Does anyone have tips for getting corroded batteries out of flashlights?
I imagine a lot of flashlight enthusiasts have death with this. I've found it's less an issue with D cell batteries and more AA and AAA.
Web search finds info. I looked recently because of similar issue. Most promising approach seems to be drill a hole in the battery, drive in a sheet metal screw, and pull, lubing with wd40 if you can get it around the battery casing. Do this outside with eye protection and gloves as the battery can spew crap when you drill it. The batteries are called alkaleaks for a reason.
Thanks. I wasn't sure if there was a lot of commonly known procedures for this. I might grab a vice and drill out the battery if that is the case.
Other people suggested stuff like vinegar and baking soda, which sounded useless. If you use a vise, obvs wrap the light first. Let us know how it goes.
If you end up with a battery cap in yhe screw or drill, you might be able to pull out the casing with needle nose pliers, likely in pieces.
It hurts if you get gunk on your skin, so try to avoid that.
Eye protection is a great idea.
I think flashlight enthusiasts are far less likely to use alkaline batteries than the average person, but most of us have encountered the question in a forum once or twice.
Solrize gave the standard answer. Water should be your first try for cleanup after you get the batteries out, but if you have stubborn residue, vinegar will react with the alkaline electrolyte.
While we're on the subject, does anyone have any tips for locating my BLF Q8 that I packed when we moved? Maybe a metal detector?
Not sure if the flashlight in questions finish but I’ve had good luck getting gunked up stuff loose with acetone.
As in residue or entire batteries? Because the latter is where I am at
I’m saying if the light is powder coated finish acetone will take that finish off. I’m which you may not want to try it. Someone correct me if I’m wrong but If it’s titanium, copper or brass Id give it a go.
Water and baking soda are good for removing residue, so with some patience that might dissolve enough of it to get the batteries unstuck.
Do you mind posting pictures?
I'm curious how bad your situation looks like.
WD-40 then scrub the corrosion with a paste of backing soda and a little water. Clean out the paste residue with WD-40.