An electric shaver is a convenient grooming tool that can last for years with proper maintenance. Over time though, the rechargeable battery will start to lose charging capacity. Once it gets to the point where it won’t hold much of a charge, you’ll need to replace the electric shaver battery.
Buying a brand new electric shaver can be expensive. Luckily, the battery is often easy to access and replace on your own. With a few tools, a replacement battery, and this handy DIY tutorial, you can give your electric shaver new life in no time.
Why Replace the Electric Shaver Battery?
There are a few signs that indicate when it’s time to swap out the battery in your electric shaver:
- The shaver won’t hold a full charge anymore
- It needs to be recharged more frequently
- Runtime per full charge keeps getting shorter
- Power and performance seem weak
Once you notice these things happening, it means the battery’s abilities are fading. An old failing battery will continue getting worse over time. Replacing it before it dies completely will have multiple benefits:
- Restores full charge capacity so runtime goes back to normal
- Allows the shaver to maintain consistent power and speed
- Saves you money compared to buying a brand new shaver
- Reduces waste by giving new life to the shaver you already have
So as soon as you detect signs of battery failure, take action by replacing it right away. Delaying too long means you’ll eventually end up with a useless paperweight instead of a functioning shaver.
What You’ll Need
Replacing the battery in an electric shaver is usually a straightforward process. But having the right tools and parts on hand will make things easier.
Before getting started, gather everything you’ll need:
Tools
- Small Phillips head screwdriver
- Small flathead screwdriver
- Tweezers
- Needle nose pliers (helpful for some models)
Replacement Battery
- Same voltage, mAH, and dimensions as original battery
- Common types: NiMH or Li-ion
- Can buy replacement battery kits for many shavers
Other Supplies
- Clean cloth
- Q-tips
- Isopropyl alcohol
Safety Precautions
When working on an electric device, it’s critical to follow basic electrical safety:
- Unplug the shaver – This ensures no charge is running through it while you work.
- Avoid touching battery contacts – Only hold replacement battery by the sides.
- No power tools – Changing a battery requires only hand tools. Power tools near batteries can be dangerous.
- Work in a clean, dry area – Prevent electric shorts or shocks.
- Wear eye protection – Safety glasses in case debris flings up.
Following safe practices reduces the tiny risks involved so you can change the battery confidently.
Step-by-Step DIY Battery Replacement
With the right gear and safety steps, swapping in a fresh battery is totally DIY-friendly. The specifics vary a bit by shaver model but involve the same general process:
Step 1: Disassemble the Shaver
The first step is taking apart the shaver to access the internal compartment where the battery sits.
- Remove any attachments like the trimmer head
- Use a screwdriver to take out screws (usually under sticker/foam)
- Carefully pry upper and lower body sections apart
- Detach and set aside any small parts blocking battery access
Getting inside the case cleanly takes patience and care. Work slowly and track where any bits come off so reassembly is easy.
Step 2: Extract the Old Battery
Once you can view the battery inside its compartment, gently work it free:
- Identify wiring connecting battery to shaver
- Detach wiring and/or connector socket pieces
- Use tweezers and gentle tilting/rocking motions to extract battery
- Avoid pulling wires directly when possible
If needed, trim any tape or glue remnants left on battery holder. Removing every trace of old adhesive will prep the space for the new battery.
Step 3: Prepare the Replacement Battery
Before inserting the fresh battery, get it ready:
- Remove any protective film/tab separating contacts
- Check dimensions and connectors align with old battery setup
- Give battery contacts a quick cleaning with alcohol/Q-tip if needed
- Allow battery contacts to fully dry before proceeding!
When prepping is complete, leave replacement battery aside for moment.
Step 4: Clean Inside of Shaver
With the old battery out, it’s the perfect time to tidy up the interior:
- Use Q-tips, cloth, etc to clear out any debris inside case
- Carefully scrape off any residue on battery terminals
- Clear space around wiring and connector sockets
- Use isopropyl alcohol to remove stubborn deposits if needed
- Double check area is totally clean and dry
Thorough cleaning extends the lifespan of the fresh battery for best performance.
Step 5: Install New Battery
Once prepping is done on both replacement battery and shaver interior, carefully merge them:
- Match orientation of new battery to original
- Gently set battery into battery compartment
- Reattach connector socket pieces to battery terminals
- Press wiring back into place as needed
- May need small dab of strong tape/glue to hold battery
Getting the alignment right ensures proper electrical contact. Check wiring fits as snugly as it originally did.
Step 6: Reassemble Shaver
The final step is carefully closing up the shaver so it’s ready to use again:
- Replace any small internal parts like grommets, washers, etc
- Connect and match housing pieces using screw holes
- Hand tighten screws to avoid stripping
- Check trimmer head, pop-up trimmer can attach securely
- Carefully press on any decals/foam as final step
Take your time piecing everything back together in reverse order. Getting all the fragments perfectly realigned matters for performance and longevity.
Testing and Charging
Once fully reassembled, confirm the fresh battery works before regular use:
- Reattach cord and plug shaver in
- Let battery charge 2+ hours until light indicates full
- Power it on to test that blade spins properly at expected speed
- Run for several minutes to check consistent function
If you notice odd noises, weak performance, or other issues, double check assembly and battery connectivity. Catching any problems now is easier than after reattaching heads and housings.
Once you’ve verified smooth operation, the revived shaver is ready for daily use again! Letting the fresh battery fully charge between sessions will maximize runtime.
When to Call a Pro
While DIY battery replacement works for many shavers, some have tightly-sealed cases that are very difficult to open without damage. More complex disassembly involving soldering is also best left to those with expertise working on small electronics.
Warning signs it may be better to have a professional handle the battery swap include:
- No visible screws and unsure how case comes apart
- Needs to break plastic clips/fasteners during disassembly
- Battery is soldered directly to the circuit board
- Lithium battery with strict safety handling requirements
Seeking professional help avoids frustration and ensures repairs are done properly. Look for small motor repair shops that service electric personal grooming devices.
For the vast majority of electric shavers though, this guide will empower you to revive them to like-new performance yourself. By mastering battery replacement, you can postpone buying costly replacement shavers. A little DIY maintenance lets you extend the lifespan of trusty models you already rely on.