Post by: drck1000 on October 29, 2020, 09:06:24 AM
Do you change out the batteries regularly? Like a smoke detector.
Do you check the batteries on a meter? If yes, when do you change them out?
I read many folks change batteries on lights when they seems to be dimmer or only the lower settings work. I think that’s fine for stuff you use at home, but what about for stuff that when you need it, you will absolutely need it to work well.
I usually have lights all around the house, car, work bag, etc. So easy to get another light when one starts failing. But what if I’m out camping and only taking essentials, or in a hurricane.
Post by: oldfart on October 29, 2020, 09:48:40 AM
I had a lot of electrical stuff damaged by duracell leakage.
I switched to lithium ion as much as possible.
Post by: RSN172 on October 29, 2020, 09:53:02 AM
Post by: drck1000 on October 29, 2020, 09:53:44 AM
I stay far away from duracell batteries.Hmm. First I’ve heard of issues with Duracell. I’ve used them for as long as I can remember. I use and buy other brands too, but never had an issue with Duracell. Had the leaky alkaline batteries, but that’s all brands.
I had a lot of electrical stuff damaged by duracell leakage.
I switched to lithium ion as much as possible.
What or how we’re items damaged. I’ve read where CR123s have “blown up” when the individual cells have a large differential in voltage.
I have been buying and using lithium a lot more lately. Lithium and CR123.
Post by: drck1000 on October 29, 2020, 09:55:12 AM
Duracell is junk. All my flashlights run on lithium too.Most of my lights now are CR123 or that other 18-something rechargeable battery. I have some headlamps with AAA, but those are all in lithium as well.
Post by: ren on October 29, 2020, 09:59:06 AM
Post by: drck1000 on October 29, 2020, 10:10:17 AM
The tricky issue with rechargeable lithium ion batteries is that they degrade when you store them at a 100% or 30% charge. Ideally they should be store charged at about 60%.Good point and what I was wondering about as well. I have a few items that use 18650B rechargeable and the balance of when to recharge for items that are on “standby”.
Post by: oldfart on October 29, 2020, 10:13:42 AM
Hmm. First I’ve heard of issues with Duracell. I’ve used them for as long as I can remember. I use and buy other brands too, but never had an issue with Duracell. Had the leaky alkaline batteries, but that’s all brands....
What or how we’re items damaged. I’ve read where CR123s have “blown up” when the individual cells have a large differential in voltage.
I have been buying and using lithium a lot more lately. Lithium and CR123.
Mostly flashlights.
Or just about every battery powered device that had duracell in them suffered from leakage.
Post by: drck1000 on October 29, 2020, 10:17:47 AM
...Ahh. Leakage damage. Not overheat or voltage issues.
Mostly flashlights.
Or just about every battery powered device that had duracell in them suffered from leakage.
Post by: oldfart on October 29, 2020, 10:25:07 AM
Ahh. Leakage damage. Not overheat or voltage issues....
Yeah, just leakage. It seems to be a common problem when stuff gets old. :rofl:
Post by: drck1000 on October 29, 2020, 10:29:13 AM
...Haha. Some more than others... ;D
Yeah, just leakage. It seems to be a common problem when stuff gets old. :rofl:
I have heard folks hating on Duracell for leaking. I haven’t noticed if other brands were different. I typ buy whatever is on sale. But like you, I have gone away from alkaline batteries.
Post by: macsak on October 29, 2020, 11:53:23 AM
Post by: oldfart on October 29, 2020, 12:12:10 PM
i own no batteries nor prep gear...
Therefore no leakage problem. :rofl:
Post by: macsak on October 29, 2020, 12:18:34 PM
...
Therefore no leakage problem. :rofl:
heads
Post by: changemyoil66 on October 29, 2020, 01:12:53 PM
My EDC ProTac I change battery every few months. Cause I always do a function check prior to using (every morning b4 going into my pocket). So it uses up the CR123 faster than any acid could leak
Same goes with light on my 1 pistol. I do a check before I go to bed, so same thing, this battery needs replacing every 8 months or so. So acid is not too much of a concern. I also change it out b4 I go to Vegas, because I don't want to be out of state if the battery dies.
Just got my Cloud Defensive OWL installed last month. I do a battery check once a week.
Post by: changemyoil66 on October 29, 2020, 01:14:11 PM
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on October 29, 2020, 01:27:35 PM
I've been using the rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries in my flashlights for years now. Not a single one has leaked. Some get used often, and others remain unused for months, even years. Other than needing the refresh the charge, all of them are still going strong with no leaking.
I'm close to trying the Lithium Duracell batteries (non-rechargeable). I've heard rumors they don't last as long as Alkaline, or maybe it was they can't provide the same level of power for as long, which affects some electronics like electronic camera flashes and such.
Anyway, buying cheapest is a bad strategy. If you can find trusted, reliable, good quality ON SALE for less than normal price, that's a better practice. I buy when Costco has a sale. If I pass on those, 9/10 times I'll need more, and they won't be discounted.
Post by: drck1000 on November 02, 2020, 10:18:20 AM
I have emergency lamps/flashlights that I check once a year for battery acid leaking.The battery leaking thing on some emergency lights and stuff bothers me. Not as much anymore as I have mulitple as well as a variety of power sources (battery types, rechargeable units, etc), but still somewhat of a concern. The thing with the rechargeables is no good way to tell when they are running low. I will plug some in if there's a storm coming, but won't always get warning. That's one of the reasons I diversified.
My EDC ProTac I change battery every few months. Cause I always do a function check prior to using (every morning b4 going into my pocket). So it uses up the CR123 faster than any acid could leak
Same goes with light on my 1 pistol. I do a check before I go to bed, so same thing, this battery needs replacing every 8 months or so. So acid is not too much of a concern. I also change it out b4 I go to Vegas, because I don't want to be out of state if the battery dies.
Just got my Cloud Defensive OWL installed last month. I do a battery check once a week.
The batteries in my ear pro is another one I check and change probably more often than I "need" to. Hate for those to run out when I'm on the range. Yeah, I usually have spares in my range bag, but there are times when I will use my ear pro without much range gear.
One that I need to get into more of a regular replacement is the battery for the RDS on my handgun(s). Many recommend changing once a year, same with the battery of your smoke alarm. But the smoke alarm in my building is via a central system, not battery.
Post by: drck1000 on November 02, 2020, 10:19:10 AM
...At least not from batteries he doesn't own. . . other "avenues"? Well. . . :rofl:
Therefore no leakage problem. :rofl:
Post by: oldfart on November 02, 2020, 11:11:02 AM
At least not from batteries he doesn't own. . . other "avenues"? Well. . . :rofl:...
The solution to the leakage problem DEPENDS on the "avenue". ;D
Post by: changemyoil66 on November 02, 2020, 01:44:04 PM
The batteries in my ear pro is another one I check and change probably more often than I "need" to. Hate for those to run out when I'm on the range. Yeah, I usually have spares in my range bag, but there are times when I will use my ear pro without much range gear.
One that I need to get into more of a regular replacement is the battery for the RDS on my handgun(s). Many recommend changing once a year, same with the battery of your smoke alarm. But the smoke alarm in my building is via a central system, not battery.
My wife's one was never on. #facepalm. She always forgets. Funny when we first got it, I was testing it by shouting. My neighbors prob thought someone had tourettes or something.
That's the shitty part with RDS, is there's no low bat indicator. My SIG Romeo5 ran out during an exercise, and the dot wasn't any dimmer, so no way of knowing the juice is almost gone. But it was good because I knew right away to use flip up sights and continue. Then was able to change the battery once my turn was over. I have a Magpul stock that has the compartment in it, which I bought for this specific reason. And when I was more of a noob, to put a firing pin in it. But #1 it don't fit and #2 according to Brownell's YT, they've never seen 1 break for an AR.
Post by: drck1000 on November 02, 2020, 01:53:59 PM
My wife's one was never on. #facepalm. She always forgets. Funny when we first got it, I was testing it by shouting. My neighbors prob thought someone had tourettes or something.I read about the RMR showings signs of when the dot battery was running low, but that may have been the Gen 1.
That's the shitty part with RDS, is there's no low bat indicator. My SIG Romeo5 ran out during an exercise, and the dot wasn't any dimmer, so no way of knowing the juice is almost gone. But it was good because I knew right away to use flip up sights and continue. Then was able to change the battery once my turn was over. I have a Magpul stock that has the compartment in it, which I bought for this specific reason. And when I was more of a noob, to put a firing pin in it. But #1 it don't fit and #2 according to Brownell's YT, they've never seen 1 break for an AR.
There are other red dots that have low battery indicators. EoTechs have low battery indicator when you turn them on. I caught that a couple of times.
Post by: changemyoil66 on November 02, 2020, 02:01:54 PM
I read about the RMR showings signs of when the dot battery was running low, but that may have been the Gen 1.
There are other red dots that have low battery indicators. EoTechs have low battery indicator when you turn them on. I caught that a couple of times.
For $600, it better come with life time supply of batteries also. The Romeo5 is $140's.
Post by: drck1000 on November 02, 2020, 02:13:54 PM
For $600, it better come with life time supply of batteries also. The Romeo5 is $140's.$600? Mine wasn't that much. . .
Heard good things about Sig Romeos. As long as you're happy. . . :thumbsup:
Post by: changemyoil66 on November 02, 2020, 07:13:56 PM
$600? Mine wasn't that much. . .The main factor is the auto on and off.
Heard good things about Sig Romeos. As long as you're happy. . .
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Post by: macsak on November 02, 2020, 07:31:33 PM
My wife's one was never on. #facepalm. She always forgets. Funny when we first got it, I was testing it by shouting. My neighbors prob thought someone had tourettes or something.
That's the shitty part with RDS, is there's no low bat indicator. My SIG Romeo5 ran out during an exercise, and the dot wasn't any dimmer, so no way of knowing the juice is almost gone. But it was good because I knew right away to use flip up sights and continue. Then was able to change the battery once my turn was over. I have a Magpul stock that has the compartment in it, which I bought for this specific reason. And when I was more of a noob, to put a firing pin in it. But #1 it don't fit and #2 according to Brownell's YT, they've never seen 1 break for an AR.
heads
Post by: Rocky on November 18, 2020, 06:00:40 PM
In my go bags and bobs, all battery devices have a little piece of cardboard or non-conductive material between battery's and contacts at the most accessible location.
Yes, need to remove material when needed but my devices stay stored with batteries in place and I have had no issues.
Still check them yearly and the batteries are still good. ;D
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on November 18, 2020, 06:13:13 PM
I think batteries in devices leak due to slight current seepage through switch.
In my go bags and bobs, all battery devices have a little piece of cardboard or non-conductive material between battery's and contacts at the most accessible location.
Yes, need to remove material when needed but my devices stay stored with batteries in place and I have had no issues.
Still check them yearly and the batteries are still good. ;D
The non-rechargeable lithium-ion flashlight batteries I carry in my vehicles have a piece of tape on the positive contact. The batteries are in a ziplock plastic bag. The negative (bottom) end of the batteries are recessed below the edge of the battery, so there's no way two negative ends can touch. The tape keeps the positive poles from coming into contact with any other poles.
So far, so good. Keeping the ends of lithium batteries covered is required when shipping them to Hawaii, so I figure it was a good precaution to adopt for all my lithiums.
Spare alkaline batteries are in the plastic trays they came in, and they aren't carried as spares normally. I don't see new, uninstalled batteries leaking.
Post by: drck1000 on November 19, 2020, 12:17:44 PM
I have a mix of recharge, dual power source, and battery only. Lately, the lights I have in my car have some up clutch when "entertaining" my buddies' kids. ;D
Post by: Heavies on November 19, 2020, 09:10:48 PM
Post by: drck1000 on November 20, 2020, 12:05:16 PM
I change out batteries on important gear once a year, using lithium batteries to reduce the chance of leakage.Have been using lithium for AA and AAA for a while now. Haven't had issues with them (knocking on wood).
Post by: zippz on November 22, 2020, 09:52:44 PM
I have very few devices that take AA batteries, for those I use low discharge NH batteries (Enloops) to avoid leakage.
For gun stuff, I keep a spare set or two of batteries for each. I change them every one, two, or three years depending on how much I use them. I scribble the dates on a piece of paper that I leave in my safe.
Use quality batteries from a proven source, there are counterfeit lithium batteries out there.
Post by: robtmc on December 05, 2020, 10:59:30 AM
I stay far away from duracell batteries.
I had a lot of electrical stuff damaged by duracell leakage.
I switched to lithium ion as much as possible.
What he said^100
Post by: DocMercy on September 18, 2021, 06:51:31 PM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/610vPjd3toL._AC_SL1200_.jpg)
Certain tools like the Milwaukee 12v light are better than most lithium flashlights. You just need to figure out how to charge your Milwaukee, Bosch, Ridgid, Dewalt, etc., lights. Once the Milwaukee light is charged, it can output 5 v through a USB port, to charge many devices like your cellphone.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41knQTSHc+S._SL1200_.jpg)
Post by: oldfart on September 18, 2021, 08:32:57 PM
They're called "Bonai" batteries.
Most of my stuff is running on LION batteries but sometimes you just need 1.5 v alkalines.