Is anyone aware of a 12v charger (ie runs off a car battery) for a 24v Bosch drill? I have an auto charger that runs off 12v but charges up to 36v at work, but they are pretty pricey. (Bantam BC-8)
Anyone know of a cheaper option?
Cheers,
Dave

The 240 v charger is only 320watts could you use a cheap inverter 12v-240v ac and 240v charger.

Now that's an idea...
I've just found out that there will be generator available, but being in Canada will be 110v only. I think there are chargers available at 110v, but suspect a 12v inverter would have more applications... unless someone out there has a 110v charger they could lend out for a few weeks at the end of July?
Cheers for the idea; we will have car batteries so will most likely go that route.
Regards,
Dave

Check your charger does not already take a 110V input - it may have an extended input voltage range and just need a change of plug. If you are in any doubt, send me a picture of its rating plate and I will advise further.

Nick.

Thanks Nick, already checked but 240v only I'm afraid.
Cheers anyway,
Dave

We run a 24v Bosch drill, and when the original battery would not hold a full charge, I open up the battery case, removed the old cells and attached a 6 foot length of wire which now connects to two small 12 7amp sealed motorcycle battery wired in series. Drill runs for ever now. but these motorcycle battery, are then charged up as single 12volt battery's.

Have done that myself on occasion, but with NiMh.

Have just found this, which may by the best solution for me.
http://www.tool-net.co.uk/p-321171/bosch-al60dc2422-7-2-24v-battery-charger-for-car-12-24v-socket.html

Go to daves link and put cartridges in search box enough said

Why dont you go for one of these?
http://www.beststuff.co.uk/power_inverters.htm?gclid=COvxm_rDsZsCFdkB4wodqz7TQg

Looks like it would work, although inverters presumably are pretty 'lossy' in the conversion from 12v to 240v then back to 24v at the charger? Also is there an issue with safety using 240v unearthed in the field? It'll be a fly in trip, so weight and space is a consideration too; the bosch charger is pretty small and light compared to the mains charger and an inverter.
Thanks for the suggestion though; might be good for some situations.
Cheers,
Dave

In the circumstances, (i.e. taking into account price, weight, reliability, efficiency etc.) I'd definitely choose the Bosch charger option over going for a separate inverter, even if the inverter is apparently more flexible in the longer term.

Either way I'd recommend getting the bits you need several weeks/months before the trip so you can check they work as you expect. Speaking from experience, this is particularly important if you take the inverter + 230V charger option: I've blown up several small inverters by trying to use them to power non linear loads (which is what your charger will be) well within their rated capability. 

If you buy the Bosch charger, it's no longer an issue, but as a matter of record, the 240V being unearthed is not a problem in this case.

Nick.

Bosch charger ordered from an eBay store (new, not s/h) for less than ?50. Will report back when I have it.
Cheers,
Dave

I have it! Bosch AL2422DC charges 'any' Bosch drill battery from 7.2v - 24v NiMh or NiCd from a 12v supply. Charges a 3Ah 24v battery from flat in under 90 mins. Smaller than the 240v charger and ideal for travelling etc.
I did notice the cigar lighter plug was a bit warm after use, so might consider putting croc clips straight onto the battery as some vehicle lighter sockets might not be up to it (?)
Nifty...