Battery storage containers/holders, what kind do you use?

[Grizzly22]

I'm looking into getting a battery storage case instead of having them rolling around freely in my drawer and was wondering what kinds do you use, have, or dislike, or just don't care for one?

Mine would be for AA only, but post what kinds you like, and what features are important to you on one.

 

[thedoc007]

For 18650, sku 54458 on DX. If they had 4x18650 waterproof holders, might think about those instead, but no light I have takes more than 4 18650s, so carrying two cases is no big deal.

For AA, sku 3558 on DX. AAs for me are for around the house stuff, remotes, clocks, various gadgets, so I don't really see the need for anything fancy. For me the x4 makes sense, can break 'em up into pairs easily enough, and the x4 makes sense given the quantity of batteries I usually purchase at one time.

Lights and batteries are expensive enough, so I see no real reason to spend much on holders - just want to keep organized, and DX lets you do that cheaply.

 

[jsd]

I use this Plano box for all my battery storage: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E39T4Q/?tag=cpf0b6-20

What I like is that the box has real hinges, not a flexible plastic "living hinge" and it has real latches. The six compar

It will hold 32 AA batteries in nine compartments. The three fixed size compartments closest to the latch will hold 3 each on the side compartments and two in the center. The adjustable size compartments will hold four each and you get enough dividers to make six compartments.

 

[Sub_Umbra]

...Mine would be for AA only, but post what kinds you like, and what features are important to you on one.

I am partial to FIFO boxes (First In, First Out). I have made quite a few of them for AAA, AA, C and D.

Once I've found a plastic box of the right size I cut a piece of medium to high density foam to fit the body of the box. Its thickness should be a ~1/4" shorter than the cell you want to protect. Then I find a six inch length of pipe, tubing or conduit of the right size to make a hole that will grip the battery in question. I grind a clean, sharp bevel at one end and then, with a pushing, twisting motion I use it like a die cutter to cut out a pattern of holes in the foam where the cells will go.

I cut ~3/8" thick pieces from the foam plugs and insert one in each hole so the cells never bottom out in their holes.

I use a Sharpie to draw arrows on the lid so everyone knows where to take the next cell from. I put the depleted cell at the end with the button up to show its discharged.

For AA cells 1/2" type M copper pipe is the perfect size for die cutting a hole in stiff foam. It leaves a hole that grips the cell tight enough that the box may be tipped upside down and still the cells won't fall out.

This solution makes it easier for family members to grab the right cells and position the discharged cells for recharging at some time in the future. We've also used these FIFO boxes for sound men in theatre when I've taken over the charging of their body mic cells. It makes it much easier with people who aren't into secondaries.

It is very inexpensive to make your own. I've done it for years and years.

 

[donn_]

Storacell by PowerPax AA 12-Pack Battery Caddy

 

[bjt3833]

I really like the Powerpax that donn mentioned. I have some for just about every battery type and if you go directly to the manufacturer website they have a couple more types than amazon.

 

[RCM]

Here's what I use! Bought at CVS a long time ago! Of course all the alkaleaks inside got used up quickly by family...I have it now and keep my rechargeable cells in it!

 

[ohaya]

I use this Plano box for all my battery storage: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E39T4Q/?tag=cpf0b6-20

What I like is that the box has real hinges, not a flexible plastic "living hinge" and it has real latches. The six compar

It will hold 32 AA batteries in nine compartments. The three fixed size compartments closest to the latch will hold 3 each on the side compartments and two in the center. The adjustable size compartments will hold four each and you get enough dividers to make six compartments.

Hi,

I just ordered a 3-pack of the Planos, even though it was kind of hard to visualize the sizes just from the specs. Can you post a pic of how you have things arranged? Also, do you keep your lights in the cases also, or just batteries?

In my case, I have mostly 14500s, with a couple of 18500s, and some 18650s, but I'm planning/hoping to keep my lights in them also, if it's possible, because my wife's complaining about taking up all of her kitchen counter space :)...

Jim

 

[donn_]

Jim,

The first thing you need to do is accept the fact you'll need an entire room for your lights, batteries, chargers, cases, etc..

This hobby (habit) takes a lot of space, $$$ and other resources.

 

[jsd]

Hi,

I just ordered a 3-pack of the Planos, even though it was kind of hard to visualize the sizes just from the specs. Can you post a pic of how you have things arranged? Also, do you keep your lights in the cases also, or just batteries?

In my case, I have mostly 14500s, with a couple of 18500s, and some 18650s, but I'm planning/hoping to keep my lights in them also, if it's possible, because my wife's complaining about taking up all of her kitchen counter space :)...

Jim

Sure. The two black batteries are 18650 and only one will fit per compartment in the row closest to the latches (bottom of the photo). In the other compartments, you can fit two 18650. Hard to see in this photo, but the compartment in the center of the bottom row is shallower than than all the other ones so you can only fit two AAs there. In the bottom row, the left and right compartment can only hold three AAA due to space needed for the latch.

The vertical dividers in the two top rows are all movable. The vertical dividers in the bottom row are fixed.

I only use the box to store batteries. I only have two flashlights that run 18650 and they're mounted to the front of my bicycle and I have a Energizer 1x AA LED light that I EDC in my tool bag. I'm not yet a flashaholic.

 

[ohaya]

Jim,

The first thing you need to do is accept the fact you'll need an entire room for your lights, batteries, chargers, cases, etc..

This hobby (habit) takes a lot of space, $$$ and other resources.

Hi,

*I* don't have a problem accepting that fact.... but my wife DOES :)...

Jim

 

[ohaya]

Sure. The two black batteries are 18650 and only one will fit per compartment in the row closest to the latches (bottom of the photo). In the other compartments, you can fit two 18650. Hard to see in this photo, but the compartment in the center of the bottom row is shallower than than all the other ones so you can only fit two AAs there. In the bottom row, the left and right compartment can only hold three AAA due to space needed for the latch.

The vertical dividers in the two top rows are all movable. The vertical dividers in the bottom row are fixed.

I only use the box to store batteries. I only have two flashlights that run 18650 and they're mounted to the front of my bicycle and I have a Energizer 1x AA LED light that I EDC in my tool bag. I'm not yet a flashaholic.

Hi,

Thanks for the pic and the explanations. I think I'm going to be out-of-space as soon as those come in though :(...

Jim

 

[jsd]

Hi,

Thanks for the pic and the explanations. I think I'm going to be out-of-space as soon as those come in though :(...

Jim

These boxes come in different sizes. The one I have and linked to is the smallest one.

 

[eightballrj]

Wish they made storacells for 18650s! I made a holder for AA and AAA eneloops by drilling holes in a 12" long 2x4. 18650s and 18500 IMRs store in a few of those cheaply ultrafire cases.

 

[lightcycle1]

I just picked up a couple of the Powerpax storacells and I cannot imagine there being anything better on the market for everyday battery handling.
They are fantastic little units. I bought 2x 4cell holders and a 12 cell holder as well.

Sent from my SCH-S720C using Tapatalk 2

 

[BenChiew]

Illumination supplies have got some nice GITD type.

 

[HistoryChannel]

Exotac Matchcap and Matchcap XL. I'm thinking of getting the latter to keep a spare 18650 on my keying.

https://www.exotac.com/MATCHCAP-XL/

Or the Delrin Capsule from Oveready.

5.11 Tactical has some rugged looking cases. And Pelican cases if you don't mind the bulk.

I've also seen people use PVC pipe and cut to desired length with caps on the ends.

 

[Nutdip]

Just got this today at Best Buy. Doesn't have slots for fancy batteries like we use, but they'll work fine for most:

 

[awyeah]

Does anyone store 18650s in a Pelican case? I have one of those nice Pelicans from battery station that holds CR123As, I'm wondering if there's something like that for 18650s.

 

[Samy]

I also use the powerpax 4xAA cartridge holders. I like this format because i can just grab a 'couple of cartridges' from my battery drawer and throw them in my gear bag when i'm going to work or when going out. The best part is that when you swap out the batteries you can insert the depleted rechargable AA's backwards so you can keep track of which ones need recharging. Simple and great idea.