A Cooler Can Prolong Your Power Tools' Lifespan. Here's How

You may already know that lithium-ion batteries — the kind that are used on your power tools — operate best within the temperature range of 59 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping your tools in that temperature range, however, can be a challenge, especially if you live somewhere that experiences extreme cold temperatures in winter. A surprising solution? You can use an insulated cooler to keep your batteries balmy.

Just like your home insulation helps keep your house cool or hot as needed, an insulated cooler can keep your power tool batteries at their preferred temperature. If your power tool batteries get either too hot or too cold in storage, that can have a negative impact on their capacity and performance. Although it may sound counterintuitive, a cooler can actually keep your tools warm. Yes, "cooler" is in the name, but the whole function of insulated coolers is to reduce heat transfer, the movement of thermal energy — aka "heat energy" — from one place to another. This works just as well for keeping things warm as it does for keeping them cool. You'll see the warming function of a cooler used more commonly with food, but it also works to keep your tools toasty, thereby extending the life of your power tools.

Some people use a cooler to keep their power tool batteries warm by using it as an ad hoc charging station. Putting your batteries in a closed cooler while they're charging lets the insulation trap the heat in the interior, keeping them warm when you're in a colder environment and protecting the batteries from damage when charging in cold weather. However, if you choose to do this, you definitely don't want to set it and forget it. This is because overheated lithium-ion batteries can cause a fire hazard, which is why it's generally recommended to charge them in well-ventilated areas.

Because of these reasons, it may be better to charge the batteries in an open area when the temperature is above freezing and then store the fully-charged batteries in your cooler. This meets the recommended criteria of keeping them in a cool, dry place. It will keep the dust out and may also be more space-saving than some toolboxes, especially handy if you're running out of room for all your power tool accessories in your regular tool storage space. This may also help the batteries store their charge for longer. Many coolers have handles, too, making them a portable option for toting your tools around. However, ensure the cooler is completely dry before placing your batteries inside to prevent moisture damage.