Can I use a NiMH battery to replace my NiCad battery?
A rechargeable Ni-MH battery is only as good as its charger, avoid using rapid fast chargers like (15 – 20 min chargers) as they overheat the power tool batteries a lot, which in turn drastically reduces there life, I have seen rapid chargers reduce life of quality NiMH batteries to just 40-50 cycles.
In most cases, a NiMH battery can be used as a direct replacement for a NiCad battery. When doing so, however, the charger must be checked. A NiMH charger can charge a NiCad battery but a charger designed only for the NiCad battery should not be used to charge the NiMH battery. Battery damage may result due to inaccurate full-charge detection and excessive trickle charge while in ready mode. If no alternative exists, the battery should be removed as the green “ready” light appears. Battery temperature during charge should also be observed.