Posts: 120
Threads: 11
Joined: Jan 1970
Ni-cads come from the manufacturer in a completely discharged state and will store nicely. Once charged however, it is pretty difficult and time consuming to get them really and truely completely discharged. There always seems to be a tiny bit of charge left. Left to sit, this tiny charge will build up the voltage and promote the growth of dendrites which will short out the battery. If the battery is stored with a good charge, it will burn away these microscopic dndrites as they form.
For long term storage purposes the battery should have from a half to two thirds charge. It should be periodically checked and recharged as required. (A full charge won't hurt, but in practice it seems that most of the milage on a Ni-cad typically comes from over charging.)