Wahl Rechargeable Massager - Anyone Tried it?

[Sir Victor]

We have the Wahl rechargeable massager 4294-1201 as can be seen here:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/36655407

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Tlay-CqQL.jpg

It works fine, is fun in the car or when out but it has always run down in a day
even when charged and then not used. I think it uses older NiCd batteries that
are known to do this and as a result you have to leave it on the charger all the
time and just remove it to use it.
I'm wondering if anyone else using this one sees the same behavior or did we
just get a lemon.

 

[Conager]

Does it simultaneously clip your short and curlies?

 

[Sir Victor]

Something like that ...

 

[Sir Victor]

Both NiCd and NiMh battery types have a fairly large self discharge rate,
that often becomes worse with age or with poor quality batteries. There is
some fairly new technology to correct this issue as seen in Enloop from
Panasonic and Imedion from Powerex.
These discharge by only about 15% per year:
http://www.mahaenergy.co.uk/product-images/AAIMEDIONBlister2.jpg


I replaced the batteries in the Wahl with the same size AA Imedion type and they
are perfect. Leave it off the charger for days and it is always ready to go.

Information on charging these types of batteries:
http://www.vencon.com/charging-nicd-nimh-batteries/

 

[Nezhul]

If the device is poorly made it can also self-discharge because some circuits remain active all the time.

 

[Sir Victor]

Thanks,
It is very simple and that is not the case, the main switch directly connects the batteries either to the motor when on, or to the simple charging circuit when off.
It is a trickle charger with no brains or complex circuitry at all.

 

[oggbashan]

I have a Wahl Beard Trimmer. I use it for tidying up my beard once a week or so.

It has an internal rechargeable battery. I have used it for over five years and recharge it about twice a year.

 

[Sir Victor]

That is a good point about shavers lasting so long. Ours probably sat on
the shelf for a long time or just had defective batteries - it works great now.
The batteries actually went from a full charge to dead in about 8 hours without
even using it!

 

[mark_j]

One thing to remember is that NiCd batteries will become "lazy" if not fully discharged on occasion. Run the item until the batteries die a couple times a month to help with battery maintenance.