Buying into a tool ecosystem is supposed to mean your gear works together. That's the whole point of sticking with one brand. DeWalt has leaned hard on that idea with FlexVolt. Unfortunately, it does come with a lot of stipulations, and it can feel like a trap if you don't know any better. While I like DeWalt, and they can be budget friendly, I think it could be clearer in its marketing for its batteries.

When it comes to buying power tools for DIY projects around the house, many people instantly think of hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe's, but Walmart is quietly becoming a go-to destination with more affordable options. While Ryobi and Milwaukee are great, Walmart's popular hand tool brand, Hyper Tough, is slowly but surely becoming a solid option for power tools.

Whether you have a garage full of Ryobi tools, a work truck packed with Milwaukee or DeWALT, or use any other major power tool brand, you know that the battery packs are just as important as the tools. They're expensive, too. And chances are, you're not storing them right. Thankfully, a few new habits or systems can extend runtime and prevent premature failure.