I was searching for a good deal on some D sized NiMh cells I need for a portable radio. They won’t be used very often as most of the time it will run on a power supply here at the house. Just would like to have some cells around for when I travel, camp, etc. I will probably wire up and run a single high capacity LiIon cell in it, 21700 or 26650 depending on which one I can make fit better in the battery compartment.
Anyhow, I found some replacement cordless drill batteries that are claimed to be 18volt NiMh. They are fairly cheap but, I am not sure the size of the cells inside the pack. Anyone ever have one apart that can tell me what to expect? I won’t buy one unless I know I will have a use for them. Those D sized cells are a bit pricey. I can get a 4 pack of 30Q’s cheaper than a 4 pack of D NiMh.
NIMH tool packs are almost always “Sub C” (aka “2/3 C”) size. Atleast in my experience… If it’s 18v and the pack (minus neck) is ~2.5 to 3” tall thats what it is, they pack them in there standing vertically next to one another.
The only normal size NiMH cells I’ve ever found in any battery packs are AAA’s & AA’s in really tiny tool packs (old dremels), cordless phones and tooth brushes. I’ve never once found a full C or any length D and I’ve taken apart hundreds of packs.