Storing STIHL Lithium-Ion Batteries
THE RIGHT WAY TO STORE YOUR STIHL BATTERY
The correct handling and storage of a Battery is crucial for a long service life.
1. Remove the Battery from the tool. Check the state of charge to make sure that 2 LEDs light up on your Battery, if necessary pop the battery on the charger before storing so it isn’t completely drained of charge.
2. Remove any dirt from the Battery with a slightly damp cloth.
3. Store the battery in a closed box to protect it from moisture and sun.
4. We recommend a frost-free but cool storage temperature - the garage or a well-insulated shed, for example.
5. Store your Batteries in a safe place away from where children can reach.
6. A Battery Cover can be inserted into the tool’s battery slot to prevent dirt and dust build-up.
SHOULD A BATTERY BE FULLY CHARGED BEFORE STORAGE
In the past, it was essential to fully charge batteries before storing them due to their susceptibility to severe self-discharge. If not charged, irreversible damage could occur, resulting in capacity loss or an unusable battery. However, modern lithium-ion batteries have negligible self-discharge, making this no longer necessary.
It is now recommended to store batteries partially charged with two illuminated LEDs displayed. This is because when the charge is very low or the battery is fully charged, the cells are unnecessarily stressed. If you have a backup battery, it is best to alternate its use with your other battery to ensure a longer lifespan for both batteries.
If you have multiple batteries, our battery boxes provide a convenient way to keep them protected when not in use. By following this advice, aging and self-discharge will be minimised, and you can safely store your battery for up to two years.
THE BEST PLACE TO STORE BATTERIES
When storing your battery tools, it's crucial to consider the impact of temperature on the lithium-ion batteries. Extreme temperatures, whether too high or too low, can cause permanent damage to the cells. Batteries can freeze and become unusable during winter, however our battery technology includes fail-safe systems that activate when the battery starts to shift into an unsafe state due to extreme cold. This safety feature ensures that the lithium-ion cells are secure, even if the battery is in a faulty state, however if the battery is in this state, all four lights on the LED display will flash red, and it won't be possible to repair it.
For optimal storage, your battery should be kept in temperatures ranging from +10°C to +20°C, such as a garage or a well-insulated shed. Ensure that your shed is not leaky, as water can lead to corrosion. It is also recommended to store the battery in a closed box to protect it from moisture and sunlight.
CHECK LIST FOR STORING TOOLS WITH AN INTEGRATED BATTERY
When the battery is integrated such as with the tools in the STIHL Small Garden Range you cannot remove the battery for storage. We recommend the following steps:
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Switch off the tool and remove the activation key.
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Remove any dirt or grime from the tool with a damp cloth.
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Store the tool in a dry safe place. Ensure the temperature is not too cold/hot and the tool is away from direct sunlight.
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If there are children in your household, keep the activation key separate from the tool.
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Store your tool at half charge so that the cells of your Battery are not unnecessarily stressed.