Dead Fenix E20. Now what?

[redking79]

I have a Fenix E20 that has leaked batteries. I tried everything I read about on the internet about leaking and stuck batteries. But it seems the batteries have expanded and won't come out.

Is there anything I could do to cannibalize the flashlight or should I just trash it? It still works but it's not reliable. It seems like a shame to get rid of the LED and solid aluminum construction.

 

[SimulatedZero]

That really is a shame, the only help I can offer is to get rechargeable batteries next time round. I had a minimag that had batteries explode in them once. I poured some coke in on one side to try and eat at the corroded parts a little bit, I have no idea if it helped or not to be honest. It took me about a week to get the battery out. I would take about five minutes two times a day and swing the light as hard as I could or tap is against something. In the end I got the battery out but, then I learned how crappy minimags were thanks to CPF and moved on.

The good news is you can pick up a brand new E21 for 35 dollars. Those things a still tough as nails and the latest one just got an LED upgrade and is sitting at 170 lumens. If you feel like waiting a couple weeks you can pick up an E25 which has an extra mode with a nifty side switch.

 

[redking79]

Haha, you read my mind about the E21. I ordered it yesterday, but it feels like a shame to trash my E20. It feels solidly made and I wonder if somebody can recycle the materials or whatever. I emailed Fenix about a replacement or repair under warranty but it's been over two years since I purchased my E20 and Fenix told me they don't even have parts for it anymore since it's been discontinued. :laughing:

 

[mikekoz]

Can the head be removed? maybe you can use a drill to get the batteries out! :thinking: I have also heard that sometimes the company that made the leaking batteries will sometimes pay for the damaged light.

 

[redking79]

I actually search the Internet and also CPF for anyone who has disassembled an E20 but no one has. The head doesn't come off because the light is made from one whole part of metal. The LED is attached securely to the head area of the body but I'm afraid pulling it off will break the circuitry.

Also, I don't remember what batteries are inside. I bought this light April 2010. However my best guess would be Duracell.

 

[SimulatedZero]

Duracell warranties their batteries, if you can prove that those cells were Duracells then they should replace your light for you.