Batteries that don't leak (or leak less)

D

DougB2

Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
346
I recently found that leaking batteries had ruined two of my Maglites (3D-cell, 3AAA-cell). The lights live in my truck year-round, get used on occasion, the batteries checked on occasion. Typical mid-Atlantic weather, not too hot, not too cold. The D-cells were Energizers, the AAA-cells were Duracell. Any thoughts on better batteries, better storage, any way to protect the innards of the lights when the batteries do leak? Thanks!
 
The extremes of temperatures that exist in the car year round is just too much for most batteries. I also live in Maryland, and I've given up leaving a flashlight in the car. Easier to just keep a decent light in my pocket as part of my edc stuff.

With todays advanced technology, it's easy to have a flashlight in the pocket that beats the old flashlights I grew up with. Lots of small but bright lights on the market.
 
I would highly suggest a good quality lithium battery. Their cost is substantially more than their alkaline counterparts though.
 
I use lithium in my truck flashlight. Gets very cold and pretty hot in my area and haven't seen any problems. Long shelf life which is good because the light doesn't get used a lot but when I need it I need it. I put a new set in this year after the last set sat about 4-5 years. I had not used the light very much, probably no more than a half hour total. Performance had degraded quite a bit by the end but still was bright enough to be usable. My main criteria for this particular light was long shelf life particularly through the harsh weather so I was happy.
 
Lithium batteries are good suggestion but even better regardless of battery type is do not store them inside the device.
 
As said, lithium. They'll last longer, won't leak, are less sensitive to temperature, have a very low self-discharge rate, and hold a lot more power.
 
rycen said:
Lithium batteries are good suggestion but even better regardless of battery type is do not store them inside the device.
Click to expand...

Tape off the positive and negative terminal ends. Use some electrical tape.
 
I use eneloops, not available in C and D as far as I'm aware. otherwise I just leave them out. Even taped I've had alkys go bad.
 
Thanks for all of the advice! I bought some lithium batteries last year for a game camera and they worked well through a long, cold winter, and they're not done yet. I have another package, I'll try them in the AA Maglite. As for the D Maglite, I keep that as much for the light as for the Bust-A-Cap that I bought for it. I may be able to salvage that light with a good cleaning.
 
my 2D mag has had bad alkys in it a couple of times. a good cleaning can do wonders. vinegar or lemon juice, and a bottle brush.
 
I've gotten a lot of bad alkalines lately. Been replacing them with NiMH batteries.

NiMH rechargeable batteries don't leak like the alkaline batteries do. Relatively dry inside in comparison. They don't do the venting with flames thing either. Low self discharge so they hold a decent charge a long time. Works well with LED lights.

Eneloops are good for AA, AAA. AccuPower and Powerex are available for C and D sizes.

Charge everything with the Maha Powerex MH-C808M 8 Cell Multi-Charger for AA/AAA/C/D.
 
Lithium primaries are the best for long term storage, but D cells are only available in 3.6V configurations, so you will need to build an adaptor to avoid frying your lights.

Low Self Discharge NiMH rechargables are second best, and are available in C and D sizes, but you take a considerable loss of capacity with all be the most expensive batteries. These are best for daily use lights. As an example, I rotate 2 sets of AA batteries through my kid's night light (1 set in a cheap charger, 1 set in the night light).

You can use alkalines, but there cannot be any metal to metal contact, like an aluminum battery tube, if you want to avoid corrosion. I lost one 2D maglite to battery corrosion and I've had to repair my wife's MiniMaglite twice for the same problem. However, our ancient, plastic bodied Rayovac and Brinkmann 2D lights had near zero corrosion despite holding the same batteries for several years.

IMHO, If you want to continue using alkalines, consider plastic "C to D", "AA to C", or "AA to D" cell adaptors so there's no metal to metal contact. I believe you can get 2AA and 3AA to 1D adaptors, but I can't vouch for their quality.
 
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Retired my car maglite in favor of a Surefire G2 these days. Compact and easier to store, equal or better output and the lithium primaries don't leak, don't die in heat or cold and I can carry a handful of spares with no issues.

I opted for Surefire but there are tons of good CR123 lights from quality makers such as Surefire including Streamlight, Fenix and FourSevens to get you started. You can also get the Energizer AA and AAA sized 1.5v lithium batteries if you like that format better.
 
Get only top quality , the best brands for your flashlight ! The cheap batteries that don't have the internal fuse can explode . I saw a photo of an endcap that went through the door of a kitchen cabinet !! A more recent exploding battery was being held in the mouth of the user --that's serious damage . Don't take the chance !!
Self discharge rate is related to the purity of the ingredients - again get the best !!
 
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