Makita Batteries

[Jerry Katzeff]

The 9.6v batteries for my Makita power tools have finally gone belly up and I am looking for good replacements. There appear to be a number of companies producing inexpensive aftermarket 9.6V NiCd batteries for Makita that have a capacity between 1500- 2000 mAh as opposed to 1300 mAh for the original Makita battery. Has anyone had any experience with the after market batteries, and if so what brand do you recommend? Thank you ahead of time for whatever information you can share on this subject.

[TnAndy]

I used the 9.6 drill driver for years and loved it.....good power to weight ratio....but got tired of buying the batteries couple times a year at 50 bucks/pop.

When my last set went, I switched to the 12v with the nickle metal hydride battery that is not supposed to develope the "memory" problem the ni-cads did.....had them about 2 years now,and still going strong. Since the new drill with 2 batteries wasn't too awful much more than 2 ni-cad 9.6's, I thought it was a good way to go.

[Jerry Katzeff]

I am trying to resurrect three instruments - a standard drill, a right angle drill, and a flashlight. I can buy two aftermarket batteries for about $40.00. I think that $40 bucks is a small investment to bring three tools back to life. Home Depot wants $25 for the OEM replacement Makita battery. That's actually a good price. I typically got at least three years out of my batteries. Not necessarily top performance throughout the three years but certainly a "useable" performance. Before I buy the original replacement battery, I wanted to know if anyone has experience with the higher capacity after market batteries and if they are a worth while alternative. As far as replacing the drill altogether I already own an 18V DeWalt drill, but still like the balance of the Makita, and still like the functionality of the right angle drill.