What kind of batteries are the best and where can I get reasonably priced ones with rechargers?
Chorus asked:
Like which brands – Energizer maybe?
and which types- Lithium ones?
Like which brands – Energizer maybe?
and which types- Lithium ones?
I don’t know much about batteries.
Rather than focus on brand, direct your attention towards type. I use the “low self discharge” aka “precharged” type of rechargable NiMH batteries whenever possible. I’ve seen sets marketed under the Sanyo Eneloop brand that include shells that let you substitute a AA sized battery for larger C and D cells and come with a decent charger. Once you realise that each full charge has about the same amount of energy as an equivalent sized non-rechargable alkaline cell at a total cost of a penny or two, you’ll see that they are all reasonably priced. Other brands that I use personally on a daily basis are the Duracell precharged (copper top, not green top) and Kodak precharged (white label, not gray label). The links below will go a long way towards teaching you about rechargables.
Don
If you’re looking for generic AA, C, or D cells you should get NiMH. Li-Ion cells have a different voltage and are really for specialized use. NiMH are rated at 1.4 volts and Li-Ion are 3.6 volts. The chemistry of the cell determines it’s voltage, not the size of the cell. NiCd’s are no longer available as far as I know. The cadmium is a heavy metal and is toxic.
Check any decent electronics store. Get a reputable brand that will back their product. A 1 year guarantee is standard. Make sure you follow charging and storage directions.
Compare the weight of the cells. You may find that some weigh less others. This means that they have less of the chemicals in them and they won’t have as much capacity. Some manufacturers do this to sell a cheaper cell. You get what you pay for. You have to compare the same cell size and chemistry. Li-Ion cells weigh less than NiMH.
You can get the adapters that allow a AA battery to be used in place of a C or D cell but the AA battery has far less capacity than a C or D cell. It’s okay in a pinch but I wouldn’t make a practice of it. AA cells in an adapter simply won’t power a device as long as a real C or D cell.
Don’t leave any battery in a device that you aren’t going to use for a month or more. Batteries seldom leak when they have power in them but if they go dead they are very likely to leak. This can ruin the device they’re in.
Slow chargers are easier on the batteries than fast chargers. I still use fast chargers because I can’t wait overnight when I’m using battery powered tools, but if you have the choice, slow charging is better than fast charging.
Store batteries in a cool, dry location. Don’t put them in your refrigerator or freezer. It’s simply not necessary and you have to wait for them to warm up to perform properly.