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DIY Universal Power Tools? (lemmy.world)
submitted 1 month ago by Postmortal_Pop@lemmy.world to c/diy@slrpnk.net
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I want to turn all my power tools and batteries a universal connector like USB-C. I have a 3d printerand skills so getting the manual interface is easy enough, but I don't a lot about ports and tech. I'm learning fast, but I'm not quite there yet.

From what I understand, I'd need to put a female port on the battery which isn't difficult and has been done plenty for charging.

I'd need to put a male plug on the tools to interface with it, and my initial research says I can't just solder the power pins to the cables in the tool, I'll need a circuit board that requests the 20v from the usb source? Is that doable? It looks like I can pick them up on AliExpress. But I need a qualified adult to verify that's what I need to do.

From there, would I be able to cord them with this method or would I need to build a better usb charger port?

Is there a better port to use? Usb-C is nice and small so I can fit it in wherever I like, but can it handle tool use? Would it be better to do usb or something else?

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[-] HerbGrower@slrpnk.net 4 points 1 month ago

Petrol generator is probably cheaper. But still expensive.

I really hate proprietary batteries on powertools, so corded is tempting. But I can't get power 250m away across a road and several other peoples gardens.

Jackery/similar are a far higher capacity than I would realistically need to run a few tools for a fairly brief duration but you need the big ones to have a high enough current limit to reliably run any kind of garden power tools I may need.

I found another solution though. Return to tradition! Got a hand scythe. Also working to remove most grass areas. Not 100% sure what to do with the space over winter when veg isn't growing. More rhubarb? At least weeds don't grow as much over winter either.

[-] whats_a_lemmy@midwest.social 4 points 1 month ago

I have seen battery adapters that let you use one brand's batteries on another brand's tools. Though I think some newer batteries now use proprietary controllers in addition to proprietary formats.

[-] HerbGrower@slrpnk.net 3 points 1 month ago

Yeah, expectation of them doing HP style bullshit makes me want to refuse the entire thing.

Plus as long as hand tools do a good enough job there is something rather satisfying about using them. So much quieter too, I can hear the local cats if one of them turns up and wants a head scratch. Or if I have gloves on, a tummy rub.

[-] bryndos@fedia.io 4 points 1 month ago

yes. Brace and bits, screwdriver, hammer + chisel, a few hand planes a few handsaws axe.

These tools' biological battery power source can be easily re-charged on the go by inserting waste vegetable matter. Lubricate regularly with beer (or other fermented waste vegetable matter).

That's what i mostly use; I'm dealing with wood mostly though - and of course i do it in order to pass time, not to make up rent, so slower is just fine for me.

Scythe is worth having just for the coolness of the word - unfortunately I don't have any use for one. Adze would be another good one I'd like to find cheap and sharpen up.

But I'll grant the power tools awkward situations like up a ladder, stretching over precariously, a battery drill one handed can be useful.'

[-] HerbGrower@slrpnk.net 2 points 1 month ago

I generally prefer fermented fruits and honey. Although I suppose rhubarb is a vegetable, and one of the things I grow with hand tools.

this post was submitted on 28 Jul 2026
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