Thru the years I have learned a valuable lesson on power tools. Batteries are going to eventually go bad and without them the tool is nothing but a paperweight. All companies redesign there product line to sell new and improved. When the line is discontinued and no replacement batteries are available your stuck. I started buying Dewalt 18v years ago. Since they are a popular tool there are now private label batteries being made for them. There are newer models now (higher voltage) but the 18v is more than fine for me. Its a plus that the price point has come down also.