Best Practice Re-charging

[SPACKlick]

I have 4 Panasonic NCR18650PFs which I've had for about 6 months. I've been using them from 4.2V to 3.85V and then recharging them at 0.25A because that's what I was told by one guy I asked. I occasionally charge them at 1A when I need it done quickly (God bless the Xtar VP1). I pop them out of my VTR at 3.85 because that's when the light goes amber. I use them usually at about 8W (Max 9.65W min 5.90W) [3.6-4.5V with 2.1/2.2 resistance coils] and they last about a day, slightly over at lower voltages.

Then I realised I've never questioned these practices...What is best for the batteries?
Should I charge them to the full 4.2 every time? Does it matter if I sometimes lift them out before 4.2?
Should I run them down further before charging them? 3.5V, 3.2V?
Does it make much difference if I charge them at 0.25A or 0.5A or 1A? The time taken at 0.25 is a little prohibitive at times...
Should I be testing the batteries at all to see if they're still performing?
Any other advice on my batteries? Do I need to clean the contacts at all?

 

[zoiDman]

I'm no a Battery Expert. But here is what I believe.

For Li-ion Batteries:

It Doesn't Hurt to Constantly Top them Off with a Charge.

It is Better to Top them Off then to Fully Discharge them.

It is OK to take them Off the Charger Before they are Fully Charged.

For All Rechargeable Batteries:

It is Easier on the Battery to Charge them at Lower Amps than Higher Amps. But of course, it will take Longer. Given the Choice of .25A, .5A or 1A, I would use .5A

Cleaning the Contact is Never a Bad Idea.

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