Leaking alkaline batteries
 

Having just had a Maglite damaged by old AA batteries, I thought I'd share a reminder.

Does anyone else have a rarely-used flashlight that lives your suitcase? If so, time to check the expiration on the batteries. When they are older and partially discharged they tend to leak. The problem is worse with LED lights since they can run for years on one set of batteries. If you find they are expired, perhaps swap them out for lithium cells which are lighter and better.

I just tossed a few mag-lites for this very reas:(n. After struggling to get the leaky batteries out I determined it was just not worth the effort.

For infrequently used AA/AAA flightlights, I've switched to lithium batteries. They do cost a little more, but last much longer and also have a 10 year shelf life.

Trust me--they don't have to be expired to start leaking. (Costco batteries that started leaking In Their Packaging that I just got rid of, I'm looking at you.) Your best bet for stuff like that is to remove the batteries before storing.

Also, you don't necessarily have to throw out an item in which the batteries leaked. You can get rid of the mess with white vinegar (use a q-tip so it doesn't get everywhere), then wipe lightly with water (with both of these, obviously you don't want the liquid getting into the housing). Anyway, I saved a few remotes this way.

The only issue with leaked batteries and traditional maglights is the corrosion does wonders to the Aluminum body.

Maybe it's just superstition, but I do feel like the off-brand batteries leak more often and sooner.

Removing the batteries is a good idea, but I'm just not that disciplined. And then I have a big ziplock of partially used batteries and how am I meant to keep track of those for later reuse?

Yes. The battery near the head of the light is stuck and I've run out of ways to get it loose. Next attempt might be pressurized air.

I stopped buying any brands that are not Energizer or Duracell years ago, just not worth the risk in my electronics. I agree with the other posters on the Lithium recommendation, you can store those things inside your devices for long periods of time with low risk of leaking and your device will just work when you turn it on. I have found this to be especially handy in my noise-cancelling headphones, I can go multiple trips before I need to change batteries and I always keep a couple in my bag with me. -Patrick

After removing the head and the cap, I blasted out as much loose bits as I could, place the tube in a vise and used a punch to knock out the battery. The corrosion has eaten into the al tube.
On another one I had to toss it for the punch could to dislodge the batteries.

Buying the brand name batteries might make you feel better but it's n:ot a solution. I found those brands leak just as much in Maglites as the others. It's like Maglites are magnets for leaky batteries.

^^
I have no problem using Kirkland batteries.

The issue is that many do not use their mag lights daily or frequently. The solid built metal tube and the waterseal O-ring gasket is what is causing the issue of built up of moistures due to infrequent use.

I know in law enforcement use there is no corrosion issue.

As I type this, I'm looking at Kirkland AAA batteries that I got a couple of years ago that have leaked in their package. Having said that, I've been buying Kirkland batteries since they first started selling them and have never had this happen previously.

tentseller, how long do you typically keep the batteries unused on a shelf?

My family and single person business goes through two to three packs of AA and one to two packs AAA per year.
I keep unused batteries in the freezer.

I'm a big fan of low self-discharge NiMH batteries.

Never had any of my Energizer Lithiums or Sanyo Eneloops leak. That's all I use exclusively. Lithiums in my flashlights, and eneloops in the other things (noise cancelation earphones, laser pointer, mouse, etc).

I've had a leak from an old Duracell? (definitely one of those two brands) in low-use equipment.