Are battery heaters worth it once winter hits?

[QuietSniper]

It’s only November, but I can already tell my cordless tools aren’t loving these cold mornings. The batteries drain way faster and the first few minutes of use feel sluggish until they warm up a bit. I’ve seen some folks talk about battery heaters or insulated bags for winter work, but I’ve never tried them myself. Anyone here using battery heaters yet? Do they actually make a difference, or are they just another gadget? Wisconsin winters get rough, and I’m not looking forward to fighting cold batteries once we’re below freezing every day. Curious what’s working for everyone else out there before I start stocking up.

 

[PGB1]

Lithium tool & equipment batteries do have poorer performance when cold. I've learned not to charge one when frozen (or hot). Sometimes it wrecks the cells.

In cool weather, my solution is to leave the tools I anticipate needing in the passenger compartment on the floor where the truck heater can warm them a bit as I travel to the job site. When it is cold, I use corded tools.

I noticed that the lithium battery for my mower lasted less than 15 minutes today at 33 Degrees-F- after being left in the garage overnight. Two days ago, it lasted about an hour on a 46-F day. In summer, I'll get well over 3 hours between charges- but the load is lighter.
(Mower in November? I rake leaves into shallow piles & run them over with the mower, chopping them into future fertilizer.)

One of the engineers at an auto company for whom I do work told me that the batteries in EV cars are not prone to cold weather problems, but "we're working hard on it". She said that tool batteries are a different chemistry and more subject to cold weather performance issues than car batteries.

 

[h0td0g]

Anyone here using battery heaters yet? Do they actually make a difference, or are they just another gadget?

I use it. battery heater protect your battery, it keep the batteries warm, maintaining their optimal operating temperature for consistent performance.
This is important for tools that you use regularly in cold environments. btw, you can also use insulated bag

 

[PGB1]

I use it. battery heater protect your battery, it keep the batteries warm, maintaining their optimal operating temperature for consistent performance.
This is important for tools that you use regularly in cold environments. btw, you can also use insulated bag

Hi H0td0G,
A heater for tool batteries is something I'd not heard of. It sounds like a good idea. Thanks for suggesting it.
What brand of battery heater did you get? Does it plug into the vehicle's 12 volt outlet? Can one leave it plugged in over the off-shift hours or does it drain the vehicle battery?
Paul

 

[Alan]

They help a little, but they are not always a game changer. Most crews I see rely on keeping batteries warm inside before heading out, then swapping often during the first hour. What type of tools are slowing down on you? Some brands handle the cold better than others, so that might also guide what works best for you.