Removing corroded batteries from a flashlight

[Liftrat]

Anyone have any hints on removing corroded alkaline batteries from an aluminum flashlight? I have a Streamlight Twin Task 3C that I've used as a shop flashlight for a few years. When it quit working, I went to replace the batteries, only to find they had leaked (not naming any names, but they start with a D ). The one farthest from the emitter came out OK, but the next two were stuck. I dribbled oil down the tube, and, after about a week, pounding the tail end on a hard surface every once in a while, the second battery finally dislodged, but the third has defied me.
It's not a super pricey light, but I like it, and they apparently don't make them anymore. I also hate to just throw something out if I can make it work again. I haven't figured out how to take the emitter end off, so that's off the table. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[VM]

I have used lemon juice with success to bring a flashlight and a radio back to life.
Battery wasn’t stuck but there was a terrible mess

 

[DWalt]

No help. On several occasions I have tried immersion in hot water to dissolve the corrosion. That did not work. I just got new flashlights. One of mine ruined was a three cell Mag-Lite. I am not much of a flashlight snob. Cheap plastic ones do all the lighting I need done.

 

[LittleAugieMo]

Heard thru the grapevine to try armor all? Haven't had the need to since then. Before that I had some batteries go south in my 7 cell chrome flashlight that just happened to have great sentimental value. Soent a lot of time & effort to try to repair but no joy. Good luck

 

[Ματθιας]

Vinegar will dissolve the corrosion.

I won't mention that Duracell batteries seem to corrode.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

When the "D's" were made in Saluda South Carolina. They were great batteries........When they moved production across the pond.....Quality went away......I've read of all sorts of equipment ruined by "D" batteries.....I quit with them long ago.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I generally use language that I can’t quote here as I pitch it into the trash.
And I Do Not Buy Duracells.

 

[AudieMurphy]

Same happened to me years ago when the aluminum mag lites became popular. The white powder from the corrision got in my eyes as I banged the case to get the batteries out....GEEZ!! what a joke

 

[woodsltc]

I'm another one that will not buy Duracells.

 

[GnarlsR2]

Thick solution of baking soda and water.
Blow dry, and drop a little gun oil on it.

 

[Onomea]

Rather than banging on the table, use a rubber mallet. Hold flashlight with open front end down, whack flashlight butt with rubber mallet.

Rubber mallets are really useful. Cheap, too.

 

[UncleEd]

Lanterns and flashlights I have all use
Double or Triple As with easy access,
no "long tube" models. Cheap, lightweight.
extremely bright and easy to tote. And durable.
Best part cheap. Love the Triple As models with
the removable battery modules.

Any corrosion, easy removable and a brush out.

 

[wood714]

Vinegar will dissolve the corrosion.

I won't mention that Duracell batteries seem to corrode.

I stopped buying Duracell when a new pack of AA batteries corroded in the sealed pack!

 

[Sal1950]

Any advice would be appreciated.

The God of all penetrates, Kano Kroil
No shop is complete without it.

 

[imashooter2]

Lash the light tube to the end of a stick. Pound the stick on a wood block, etc. surface such that the open flashlight tube end end does not contact a surface to be damaged.

Like pulling a bullet, it’s all about club head speed. Be careful. When the battery does break free it can come out with considerable force.

 

[jack the toad]

The God of all penetrates, Kano Kroil
No shop is complete without it.

I've tried it on an older D-cell maglite with 1 still stuck. Still no joy.

 

[jeffrefrig]

As stated up above, baking soda & water mixture, just like you use on car batteries' terminals. Works quicker than buying a new flashlight.

 

[azhobo]

Dura-cell replaced that exact same flashlight for me a number of years ago.
Don't let 'em skate on yours.
And....... ammonia eats up battery acid corrosion quickly.

 

[Imissedagain]

These AAAs leaked. Bought at Home Depot.
These 4 and 4 others, from the same package.
Some flash lights, have a bulb end, that is removable.

 

[robertrwalsh]

Sounds to me like the battery isn't just corroded. It's swollen. In that case it MAY be a lost cause. A good lubricant down the sides as much as possible, let is soak for a while, then pound the sucker out assuming it will pound. I have had to throw out one Streamlight for that reason. It got put away and forgotten and the batteries leaked and swelled up. Never could get the middle one out.