DayLighter, because these cells are already sitting at the perfect storage voltage of 3.7, I would not charge them up until you actually need them. Cells charged up to 4.2V can loose upwards of 20% capacity (not charge) in 1 year at room temperature, but only about 4% at 3.7.
Other deals that we have come across, where the pulled cells are sitting a little low, I would charge up as soon as possible. For storage purposes, what I don’t know is would it be best to charge them up to 4.2 first and then discharge to 3.7 or only go straight to 3.7. Does anybody know?
I don’t think it would matter too much because it’s only one (or even less) battery cycle.
I would charge it up to 4.20V and see how well it holds the voltage. A lot of my bad cells would drop right back to 4.10V because of their high internal resistance.
In real usage, I don’t think I would notice even a 20% reduction in capacity because I don’t use my lights continuously.
Ooops, missed this. These are not the easiest packs to open, not a good one to start with. I've done several other packs and this one was a challenge. Cells are packed tight in, glued very well, etc... Plastic though is thin and plyable -- you must be careful though, go slow, don't lose your patience. I used small tools - small cutter and a needlenose on this one. A small wire cutter is good enough to make cuts in the plastic, then the needlenose to pull/peel back - never pry because prying may be leveraging against a cell, which will damage it. You can start at a end or at the ridge where the electronics is - I did both ways. I try to get to wires to the driver first and cut them to avoid sparks.
Tabs are tack welded, pull them off carefully, gently, get as much off as you can with needlenose. What remains I dremel off with a dremel sanding drum. + end is heavier duty metal, but "-" end you have to be very careful with.
I only messed up one cell - grounded, got some sparks at the "+" end, but cell was fine. Simply pulled off the wrapper and re-wrapped with 18650 shrink wrap but to patch the small hole in the wrapper on the edge at the + end.
Tom, it's done. I used a screwdriver at the connector and spread the case apart a little bit. From there I used small lineman's pliers, carefully peeling away the casing. After I removed the batteries, I rolled off the welded tabs with a pair of needle nose pliers. I used a Dremel to smooth out the burrs on the + and - connections., then cleaned the batteries. I didn't damage any of them. I've got 4 of them charging now.
Actually I’m running out of room on my shelf… especially with another 12 coming from Aliexpress spring festival sale :weary:
look like I have to do some spring cleaning sale too
sure Glenn… BBQ at night? so we have excuse to use our flashlights lol…j/k yeah sure let me know when is good for you and I’ll check the schedule with the wifey
Willing ? Only at night though - we'll provide the lights! Ohh - I'll definitely bring the beers. Have you been to the Forest Pork store in your neighborhood? Wow - my favorite BBQ meats, but I'm into the German sausages, but they got lots of other goodies to grill. Even their hot dogs are the best around...