Diy

Photo post: can’t afford tool batteries, so DIY — two scrap tool batteries from the scrapyard stripped and re-celled with new 10C power 18650 1500mAh cells; the AWithZ welder leaves round, bright, solid welds; both packs assembled

A 12-image photo tutorial: can’t afford a tool battery, so DIY one; buy two scrap tool batteries (Dayi-style cases) at the scrapyard, strip out the dead cells and fit new ones; the new cells are green 18650 1500mAh 3.7V power cells with 10C discharge, ‘a beautiful pack’; both packs assembled, BMS wired up; spot-welded with the AWithZ welder, the welds are beautiful — round, bright and solid. Comments: ‘you’ve actually got a spot welder now’, a welder isn’t worth buying for a few uses, not worth it for an individual, asking about cost, ‘is this an ad?’, be careful not to get electrocuted, same welder.

Outcome

Steps6 steps · click a frame to jump

1. 
   1. Can’t afford tool batteries → DIY

   Two dirty old tool battery cases; can’t afford one, so a DIY tutorial.

2. 
   2. Two scrap batteries from the scrapyard, stripped and re-celled

   Buy two scrap tool batteries at the scrapyard, strip the dead cells and fit new ones; the new cells are green 18650 1500mAh 3.7V.

3. 
   3. Both assembled (BMS + AWithZ machine)

   Both packs assembled, the blue BMS wired up, the AWithZ colour-screen welder beside them.

4. 
   4. 10C power cells, a beautiful pack

   The new cells are 10C-discharge power cells, neatly lined up.

5. 
   5. Beautiful welds from the AWithZ welder

   Neat welds on the nickel strip.

6. 
   6. Round, bright, solid welds

   The welds are round, bright and solid.

Bill of materials

Creator’s tips

• Pick up tool battery cases at the scrapyard and only replace the cells — low cost 00:00

Pitfalls

• Comments: a welder isn’t worth buying for an individual who’ll only use it a few times

Li-ion safety

• Comments: be careful not to get electrocuted

Quotes