How to store the battery and charger for cordless power tools?

	Cordless tool batteries are most effective when used regularly, but if you need to store them, follow these tips.
	Batteries, chargers and cordless power tools should be stored separately and not together.
	Batteries and chargers must be stored in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight and preferably at room temperature (15-21 degrees Celsius), but never at any extreme temperatures (below about 4 degrees Celsius and above 40 degrees Celsius). Celsius).
	You may hear rumors about the benefits of storing your battery in the freezer, but Wonkee Donkee advises against it. Freezing the battery can permanently damage it.
	The box or soft carrying case you purchased them in will protect them from dust and damage, but a sealed container may be better as it prevents condensation from entering the battery cells.
	Do not store the battery in a place with any conductive materials such as small metal objects such as paper clips or nails. If they touch the contacts and connect them together, they can short out the battery, severely damaging it.
	Some batteries and chargers come with a protective plastic cover that fits over the contacts to prevent damage during storage.
	Chargers should be stored disconnected from the mains, with the power cable untangled, coiled and without any significant load on it. Use the plug to unplug the charger - do not pull on the power cord as this may damage the plug connections.
	NiCd batteries should be stored at 40% charge or more to avoid overdischarging due to self-discharge during storage. This works best for NiMH batteries as well. Lithium-ion batteries can be stored without damage at any charge level.
	For long-term storage, lithium-ion batteries should be recharged every 6 months, and nickel-based batteries should be discharged and recharged once a month (one charge cycle) to prevent permanent damage due to over-discharge.
	Nickel-based batteries may need to be filled (conditioned) prior to use after long periods of storage to redistribute the electrolyte and optimize battery capacity (refer to  How to charge a nickel battery for power tools).
	Depending on how long they've been stored, Li-Ion batteries usually retain some of their charge and can be used straight off the shelf or charged in the usual way.