My cordless screwdriver won't charge - is it cooked?

Hey everyone, newbie here. My trusty cordless screwdriver (a few years old) suddenly won't charge. I plug it in, the light on the charger blinks red, but no charge. I've tried another outlet, same thing. Is the battery toast? I've had it for like 5 years. Should I just get a new one or is it maybe just the charger?

First guess: the battery's kaput. 5 years is about the lifespan of these things if you use it daily. But before you toss it, check the contacts on both battery and charger – sometimes they get dirty or have corrosion. A bit of isopropyl alcohol and a qtip can do wonders. Also, check the charger's output with a multimeter if you have one. If it's not putting out voltage, the charger's the culprit.

I've revived a few old packs myself. If the contacts are clean and the charger works (test with another battery if you have one), it's likely one or more cells in the pack have died, causing the charger to refuse charging (safety feature). If you're handy, you can open it up and replace the cells, but it's not for the faint-hearted – you need to spot weld and be careful with lithium. Honestly, for a screwdriver, unless it's a high-end model, new tool might be more cost-effective.

Before you do anything, CANCEL THE CHARGE if it's still plugged in. Blinking red could mean the battery is shorted or something, and leaving it could be a fire hazard. Also, don't try to force charge it. Safety first, mate. If it's lithium-ion, dispose of it properly at a recycle center. If you're not sure, take it to a pro. And yes, if the battery is beyond repair, a new screwdriver might be the safest bet. Remember, a screwdriver doesn't have to be cordless – a good manual one never fails to charge.

Good point Will, safety first. I'd also say, if you're thinking of replacing, invest in a brand with interchangeable batteries – like Makita (hehe) – so you won't have to buy the whole tool again if the battery dies. But for a single-use tool, it might be cheaper to get a whole set with two batteries for rotation.