Alkaline Battery Cleanup

B

BeeJ

Guest
My daughter's expensive flashlight with cheap alkaline batteries
leaked. I had to use a pipe wrench and bench vice to unscrew the end
cap. The strap wrench would not work.

So what is the best way to dissolve the alkaline "glue" that will not
allow the batteries to drop out. The flashlight is anodized aluminium.

It is a total loss now so any attempt would be worth it.



--- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: news@netfront.net ---
 
John-Del wrote :
On Tuesday, July 16, 2013 5:47:12 PM UTC-4, BeeJ wrote:
My daughter's expensive flashlight with cheap alkaline batteries

leaked. I had to use a pipe wrench and bench vice to unscrew the end

cap. The strap wrench would not work.



So what is the best way to dissolve the alkaline "glue" that will not

allow the batteries to drop out. The flashlight is anodized aluminium.



It is a total loss now so any attempt would be worth it.


Soak it in warm water (that's right, water). Disassemble and dry out
completely.
Click to expand...
Ahh .. the universal solvent. We'll see and I will let you know.



--- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: news@netfront.net ---
 
Try household ammonia, followed by an alcohol flush. "It works for me."
 
On 07/16/2013 02:47 PM, BeeJ wrote:
My daughter's expensive flashlight with cheap alkaline batteries
leaked. I had to use a pipe wrench and bench vice to unscrew the end
cap. The strap wrench would not work.

So what is the best way to dissolve the alkaline "glue" that will not
allow the batteries to drop out. The flashlight is anodized aluminium.

It is a total loss now so any attempt would be worth it.



--- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: news@netfront.net ---
Click to expand...
White vinegar
 
On Tuesday, July 16, 2013 5:47:12 PM UTC-4, BeeJ wrote:
My daughter's expensive flashlight with cheap alkaline batteries

leaked. I had to use a pipe wrench and bench vice to unscrew the end

cap. The strap wrench would not work.



So what is the best way to dissolve the alkaline "glue" that will not

allow the batteries to drop out. The flashlight is anodized aluminium.



It is a total loss now so any attempt would be worth it.
Click to expand...

Soak it in warm water (that's right, water). Disassemble and dry out completely.
 
On Tue, 16 Jul 2013 14:47:12 -0700, BeeJ <spamnot@nospam.com> wrote:

So what is the best way to dissolve the alkaline "glue" that will not
allow the batteries to drop out. The flashlight is anodized aluminium.
Click to expand...
I use 409 "all purpose" cleaner. Vinegar will also work. If you see
it foaming slightly, it's working. Don't use drain cleaner (sodium
hydroxide) as it will strip the anodizing.

If the expensive aluminum flashlight is a genuine Maglight, you can
buy parts and pieces to fix the flashlight. For example:
<http://www.zbattery.com/Maglite-Parts>

Hint: Wrap the batteries in cellophane wrap. The batteries will
still leak for no obvious reason but the mess will be contained.

If you're really into flashlights:
<http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forum.php>

--
Jeff Liebermann jeffl@cruzio.com
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558
 
John-Del <ohger1s@aol.com> wrote:
On Tuesday, July 16, 2013 5:47:12 PM UTC-4, BeeJ wrote:
My daughter's expensive flashlight with cheap alkaline batteries

leaked. I had to use a pipe wrench and bench vice to unscrew the end

cap. The strap wrench would not work.



So what is the best way to dissolve the alkaline "glue" that will not

allow the batteries to drop out. The flashlight is anodized aluminium.



It is a total loss now so any attempt would be worth it.


Soak it in warm water (that's right, water). Disassemble and dry out completely.
Click to expand...
Never had a flashlight like that, but if the water does not let you take
the batteries out, try banging on it. Even heat up the outside shell. Water
dissolves the crud well, but on some things, you can't dunk. An oxidized
aluminum piece, water is not going to dissolve that, where the vinegar
might do something.

I have to work on an old military/boy scout flashlight. I put in an led
replacement, but the light will sometimes come on dim. I'll try a dab of
vinegar on the switch. I already tried crc2-26 , but might have to clean
that off first.

Greg
 
On Tue, 16 Jul 2013 14:47:12 -0700, BeeJ <spamnot@nospam.com> wrote:

My daughter's expensive flashlight with cheap alkaline batteries
leaked. I had to use a pipe wrench and bench vice to unscrew the end
cap. The strap wrench would not work.

So what is the best way to dissolve the alkaline "glue" that will not
allow the batteries to drop out. The flashlight is anodized aluminium.

It is a total loss now so any attempt would be worth it.
Click to expand...
Apparently, it's a Maglite. The light bulb end of the battery tube is
closed, so you can't pound the batteries out of the flashlight. I
spent about a week trying to free some swollen alkaline D batteries
from a 3D cell Maglite without success. I even tried a pressure bath
with a mild acid to hopefully dissolve the "glue".

It was time to use "the force". I found a 1.25" end mill with a 1/4"
pilot. I put the flashlight into a lathe, and carefully drilled a
1/4" hole through the center of the batteries. I followed that with
the 1.25" end mill (mounted on an extender bar). I could probably
have used a wood auger bit, but I didn't have one large enough. That
removed most of the battery, but there was still a thin layer of
corossion along the inside of the tube. I removed that by beating on
it with a wooden dowl. Big chunks of aluminum came out, indicating
that the wall of the flashlight tube had thinned and would probably
cave in if the flashlight were dropped. I cleaned up the mess with
some sandpaper, sprayed the inside with clear acrylic, and vowed not
to do that again. I keep it in the house for when I need to loan
someone a flashlight.

--
Jeff Liebermann jeffl@cruzio.com
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558
 
Jeff Liebermann used his keyboard to write :
On Tue, 16 Jul 2013 14:47:12 -0700, BeeJ <spamnot@nospam.com> wrote:

My daughter's expensive flashlight with cheap alkaline batteries leaked.
I had to use a pipe wrench and bench vice to unscrew the end cap. The
strap wrench would not work.

So what is the best way to dissolve the alkaline "glue" that will not
allow the batteries to drop out. The flashlight is anodized aluminum.

It is a total loss now so any attempt would be worth it.

Apparently, it's a Maglite.
Click to expand...
Not. But when I unscrew the lamp (LED) end there is a circuit board.
I tried to wiggle it but it seems solid and I did not want to break it.
Now that I have the other end off and will try to get the batteries out
without messing with the lamp end.



--- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: news@netfront.net ---
 
On 07/16/2013 02:47 PM, BeeJ wrote:
My daughter's expensive flashlight with cheap alkaline batteries
leaked. I had to use a pipe wrench and bench vice to unscrew the end
cap. The strap wrench would not work.

So what is the best way to dissolve the alkaline "glue" that will not
allow the batteries to drop out. The flashlight is anodized aluminium.

It is a total loss now so any attempt would be worth it.



--- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: news@netfront.net ---
Click to expand...
These were Duracells, weren't they? Al Dunlap destroyed that company.
 
On Tue, 16 Jul 2013 14:47:12 -0700, BeeJ <spamnot@nospam.com> wrote:

My daughter's expensive flashlight with cheap alkaline batteries
leaked. I had to use a pipe wrench and bench vice to unscrew the end
cap. The strap wrench would not work.

So what is the best way to dissolve the alkaline "glue" that will not
allow the batteries to drop out. The flashlight is anodized aluminium.

It is a total loss now so any attempt would be worth it.

Apparently, it's a Maglite. The light bulb end of the battery tube is
closed, so you can't pound the batteries out of the flashlight. I
spent about a week trying to free some swollen alkaline D batteries
from a 3D cell Maglite without success. I even tried a pressure bath
with a mild acid to hopefully dissolve the "glue".

It was time to use "the force". I found a 1.25" end mill with a 1/4"
pilot. I put the flashlight into a lathe, and carefully drilled a
1/4" hole through the center of the batteries. I followed that with
the 1.25" end mill (mounted on an extender bar). I could probably
have used a wood auger bit, but I didn't have one large enough. That
removed most of the battery, but there was still a thin layer of
corossion along the inside of the tube. I removed that by beating on
it with a wooden dowl. Big chunks of aluminum came out, indicating
that the wall of the flashlight tube had thinned and would probably
cave in if the flashlight were dropped. I cleaned up the mess with
some sandpaper, sprayed the inside with clear acrylic, and vowed not
to do that again. I keep it in the house for when I need to loan
someone a flashlight.
Click to expand...

Man! That must be an expensive flashlight.
 
On Thu, 18 Jul 2013 16:01:19 -0700, Mick Nowell <nohelp@all.net>
wrote:

Man! That must be an expensive flashlight.
Click to expand...
Non-paying customer, also known as a friend. I stupidly offered to
fix it for him, without thinking much about what it will involve. Once
I start on something, I either fix it, or destroy it.

--
Jeff Liebermann jeffl@cruzio.com
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558
 
On Wed, 17 Jul 2013 06:47:10 -0700, dave <ricketzz@earthlink.net> wrote:

On 07/16/2013 02:47 PM, BeeJ wrote:
My daughter's expensive flashlight with cheap alkaline batteries
leaked. I had to use a pipe wrench and bench vice to unscrew the end
cap. The strap wrench would not work.

So what is the best way to dissolve the alkaline "glue" that will not
allow the batteries to drop out. The flashlight is anodized aluminium.

It is a total loss now so any attempt would be worth it.



--- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: news@netfront.net ---

These were Duracells, weren't they? Al Dunlap destroyed that company.
Click to expand...
Pray tell more. I always wondered what the "copper top" bit was in their
ads.
--
Boris
 
On 07/19/2013 04:33 AM, Boris Mohar wrote:
On Wed, 17 Jul 2013 06:47:10 -0700, dave <ricketzz@earthlink.net> wrote:

On 07/16/2013 02:47 PM, BeeJ wrote:
My daughter's expensive flashlight with cheap alkaline batteries
leaked. I had to use a pipe wrench and bench vice to unscrew the end
cap. The strap wrench would not work.

So what is the best way to dissolve the alkaline "glue" that will not
allow the batteries to drop out. The flashlight is anodized aluminium.

It is a total loss now so any attempt would be worth it.



--- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: news@netfront.net ---

These were Duracells, weren't they? Al Dunlap destroyed that company.

Pray tell more. I always wondered what the "copper top" bit was in their
ads.
Click to expand...
A Sennheiser tech rep told me that Procells (industrial labeled
Duracells) sometimes don't have enough electrolyte to fill the can and
that they no longer recommend using them. Energizers seem better to me,
and I used hundreds of double AAs a day.
 
"dave" wrote in message
news:C8ednfEoYfMH0HTMnZ2dnUVZ_qidnZ2d@earthlink.com...

A Sennheiser tech rep told me that Procells (industrial labeled Duracells)
sometimes don't have enough electrolyte to fill the
can and that they no longer recommend using them. Energizers
seem better to me, and I used hundreds of double AAs a day.
Click to expand...
My experience has been that Duracells are more likely to leak. (In one case,
Duracell had to pay for a repair.) I've never had a leaky Energizer.
 
On Sat, 20 Jul 2013, Jeroni Paul wrote:

William Sommerwerck wrote:
I've never had a leaky Energizer.


I've had some Energizers leak.

The batteries that almost always leak are the yellow ones from Ikea and
alcalines from DIA, they wear custom labels and their real brand is not
indicated but I guess is the same for both.

What's interesting is, where the things go after the batteries leak.
Click to expand...

I few years back I got a Grundig Satellite 700 shortwave portable, a
pretty decent portable, for 2.00 at a Rotary Club garage sale. I don't
think they knew what it was, so just priced it as a generic radio. But I
get home, and it still has batteries in it, and they leaked. I think I
got rid of all the spill.

But just today I was at a thrift shop and found a Casio keyboard, some
things different from the average one. And from history, I check the
battery compartment, and yes, there is signs of battery leakage. But I
didn't spend much on it.

But one wonders if the stuff is given away because someone has already
stopped using it, and the batteries forgotten, or if they are given away
because the batteries leaked?

Michael
 
William Sommerwerck wrote:
I've never had a leaky Energizer.
Click to expand...

I've had some Energizers leak.

The batteries that almost always leak are the yellow ones from Ikea and alcalines from DIA, they wear custom labels and their real brand is not indicated but I guess is the same for both.
 
On Fri, 19 Jul 2013 07:36:04 -0700, "William Sommerwerck"
<grizzledgeezer@comcast.net> wrote:

My experience has been that Duracells are more likely to leak. (In one case,
Duracell had to pay for a repair.) I've never had a leaky Energizer.
Click to expand...
Leak? How about explode when the terminals are shorted?
<http://802.11junk.com/jeffl/pics/Duracell/index.html>
To be fair, these may have been counterfeit, but we tossed the remains
and it's now too late to check.


--
Jeff Liebermann jeffl@cruzio.com
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558
 
On Sat, 20 Jul 2013 23:27:31 -0700, Jeff Liebermann <jeffl@cruzio.com>
wrote:

To be fair, these may have been counterfeit, but we tossed the remains
and it's now too late to check.
Click to expand...
Speaking of fake batteries, here's an amazing video of a fake 18650
LiIon battery:
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOshOXcSkDA>
and for those that like to pruchase by brand name on eBay:
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCm69-iowZo>
--
Jeff Liebermann jeffl@cruzio.com
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558
 
Jeroni Paul wrote:

The batteries that almost always leak are the yellow ones from Ikea.
and alcalines from DIA, they wear custom labels and
their real brand is not indicated but I guess is the same for both.
Click to expand...
The worst batteries I have ever bought were Office Depot private brand,
which swelled and leaked almost the day I bought them.

The second worse are Everyready Energizers made under license in Singapore,
which last less than a week in use. A week being 7 calendar days, where
they should last 30 hours of use and get used at the most 10 minutes
a day. Some of have have only lasted a day. We bought them last week.

Previous Everyready batteries were sold here in Israel were made in the
EU, as far as I can recall Belgium.


The Office Depot brand were sold several years ago. They were made somewhere
in China, and Office Depot stopped selling them and started relabing
Great Peak brand made in Hong Kong.
They did not seem to be different than the Great Peak (aka GP) ones they
already sold.

Geoff.

--
Geoffrey S. Mendelson, N3OWJ/4X1GM/KBUH7245/KBUW5379
 
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