How to remove stuck AW cells?

Minimoog · Nov 9, 2018

I have a metal tube light running two AW 18350 IMR cells. Unfortunately both the batteries have corroded and expanded so whilst I managed to lever the bottom one out, the top one is stuck. They corroded / leaked under the wrapper so making the battery expand.

Is it ok to drill it out or drive a screw through the base, or is this likely to be a problem?

I tried bashing the light on wood and a gluestick to pull it but its stuck fast.

Any help appreciated.

peter yetman · Nov 10, 2018

There's a helpful thread here....
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?311121-Battery-stuck-in-E01

and here...
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?396849-Battery-corrosion

P

Minimoog · Nov 10, 2018

Thanks. I used epoxy and a bit of dowel. Needed a firm pull but out it popped. You can see the result here

https://www.dropbox.com/s/5rc95x6mul2iu9m/20181110_151904.jpg?dl=0

peter yetman · Nov 10, 2018

Well done, I didn't clock it was an IMR - didn't think those things leaked.
P

bigburly912 · Nov 10, 2018

They can leak. They just don't tend to explode when they vent. : D

zipplet · Nov 11, 2018

I'm curious as to why they leaked - any idea? Did they vent?

d13avo · Nov 11, 2018

I'm curious also as all my lights use these same batteries.

Minimoog · Nov 11, 2018

No venting. Just they leaked under the wrapper and so puffed up a bit making them impossible to remove. They were fine in September but they must have just decided to call it a day. They were 3 years old.

bigburly912 · Nov 11, 2018

Wow. 3 years? I've got IMR that could be their great great grandparents still going strong haha

Minimoog · Nov 11, 2018

I was using these in a modified early Surefire U2 and I now am re-evaluating all my lights and batteries. Taking out all batteries in stored lights just in case.

How to remove stuck AW cells?

Minimoog

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peter yetman

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Minimoog

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bigburly912

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