Ni Cad vs Lithium Ion
 

Ni Cad vs Lithium Ion - do LI actually increase power at all or is iot just that it lasts near full power longer? Is it worth it for a weekend warrior if I have 3 Ni Cads to swap back forth too?

The biggest reason to avoid NiCad is the "memory" effect. That is, if you recharge when it's half-full the then next time it will only charge to 1/2 capacity. More or less. There may be other benefits of LI but that was a deal breaker for any of my power tools.

Depends on how its being compared. Typically its duration, holds a charge better in-between uses, and lasts longer. Li requires a special charger with additional circuitry.

Personally I prefer corded, especially if more torque is your goal. Cheaper brands of battery tools are just that, cheap. If what you have is meeting your goals and use then its a waste of money to upgrade.

Li Ion works on the "Full power or no power" principle. meaning it has max power until it loses it charge and stops Ni Cad is always slightly declining from a full charge

Definitely Lithium-Ion, most for due to the longevity of the batteries. My Makita 18V drill is going on nearly two years old and I use it daily at work. It has tons of cycles on the batteries (Li-ion). Actually, all my power tools are Li-Ion now at home and work.

I have had both and the li batteries are getting better. I had 36 volt dewalt stuff when it first came out and the batteries did not last that long. You were lucky if you got a year out of them before they would go bad. I have a snap on 18v nicad impact and the batteries have been good for 3 years

My lithium ion dewalt drill/impact I got last yr is the best I have ever had. Lighter weight ad the battery lasts much longer


Ryan

No one mentioned nimh batteries. No instant cut off, no memory effect and have a high discharge rate. Also greener than both. Can use same charger as NiCd. Only pro for lion is its lighter in weight.