Hi again,
When comparing cells of one type to cells of another type i have to recommend
that we stick to the same size cell (physically) unless there is another combination
of another type of cell that takes up the same size.
For example, if we want to compare NiCd to NiMH and we are looking at a sub C
size for NiCd, then we should also look at a sub C size for NiMH, not a D size.
This is true unless somebody comes out with a one half size sub C size, where you
could fit two in the same space as a sub C size, and then we should compare two
of them to one sub C NiCd. This should be logical enough.
The only catch to this is that it may not be possible to fit the two half size cells
in the same space as the full size cell because of the terminals and the way they
are connected. This could really be a problem with the tightly packed drill packs.
This would mean it's best to stick to the same size cell unless it has been tried
and proven that more smaller cells can fit in the same space.
Also, NiMH current ratings have increased over the years so im not sure if
we can still give NiCd the advantage there.
One little side note too is that when there is more space available it is possible
to go to a bigger cell, such as in my shaver. I was able to modify the physical
design so that i could fit bigger NiMH cells where the little (i should say tiny)
NiCd's once lived. That little shaver really buzzes now
but the cells die
after about 5 or 6 months and have to be replaced.
It makes sense that the unit would work better now because there are bigger
cells in it, but it would not be fair to say that the larger NiMH cells are better
than the smaller NiCds, or rather that NiMH cells are better than NiCds just
because the larger size cells worked better. Im sure most people can understand
this reasoning.
Another side note to think about is that sometimes it is possible to change
something about the phyiscal design that was not intended in the original
product and thus obtain a ten fold usefulness of the product. The example
here is when i started having trouble with my drill packs (dying way too soon)
i looked for other ways to power the drill. One way i found beat all others.
The new idea was to take an old drill pack (with NiCds) and remove all of
the cells completely, and hook up some heavy gauge wire to where the
terminals connect to the drill itself. This meant that when i snapped in
this new drill pack there would be only two wires connected to the motor
of the drill, where the NiCds used to connect to.
Next, i put a cigar lighter plug on the other end of the heavy wires.
Now, if the drill pack goes dead (which it never does now since i redesigned
the charger too) i simply plug the empty drill pack into the drill and plug the
cigar plug into my 12v automobile jump pack (sold in various places like
Home Depot, Pep Boys, everywhere else too just about). These jump packs
have a hefty 12v sealed Lead Acid battery inside, and hold much more charge
than any sub C or even D cells can hold. The run time is probably hours but
i've never had to use it that long at one time.
This is only an example however, as i have another drill that is awaiting a
heavy connector where the charger might have plugged into the drill body,
where i intend to mount a connector that will be used to plug this into the
jump pack too.
Of course other ideas would work great too, like building your own Li-ion
pack to power the drill, and connect it via a heavy wire and maybe a
connector or two. Im sure larger NiMH cells would work too, as long as
the cells are charged with a charger made to charge NiMH cells.
Come up with your own ideas for a new pack too, like perhaps one that
fits on a shoulder harness and connects to the drill with heavy wires,
or maybe a belt mounted battery pack, also connecting with wires.
Just to note, i dont find the wire to get in the way at all. The main
thing is to be able to take the drill where no 120vac outlet is available,
not to get rid of the wire entirely.
Good luck...