alkaline leaked how to clean light?

[Topper]

I have a light that the cells leaked and stuck in. I finally
got the cells out but how to get the caked on goop so I can use the light its a SL TT 3-C that was fine 2 months ago. Is it salvagable or just trash it?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Topper /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Sway]

Topper,

What brand of cells are they some battery MFG's will replace products damaged by their cells.....A good washing with baking soda may neutralize the chemicals I know that works with acid /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon3.gif

Later
Kelly

 

[Topper]

Hi Kelly, they were Everactive I got at Wally World I will try the baking soda. I normally check my non lithium lights every couple of months if not in use since I had this happen years back with a Mag I just tossed it no big deal but I like this TT3C so I want to save it if I can.
Topper /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[rwolff]

[ QUOTE ]

they were Everactive I got at Wally World


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A good rule of thumb: "Top tier" name brands are generally pretty reliable. If you're on a budget, go for the readily identifiable no-names (e.g. "President's Choice"). As for the no-names that try to mimic a "top-tier" brand (Everactive sounds like it - probably is black near the positive, and mostly silver for roughly 2/3 at the negative end, "Durapower", which shows up in the dollar stores and mimics another familiar brand in appearance, is another), they're too expensive even if you get them free.

[ QUOTE ]

I normally check my non lithium lights every couple of months if not in use


[/ QUOTE ]
Sounds like the light doesn't get much use, so paying a bit more for each set of batteries isn't going to break the bank. IMNSHO, you should go with one of the "big 3" (Duracell, Eveready, or Rayovac), especially one that has a guarantee against equipment damage. Consider the price difference versus cheap cells to be an insurance premium against damaging an expensive light.

 

[Topper]

Hi rwolff, I have over 50 lights so I can not use them all I was not smart to leave cells (cheap or costly) in a light I do not use every day. Your point is a good one and well taken. I goofed up and now find myself suffering due to my choices in life. I hope to learn from my goof up and pull cells left and right from all lights not in my current line up. After I sleep abit My son is having another sleep over and I can not sleep with a bunch of 13 year olds running up and down the stairs going outside walking into the bedroom to ask "Miss Evone" (my wife of course)if it is ok to get another Tangerine it is 3 AM as I am typing and they are winding down or perhaps plotting who knows? I guess im pushing 24 hours no sleep. Eric's pals get dropped off and it might be 2 even 3 days before Mamma Bears call to see if there kid is still alive and come get them sad to say but for some kids Evone and I are the best dang Mom and Dad they got. We got one thats here so much he asked to learn how to load the dishwasher so he can help his idea no joke.
Topper

 

[mrme]

I was camping with my parents and was offered a set of those batteries. I refuseed them because they weren't in the "big three" which have a waranty. Well, those cells actually DO HAVE A WARRANTY, or at least did a few years ago. So, I accepted them. Read the fine print on the package.

I used them in my Pelican 2 AAA light. Well, I tried out its submersible properties in a pool a few months later. The cells got wet in it and the Energizer Double Barrel I also tried, and both sets of batteries leaked.

I just about sent it in, but then I noticed I had to pay for shipping the damaged light. It took me a while to figure out how to disasmble the Pelican, but I got both lights fixed and working as good as new. The only way I found to remove the corroded coating is to scrape it off with a razor knife. It is primative, but very effective.

I recently had some no names leak in a almost never used Petzl Myo. The razor knife again came to the rescue and all is well. My Minimag which had Duracell Ultas leak in it was beyond hope. The batteries had been in thier a long time, were getting really weak and I should have replaced them. It took a monkey wrench to get the thing open. I should have sent that one in.

I have never known baking soda to work with alakaline leakage. Works great on lead acid, though.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

Baking soda is used for neutralizing acid, and alkaline battteries probably are alkaline so you could try using diluted vinegar and see if that works. Be sure to wash with plenty of water if you do. I have found no rule of thumb to figure out why alkaline cells leak. I have had every brand leak and usually alkaline just get powder on stuff you have to scrape off and use sandpaper or an emery board and pencil eraser to polish. As for warranties I wouldn't expect everactive cells to have much of one but they are rebranded rayovacs made for walmart. You take a chance with generic batteries but for your cheaper lights and often use ones they are a good deal as long as you yank them out when they get low and replace them. I find alkalines leak more when they are heavily discharged, it could also be storing them in heat encourages them more also. Essentially for sub $10 flashlights using cheap generic alkalines is a good risk because the savings over time vs branded batteries can end up paying for the light a lot easier than the more expensive lights.

 

[kenny]

I got most of the corrosion off of a leaked AA M@g by soaking it in Coca cola. It didn't seem to be enough, so I use a dremal tool, slid the wire brush, and then the little grinder bit in through the bottom and attached to the dremel motor through the opening in the top. I was able to get, in my case, the localized corosion off that way. It is some pretty stubborn stuff to be sure!