What sizes and weights of batteries for cordless power tools are available?

	The type of chemistry, voltage, battery capacity, and technology used by the manufacturer affect the size and weight of batteries for cordless power tools and their power tools.
	Higher battery voltage and capacity increases battery size and weight, while new technologies can reduce size and weight, allowing smaller batteries to be just as powerful and durable.
	Of the three chemical elements available, nickel-cadmium batteries are the largest and heaviest. On the other hand, they have advantages over others that could compensate for the weight (see. What are the types of batteries for power tools?)
	Lithium-ion batteries are by far the smallest and lightest. A lithium-ion battery is half the size of a nickel-cadmium battery of the same capacity and voltage, and five times lighter. This is a great advantage, but it comes at the cost of being more brittle.
	NiMH batteries are also lighter than NiCd batteries. At the same weight as a comparable NiCd battery, a NiMH battery can have about 30% more capacity.
	It all comes down to choosing the right tool for the job. For example, if you will be using your tool every day to process medium weight workpieces such as wood, you might consider tools and batteries with a medium voltage and capacity range (eg 18V 2Ah battery). so you can get the job done efficiently, but without its weight becoming tiring.
	The ideal battery should be the size and weight of a 500 gram oil bath, although some lithium-ion batteries can weigh as little as 180 grams.
	There are a number of small and lightweight tools on the market today, powered by very small rechargeable batteries. They are ideal for simple DIY jobs such as screwing insulating boards and drilling holes to hang pictures.
	The lithium-ion batteries that power these tools are the smallest power tool batteries available. At 7.2V and 1Ah they only weigh 80g.
	On the other hand, cordless power tools are available for heavy metalworking jobs. They require batteries with a voltage of up to 36 V and a capacity of 5 Ah. These batteries can be the size of a 1-kilogram margarine tub and weigh up to 1.3 kg, although new technologies can reduce their weight to a kilogram.
	Ultimately, you have quite a lot of choice in terms of size and weight of your cordless power tool battery. Manufacturers or your supplier will be able to give you more advice on choosing the best tool for your job.