I spent $100 to save 20 bucks... and it was TOTALLY worth it!
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Thanks to Anker for sponsoring this video! Grab a brand new Anker PowerBank at the links below! PowerCore 10000 US: ankerfast.club UK: ankerfast.club DE: ankerfast.club PowerCore+ 26800 PD 45W US: ankerfast.club UK: ankerfast.club DE: ankerfast.club PowerCore Fusion US: ankerfast.club We breathe new life into an old battery bank by building our own DIY Spot welder! Buy Anker Portable Chargers On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us On BHPhoto (PAID LINK): geni.us Buy 18650 cells On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us Buy a battery spot welder On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us Buy Nickel strip On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com GET MERCH: lttstore.com SUPPORT US ON FLOATPLANE: floatplane.com LTX EXPO: ltxexpo.com AFFILIATES & REFERRALS --------------------------------------------------- Affiliates, Sponsors & Referrals: lmg.gg Get Private Internet Access VPN at lmg.gg Get a Displate Metal Print at lmg.gg Support a Creator code LINUSMEDIAGROUP on Epic Games Store: lmg.gg Get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime at lmg.gg Our Test Benches on Amazon: lmg.gg Our Production Gear: lmg.gg FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Facebook: @LinusTech Instagram: @linustech Twitch: twitch.tv FOLLOW OUR OTHER CHANNELS --------------------------------------------------- Techquickie: lmg.gg TechLinked: lmg.gg ShortCircuit: lmg.gg LMG Clips: lmg.gg Channel Super Fun: lmg.gg Carpool Critics: lmg.gg MUSIC CREDIT --------------------------------------------------- Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com
This video documents a hands-on DIY project where Linus Tech Tips people attempt to breathe new life into a 2014 era battery bank by building a custom DC spot welder and using it to replace the internal 18650 cells. The host explains the motivation: extending the life of an aging power bank instead of buying a new one, then dives into the core build of a DIY spot welder using a 12V ATV battery, a relay, and heavy gauge wiring. The episode emphasizes safety and practicality, opting for a safe DC setup rather than repurposing a microwave transformer, which would involve risky AC power and potential hazards. Viewers follow the step-by-step process of crafting the welder, preparing nickel strips, and shaping copper electrodes with hand tools to create reliable welds. After assembling the hardware, the team tests the welder on old cells, learns through trial and error, and refines the process to produce solid welds while discussing heat management and the dangers of heat in battery packs. The final portion showcases reassembling the pack, verifying voltage and BMS connections, and plugging the pack in to confirm charging capabilities, all while noting this is not a recommended method for typical users and recommending safer, commercially available options from Anker as a prudent alternative.
Topics · technology · diy · maker · battery · electronics · science
Questions answered
- What is the main goal of the project in this video?
- The main goal is to refurbish an old battery bank by building a DIY spot welder and using it to replace the internal cells, thereby extending the battery’s life instead of buying a new bank.
- Why do they avoid using a microwave transformer for the welder?
- Because microwave transformers involve high voltage AC power and present safety hazards, the team chose a safer all DC setup for their welder.
- What safety or quality concerns do they highlight when assembling the pack?
- They stress using genuine nickel strips, matching cell voltages to prevent overheating, and ensuring solid solder and wiring connections to avoid short circuits and heat damage.