New battery converter

[DWalt]

We were at the local Ollie’s store today and I saw something new. They were little plastic tubes that adapt AAA cells for use in devices that use AA cells. Just insert a AAA cell, the plastic tubes have metal terminals on each end. $3.39 for a package of eight. For some reason, I always have lots of AAA cells but keep few if any AA cells. Recognizing that there is much less power capacity in AAA cells, I think it is a good idea to have the little tube adapters in reserve just to simplify logistics and for emergencies.

 

[chief38]

I suppose if the goal is to use up the AAA batteries you have in stock and not let them waste away, it isn't a bad idea. For purposeful purchase of AAA instead of using the AA size, I see no percentages in that. As you stated the AAA will never last as long as the AA. That said, better used for half the time then to let them rot away unused.

Years ago I converted something that required 8 AA batteries to use D batteries instead. The devise lasted 10-12 times longer! This was for a video camera hidden in a Lionel Electric Train locomotive. Since the loco was not able to hold the D batteries, I ran a wire to the battery cradle in a box car behind the locomotive. Worked like a charm!

 

[PatriotX]

Battery converters have existed for a while, they are popular with those who use high-quality rechargeables such as Eneloop or Ladda. They are a great way to flexibly power many devices using different sizes with rechargeables

For what it’s worth, a AAA cell has about 1/3 the energy storage of a AA.

For the pedants, most of the disposable charged things we use are CELLS. A 9-volt is a BATTERY made up of six 1.5v cells.

 

[Imissedagain]

These are Duracell AAA bought at Home Depot. Batteries are at full charge but leak, Not the first time it happened. Will send pictures to Duracell.
I use rechargeable batteries now.
Have only had this happen with AAAs.

 

[gwpercle]

A great idea to have a few around ... especially in an Emergency ... we have Hurricane Season .
I have devices that take one or the other and usually run out of the one I need ...
Adapter could be a rescue !
Thanks for posting ,
Gary

 

[bgrafsr]

These are Duracell AAA bought at Home Depot. Batteries are at full charge but leak, Not the first time it happened. Will send pictures to Duracell.
I use rechargeable batteries now.
Have only had this happen with AAAs.
View attachment 760306

That's why I only buy Energizer batteries. Much better than Duracell.

 

[47knuckle]

The leaking has happened to me with every size of Duracell, from AAA to D cell.
If I buy a new item with Duracell included, I dispose of the new batteries and install Energizers.

 

[PatriotX]

Looks like the DuraLeaks earned their name again.

An inexpensive, very high quality rechargeable cell is from IKEA - LADDA brand. If you use AA or AAA regularly, they’re worth a look. Also capable of much higher current than alkaline cells.

 

[ladder13]

DuraLeaks I like that one, and so true.

 

[686 shooter]

Duracell = Duraleak

I have used RayOVac batteries for years with excellent results. When they started leaking I called and found out that they were bought out by the Energizer folks. To say they were not helpful at all would be an understatement.

For flashlights I try to stay with Streamlight and their rechargeable batteries. I would like to switch over to rechargeable batteries for everything but I’m not sure which brand is best.

 

[DWalt]

Not recent, but my past experience with rechargeable cells was that they just didn’t seem to retain their charge very long. So I stopped using them. Maybe rechargeable cell technology has improved.

 

[686 shooter]

Dwalt, that was another thing about the rechargeable batteries was holding a charge. Performance varied from one review to the next. If I find consistency and performance I will try them out.

 

[Protocall_Design]

Duracell used to be a top brand when they were made in the USA. When production went to China, the batteries went to poop.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

These are Duracell AAA bought at Home Depot. Batteries are at full charge but leak, Not the first time it happened. Will send pictures to Duracell.
I use rechargeable batteries now.
Have only had this happen with AAAs.
View attachment 760306

When Duracells were made in Saluda South Carolina. They were great no leak long lasting Battereies..........The moved the factory to China..........Now the batteries are no good--leak..........Their reputation is in the toilet.

 

[TX-Dennis]

I use store brand batteries that are made by RayOVac. Yes, sometimes they leak just a little, but not normally. Don't last quite as long as the big names, but they are CHEAP. I get a pack of 24 for $9 compared to near $20 for Energizer or Duracell.

The wife recently ordered massive packs of Amazon Basics AAs and AAAs for a very low price. We haven't used enough of them yet to vouch for their quality, though.

Amazon made in China, store brand (from the various Albertsons owned stores) are made in USA.