I hate to ask the obvious, but have you checked the powerline to make sure its wired correctly?

~Matt

 

no, but good thought. it could be a slightly different voltage here at my apartment.

 

I just bought brand spankin new batteries.
The charger is older
checked out other day at the jobsite.

the jobsite voltage is more likely to be suspect,
especially if it is based on a generator.

 

I have had problems with my Dewalt on busy jobsites with lots of power tools running constantly.

I assume that they won't operate on a low voltage situation like VD

 

To start with, what is the problem? Batteries not charging at all? Or not holding a charge?

 

To start with, what is the problem? Batteries not charging at all? Or not holding a charge?

Dewalt chargers have a flashy light combination that indicates "powerline problem" and the charger simply doesn't charge

 

right Walker, . I'm hoping the batteries are fully charged (since there new) and thats why I get the problem powerline code on the charger. I don't know, power at the jobsite and here should be fine, you would think. You don't think dewalt has changed the batteries in some way? like I said this charger is one of the first models...maybe 15 years old. Guess I could run the battery down and try again. whoa, batteries not fully charged out of box,. It's not charging! powerline poroblem! what the hey?

 

I had a charger that had a loose solder joint on the big cap inside.
Resoldered the joint and the charger still works after 5 years.

 

I've never been inside a charger and as many replacements as are around for prices between real cheap and zero... can't see any point to it.

Inside the radio though are two different very low amp agc fuses.
It wasn't fun learning how to get inside that case the first time.

 

The allen bolts have a nipple, I can't open the darn thing. but i think its was working not to long ago. I'm gonna try and find another power source I guess

 

The allen bolts have a nipple, I can't open the darn thing. but i think its was working not to long ago. I'm gonna try and find another power source I guess

Are you saying that the bolts are tamper proof? You can get the tool that will work.

 

Check the polarity of the receptacle

 

The charger will not care about the polarity of an AC receptacle.

 

Thanks Bryan.

 

On the subject of TR bits, I went on ebay and bought one of the sets. 100 some bits for cheap. Definitely not the highest quality, but good enough for how often their used.

This isn't the one I got, but pretty much the same.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-Piece-H...y-Bit-Set-/280345305186?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4145e1e062#ht_2666wt_905

 

The problem, I'm afraid, is that you've purchased DeWALT.

I don't mean to start a "who makes the best" argument here, but in the past 12 years I've spent with power tools, especially the last year on the jobsite, I've noticed severe degradation of the DeWALT brand. My employer, who's been an electrician for 30 years and self-employed for 14, has noticed a similar trend. Several of our old DeWALT tools have been replaced with Makita, which offer better longevity, more power, and lighter weight, at the expense of somewhat reduced availability(DeWALT is still the most marketed "professional" brand). And, if that Milwaukee M18 band saw we just picked up is any indicator of Milwaukee quality, they've got something special going on too.

My boss was actually toying with the idea of kitting out the new work van with Milwaukee stuff. Our senior j-man still has a full collection of older DeWALT stuff, and me and my j-man share a collection of older DeWALT/new Makita stuff, while he has nearly all new Makita tools. With a fourth vehicle getting on the road, he's considering loading it up with Milwaukee and evaluating the difference, so that when it comes time to replace the DeWALT stuff(which will be inside a year, judging by performance), he can make his decision based on hands-on experience.

In response to your question, I'm with Bryan. A battery charger is widely available and fairly inexpensive. In my opinion, less hassle to just pick up a replacement.

 

I have a ton of Milwaukee stuff the only thing I don't like is their roto zip. Love it for about two months and than started hearing the bearing make noise and than it broke. I did use it for a lot of overhead Sheetrock work but still two months just don't cut it.

 

UPDATE - I had the same double flashing powerline problem. I took my charger apart and could find nothing amiss or wrong on the inside. Based on all the feedback about loose big capacitor (even though mine was snug as a bug) I went ahead on faith and added a little solder to the capacitor leads and lo and behold IT FIXED IT. Batteries are now back on and charging. Thanks to all the contributors here.