Leaking AA battery

[Migalot]

SWMBO found a metal torch (like a Maglite) in the house. The bulb lit, but was very dim.

She tried to take the batteries out, but the end cap would not budge.

Enter Migalot! "I'll sort that out".

Using mole grips and a Stillson, I was finally able to get access to the batteries, but they were all covered in that white powder associated with a leakage.

Obviously, despite cleaning as best I could (what "dissolves" that leakage sediment?), the batteries won't budge from the main tube. I thought about putting a screw into the battery base and having a good heave. Now, I know that obviously that shouldn't be attempted on a lithium battery, but is it totally safe on a regular AA battery? 

[GastronomicKleptomaniac]

Citric acid. Solves anything.

Actually probably best look that up first. Just in case.

[STEMO]

Amazon will sell you a new torch for 75p

[TheBoy]

Yeah, not worth dicking around with.

White vinegar can help clean up the contacts, but tends to remove the plating, which then causes them to corrode.  Or replace the connectors - AA ones are readily available, but always cheaper to buy a new one.

[Migalot]

Amazon will sell you a new torch for 75p

Yes, I know. But I'm one of the "don't throw it if it can be fixed" brigade.

Probably explains why I still have an Omega.

[countrywoman]

hot water.

[Raeturbo]

Get a cree torch instead you will be astonished at the difference 👍

[TheBoy]

Amazon will sell you a new torch for 75p

Yes, I know. But I'm one of the "don't throw it if it can be fixed" brigade.

Probably explains why I still have an Omega.

Well, if its for financial or ecology reasons, its misplaced

And it will happen again, becaue universally all batteries are shite now, I'd push the boat out, spend a tenner on a rechargable lithium one.

[TheBoy]

Get a cree torch instead you will be astonished at the difference 👍

I attached a cree strobe to a drone a few years ago, and could still see it at 3 miles away - I only bottled out because I knew Skiddaw was only about 3 miles in that direction

[Nick W]

Get a cree torch instead you will be astonished at the difference 👍

That.


I have a 6D-cell Maglite with the same battery problem. Before they failed, it's worse as a torch compared to a good quality single AA LED torch that fits in a trouser pocket. The only reason to still use a big Maglite is if you need want a weapon - it makes a much better club than a torch.


The real thing to consider for modern torches is which type of battery: rechargeable or not? If you're going to depend on it a lot, then a AA is better than a rechargeable simply because when it dies half way through a job at 03.37 in the middle of nowhere you can just swap to a new battery. Less usage makes a rechargeable preferable, but it needs to be charged using the same lead etc as everything else that you might carry. A USB connection on the torch is the best way, but the waterproof covers are universally shite. And it needs to be charged often.




I can thoroughly recommend Fenix torches as a good combination of usefulness, quality and price. I do wish that decent torches were available in brighter colours than black though.

[TheBoy]

Pretty much all of them now are USB-C charge ports.  And as USB-C is now the (legal) standard in the EU, its quite a safe bet.

Some, not all, have removable 18650 or similar cells with you are worried about running out of power when out.  Sadly, most of them also make yo toggle through all its stupid modes, including those strobe effects, to turn the bloody thing off.

I prefer the rechargeable ones due to less prone to leakage, especially how little I tend to use them. Granted, it helps to top up the charge every few months.

DG's favourite online store keep sending me ones to review, so have a healthy stock.  Whilst most have annoyances, every single one is better than an old torch by some margin.

[Doctor Gollum]

I have one of theses for work...

https://uk.gpbatteries.com/products/gp-discovery-rechargeable-outdoor-flashlight-cr41

I still have a full fat Maglite from taxi driving, but that doesn't exactly fit in a pocket

[STEMO]

I have one of theses for work...

https://uk.gpbatteries.com/products/gp-discovery-rechargeable-outdoor-flashlight-cr41

I still have a full fat Maglite from taxi driving, but that doesn't exactly fit in a pocket

They let you taxi on the runway? Blimey 

[Doctor Gollum]

I have one of theses for work...

https://uk.gpbatteries.com/products/gp-discovery-rechargeable-outdoor-flashlight-cr41

I still have a full fat Maglite from taxi driving, but that doesn't exactly fit in a pocket

They let you taxi on the runway? Blimey 

I have driven on the runway at Gatwick. In one of theses...

https://images.app.goo.gl/HMjdSowhe2boZgzB6

[ronnyd]

I have one of theses for work...

https://uk.gpbatteries.com/products/gp-discovery-rechargeable-outdoor-flashlight-cr41

I still have a full fat Maglite from taxi driving, but that doesn't exactly fit in a pocket

They let you taxi on the runway? Blimey 

I have driven on the runway at Gatwick. In one of theses...

https://images.app.goo.gl/HMjdSowhe2boZgzB6

Remember you posting that Doc.