How The Pocket Method Keeps Your Tools Working In Cold Weather

Whether you're wrapping up a fall DIY project or planning how to prep your home for cold weather, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the batteries in your power tools dying. Unfortunately, this is much more common in the winter as batteries discharge more quickly in cold temperatures. Instead of simply dealing with this annoyance or having to rely on carrying extra power while you're working, there's one simple trick you can use to help ensure your batteries function at peak efficiency: the pocket method. It's as simple as it sounds — just place the batteries for your tools in your pocket until you're ready to use them to help warm them up.

Your garage might not be the place to store spare batteries because exposure to extreme temperatures can affect their performance, but this temperature rule also applies to batteries being used outdoors in cold weather. This is because, in chillier temperatures, the chemical reactions occurring within the battery happen at a slower rate, generating a weaker electrical current. Eventually, it won't keep up with the power tool's demand, and you'll get less run time when things are cold as a result. Thankfully, occasional exposure to cold temperatures don't cause your battery to deteriorate or hold less charge, so all you have to do to ensure your tools stay working for longer is provide a bit of warmth.

This hack is fairly self-explanatory, but there are a few ways to ensure that it will work for you. First, place your smaller batteries in a pocket that's fully insulated and close to your body. While the back pocket in your jeans will help to warm things up a bit, the battery is still getting some exposure to the cold through the fabric. The interior pocket of heavy jacket would be better, especially if you're dealing with extremely cold outdoor temperatures. It's not necessary to place your batteries near a direct source of heat. The ideal storage temperature for batteries is around 59 degrees Fahrenheit, including rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which are used in most modern power tools. A few minutes against your body heat — usually at about 98 degrees Fahrenheit — will likely be all you need to see a boost in run time.

While this hack is great to remember once you start working, you can also take some steps to ensure your batteries aren't freezing cold in the first place. Instead of keeping your batteries in a toolbox in the back of a truck, bring them into the cab so they can warm up with the help of your vehicle's heater. If you're staying home, let them defrost inside the house before you head outside. Storing them in an insulated cooler can also prolong your power tool's lifespan. After implementing this idea, you should notice that the battery life of your power tools starts to improve, meaning you won't have to pause your work to charge nearly as often.