeter has two test leads. a red and a black one. There are two contacts from opposite ends of the can (plus and minus).
  • The tester selection lever is set to the “constant voltage” mode. If the multimeter has an automatic selection of values, this is enough. If it is not there, you need to put the lever in position “20”.
  • Probes are applied to the contact pads and the voltage is measured. The real voltage is shown on the screen. If there is a “-” sign in front of the numbers, then the probes need to be changed with each other.
  • Each bank is checked using this algorithm.

When a broken element has been found, it is simply soldered off and replaced. You need to use a powerful soldering iron so as not to overheat the jar.

Battery design and types of cans

The battery for screwdrivers is made as a small block, docked with the tool from the back, usually on the bottom of the handle. This is done for an optimal center of gravity and comfortable grip. The block can be easily removed and fixed in its socket. Everything is done for convenient and fast work.

The unit itself is a plastic case with batteries inside. Since the existing chemical current sources do not provide the typical power supply voltage of the screwdriver (12-18 V), they are recruited into a serial battery. The leads of the elements are connected by a metal flat bus, which is welded to them by contact welding. This method heats up the elements the least during assembly.

Thus, the battery is not repairable. In developed countries, they are disposed of without repair. Elements, or as they are simply called, “banks”, are also made non-separable, moreover, sometimes they contain harmful substances. The elements are cylindrical or rectangular in shape.

Battery types

For cylindrical elements, usually Ni-Cd or Ni-MH, the electrodes together with the active mass and the separator are rolled up, while for rectangular ones they are collected in a package, or sometimes they are also made in a roll. The goal of any of the methods: to maximize the area of ​​the electrodes, which gives the maximum current draw with a minimum of heating. This provides a high power density of the cell.

Lithium-ion cells are produced in both cylindrical and flat cases, and lithium-polymer with ribbon or wire leads. in flat.

In general, the design is similar to oil capacitors, only there the electrodes are called plates, and they are separated by a non-conductive dielectric. oil. In the case of batteries, on the contrary, the filler conducts current, it is an electrolyte solution.

Battery performance is associated with electrode corrosion and other irreversible chemical processes. Gradually, it loses its effectiveness and becomes unusable. Incorrect charge-discharge mode accelerates these events.

REMEMBER: Nickel-cadmium batteries must be discharged to their minimum voltage and only then charged. And lithium-ion. on the contrary, recharge more often. This extends their service life.

Corrosion disturbs the shape of the electrodes, leads to ruptures and punctures of the separator and further closure of the cathode and anode. This increases self-discharge. The formation of poorly soluble compounds in large quantities leads to an irreversible increase in internal resistance. Such compounds are obtained in the course of side chemical reactions, which are inevitable and limit the service life.

Checking the battery of the screwdriver for performance

Before testing the battery for performance, it is recommended to find out if the malfunction of the charger unit is the cause of the problem.

The charger is tested in the following order:

  • The unit is connected to the network.
  • The multimeter is set to the measurement mode for direct current.
  • The corresponding test leads are connected to the plus and minus of the charger.
  • If the voltage deviates from the parameters indicated on the power supply case, it should be replaced or repaired.

Fault definition

The most common cause of failure is the failure of only one element. They are connected in series, which means that even a drop in capacity on one battery will lead to a complete malfunction of the entire battery. In this case, we need:

  • Screwdriver. Usually, the body is connected with Phillips screws. Some models have foolproof protection and there may be vandal-resistant sprockets, triangles or even spanners.
  • Multimeter. Any model is enough, even the cheapest DT-830. Since measurements are taken in millivolts, Soviet dial voltmeters will not work.

Next, you need to follow the instructions:

  • The battery is disconnected from the screwdriver. It must be fully charged.
  • The case is disassembled.
  • Now you need to remove all the banks There are more of them in Ni-Kd, since the nominal voltage of one section is less.
  • Voltage is measured on each bank. For nickel-cadmium, 1.2 volts is nominal. For lithium. the normal voltage is in the range of 3.6-3.8 volts.
  • After measuring, you need to look at which banks the voltage is reduced. For example, if the voltage is 3.8 on two lithium batteries, and 3.5 on one, it means that it is defective.
  • The battery is assembled and installed in the instrument. Now she needs to be set to zero.
  • The battery is disassembled and the voltage is measured again. If the voltage on the alleged element is much lower than on the others, then it is being replaced or repaired.

How to measure voltage

If it is necessary to check only the battery voltage, then the multimeter is switched to DC mode. If you need to check the power source, the voltage of which does not exceed 20 volts, then in this sector the mode switch is set to 20 V.

Then the black probe of the multimeter should be connected to the negative terminal, and the red one. to the positive of the battery, on the display of the device, at this moment, the DC voltage will be shown.

Usually, a serviceable and fully charged car battery has a voltage of 12.7 V. If at this voltage the electrolyte density is normal, then the power source can be used for its intended purpose.

Similarly, the voltage of lithium-ion batteries of cell phones, as well as alkaline or gel batteries, which are used to start engines of various motor vehicles, diesel generators and other devices, for which a certain charge of electricity is required, is measured.

How to check the basic parameters of the battery with a multimeter

The multimeter is a multifunctional device for measuring various parameters of electric current, therefore, it can also be used to check the battery charge. Various types of multimeters can be used to do this job. The cost of the product does not matter, the main thing is that the digital or analog measuring device is in good condition. How to check the battery with a multimeter will be discussed further.

What parameters can be checked?

With a multimeter, you can measure the voltage with high precision. By the magnitude of the electric voltage, you can determine whether the battery is charged or the cell needs to be charged with a constant current.

Using a multimeter, you can check the voltage not only of acid batteries, but also batteries of cell phones. To check the cell phone for the amount of battery charge, the device is switched to the DC current measurement mode up to 20 V. In this mode, a digital device allows you to measure voltage, with an accuracy of hundredths of a volt.

The battery of the screwdriver can also be easily checked with a multimeter. The rated voltage of the device, in this case, can be found in the documentation of the power tool, and if the voltage is less than this value, then the battery must be charged.

The battery capacity can also be checked with a multimeter. For this purpose, you can use several ways.

You can check with a multimeter for leakage current. If it is necessary to measure this parameter on a car, then in addition to the current leakage to the body, the leak in the car’s on-board network is also checked.

Thus, you can prevent the rapid discharge of the battery and increase its service life.

Check internal resistance

To check the battery for serviceability using a multimeter, you need to measure the internal resistance of the battery. You can check the performance of the power source using a multimeter and a powerful 12 V light bulb. Check the battery in the following sequence:

  • 12V lamp is connected to the battery.
  • After a few seconds of the lamp glow, the voltage at the battery terminals is measured.
  • The lamp turns off and the voltage is measured again.

If the measurement difference does not exceed 0.05 V, then the battery is in good condition.

In the case when the value of the voltage drop is greater, the internal resistance of the power source will be higher, which will indirectly indicate a significant deterioration in the technical condition of the battery.

Thus, it is possible to fairly accurately check the power source for serviceability.

How to measure capacity

The multimeter can also be used as a tester for measuring the battery capacity. The battery capacity can be measured using a battery check discharge. To check the capacity, you will first need to fully charge the battery. Then you need to make sure that the battery is charged as much as possible by measuring the voltage and density of the electrolyte.

Next, you need to connect a load of known power, for example, a 24 W incandescent lamp, and note the exact time when this experiment starts. When the battery voltage drops to 50% of the previously set reading of a fully charged battery, the light should be turned off.

The measurement of the capacity, which is expressed in a / h, is carried out by multiplying the current in the circuit with the connected load, by the number of hours during which the control discharge of the battery was carried out. If you get a value that is as close as possible to the nominal a / h indicator, then the battery is in excellent condition.

How to check the leakage current

The battery can discharge itself, even if its terminals are not connected to electricity consumers. The self-discharge rate is indicated in the documentation for the battery and is a natural process. The loss of electricity can be especially noticeable in acid batteries.

In addition to natural electric current leaks, there may be areas in the circuit that are wet or with thinned insulation. In this case, even at the moment when all electrical consumers are in the off state, an additional current leakage occurs, which can lead to a complete discharge of the battery, and in some cases, to a fire in the damaged area.

Especially, such a phenomenon can be dangerous in the on-board network of a car, in which the entire body and units are a negative conductor, on which there may be a sufficient amount of flammable substances to form an open flame even from a small spark or electric arc.

To identify such “unauthorized” consumption of electricity, it is necessary to turn off the ignition of the car, and also turn off the devices operating in “standby mode”, for example, a radio tape recorder and an alarm.

It is possible to measure the current on the battery with a multimeter only if the measuring device is switched to the current measurement mode, indicated by the “10 A” icon. For this, the rotary switch is switched to the appropriate mode, and the red plug into the socket marked with the sign “10 ADC”.

The red probe of the multimeter is connected to the “” battery, and the black one, with the disconnected terminal. At this moment, there should be no readings from the device at all. If the multimeter shows any value, then the leakage current is significant, and it is necessary to carry out a detailed diagnosis of the vehicle’s on-board network.

Similarly, leakage measurements are made in other electronic systems. When carrying out diagnostics, care should be taken, and if you suspect a significant electrical leakage, which is manifested by arcing when disconnecting or connecting a terminal, you should refuse to measure the leakage current with a multimeter.

If you neglect this rule, then you can “burn” the device, which is not designed to test large values ​​of current.

How to check the battery charge with a multimeter and not damage the fragile electronic “stuffing” of the device?

To ensure that the battery test is not the last for the tester, it is necessary to select the correct diagnostic mode. If you need to check the amperage, then it is strictly forbidden to do this without an additional load, which should not exceed a power of 120 W.

When selecting dc measurement mode, care should be taken not to inadvertently switch the multimeter to resistance measurement mode, which is found, in most multimeter models, near the switch position for dc measurement.

Checking under load

The car headlight bulb is used to load the battery

If a person needs to figure out how quickly the drive will discharge, it will have to be checked under maximum load. Its power is equal to half of the current, which is given by the battery. Most often, this value is about 30-40 watts. Therefore, to create a load, you can use a regular lamp from the headlights of the car.

When taking measurements, the battery is connected to the load source using an ammeter. To measure the readings, you need to use a voltmeter. The battery turns on for 3-4 minutes. During its operation, the voltage should not fall below 12.4 V.

Important! If the reading fluctuates, the battery is partially damaged and will drain quickly.

Types of storage devices in batteries and their properties

There are three main types of drives that are most often used in batteries.

Checking the Drive Batteries

The breakdown of the battery “can” often leads to deterioration of the battery

If, during the preliminary checks, faulty components were identified, you will have to disassemble the battery and remove all the main batteries. Perhaps one of them failed and it is because of this that the battery performance deteriorated.

First, you need to carefully examine the connections. Quite often, they are damaged, which leads to an overall decrease in battery performance. If everything is visually in order, you need to ring the “banks”. The voltage of these elements must not fall below 1.2 V.

Nickel

Models with nickel-cadmium drives are quite common. Their voltage is 1.2 V. The main advantages of such elements include the following:

  • cheapness;
  • prevalence;
  • resistance to low temperatures;
  • long-term storage even after full discharge.

Despite the considerable number of advantages, these drives also have disadvantages:

Killer Screwdriver

  • fast discharge;
  • small capacity;
  • have few charge and discharge cycles.

Additional Information! The manufacture of nickel drives is very harmful. Therefore, many countries have abandoned their production.

A Few Tips Before Checking Your Battery

Before proceeding with the battery test, you need to determine its type in advance. The fact is that how the check will be carried out largely depends on him.

Also, before checking the battery with the tester, it must be fully charged. This will help you check the drive is working properly. It has been repeatedly proven that the most accurate indicators can be found only under load.

Before checking, it is imperative to get rid of the “memory effect” that appears over time with most batteries. To remove it, you must fully charge and discharge the battery at least three times.

Lithium

Lithium drives are considered the highest quality and most durable

Another common type of battery is lithium ion. Their voltage is 3.7 V. These storage elements have a huge number of advantages:

  • complete absence of self-discharge;
  • large capacity;
  • many charge and discharge cycles;
  • compactness and light weight;
  • no “memory effect”.

Lithium batteries have a serious drawback. high cost. It is almost three times higher than the price of other types of drives.

Checking by resistance value

You can check the battery performance by comparing the internal resistance of the “cans”. To find out this value, you will have to divide the voltage by the current and subtract the load resistance.

A 10 ohm resistor is recommended for the load. If the received value is less than 1 ohm, then the battery is functioning normally.

How to ring a screwdriver batteries using a tester

A screwdriver is a tool that is found in almost every home. The most important and expensive part is the battery. He, like any other part of the device, can fail. To independently determine the breakdown, you need to figure out how to check the screwdriver battery with a multimeter at home and what you need to do for this.

how to check battery and alternator without tools

The battery is the element responsible for the performance of the screwdriver