Removing corroded batteries from a flashlight

[steelslaver]

dent puller.

I only use these little flashlights right now, they use 2 AAA and are super handy. I buy lots of them and give them out on the job when I work.
If I want more light I have some that have a little stand and use 4 AA batteries. I also have some small 12v led lights that I stuck good magnets on the bases and a cord with a lighter plug. Stick them to my truck and aim them where I want to see.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Been using Duracells for years with no problems. Now that I've read this thread I guess I'll change.........

 

[Cooter Brown]

I've never had much success resurrecting a flashlight or most any other device after battery cells have leaked in it.

For anything other than something really cheap I've switched to lithium cells or rechargeables. More expensive but doesn't cost as much as replacing a good flashlight, voltmeter, or something like a red dot or rangefinder.

 

[rockquarry]

If it isn't badly corroded, I clean it out. If it's in bad shape, I throw it away and buy another. I've found a battery is a battery, but I'm not a flashlight collector or disciple.

 

[desi2358]

I have sent a couple Maglights back to them when they suffered battery meltdowns. Maglight repaired them at no charge and returned them to me with a notice not to use that brand of batteries again (Duracells) as they were having issues with them. This was @ 15 years ago but I suspect they would still service their flashlights.

 

[Liftrat]

Just making a final update. I tried using vinegar, but that only washed out some of the leakage, and the C cell held fast. Tried whacking the flashlight with a hard rubber mallet, but that just popped the LED loose. I also tried heating the tube to 150 F with a heat gun, but no luck.
At this point I've spent many more man-hours on this project than the flashlight is worth (I'm stubborn/stupid that way), and have gotten nowhere. Lessons learned. bamashooter, thanks for the link; new light on the way. And now I can take the light apart without worrying if I'll break it ;-). Thanks to all again for the advice.

 

[rockquarry]

Just making a final update. I tried using vinegar, but that only washed out some of the leakage, and the C cell held fast. Tried whacking the flashlight with a hard rubber mallet, but that just popped the LED loose. I also tried heating the tube to 150 F with a heat gun, but no luck.
At this point I've spent many more man-hours on this project than the flashlight is worth (I'm stubborn/stupid that way), and have gotten nowhere. Lessons learned. bamashooter, thanks for the link; new light on the way. And now I can take the light apart without worrying if I'll break it ;-). Thanks to all again for the advice.

I throw them away nowadays, but for those who want to spend the time to renew a flashlight's innards, I found a stiff bronze bore brush will easily remove a buildup inside the battery compartment and not as messy as a less effective liquid.

 

[kamloops67]

Had a $700 laser destroyed by Duracell batteries
That’s when I learned that Bosch has basically no customer support
So now I don’t use Duracell or Bosch