New cordless drill - how to look after the battery?

[voicey]

I've just bought myself a new cordless drill as the old one was taken when my garage was broken into. What's the best way of maintaining the battery? I'm only an occasional user, 3 or 4 times in a month I'll need to drill a hole. The battery is an 18v Li-Ion. It's on charge now and will be until I get home from work tomorrow.

Cheers!

[Chris Peacock]

Keep a charge in it and dont let it get cold...

Mine die when their left in the van when its freezing.

[Griff Boy]

I was always taught to make sure it's fully discharged before you recharge the battery? I'm not sure if it's thevsame for li ion, but old habits die hard!

[voicey]

Thanks - I was intending on storing it indoors. I guess it's just a matter of remembering to charge it up every now and again.

[Road2Ruin]

As an aside, yes keep them warm. I have knackered three batteries over the winter by keeping them in the garage. Does anyone know if you can swap an 18v NiCad for LiIon? That is assuming the fittings are the same.