Does anyone use a Nano or WF-138 to charge 14500's?

[Gatsby]

I note that AW mentions you can use the 3.7 chargers with a 14500 using wires and an alligator clip. Does anyone do this?

I now have a few lights which are designed to use 3.7v li-ion rechargeables, unfortunately they all take different sizes (Jil JCR2 IT - RCR2; HDS EDC - RCR123; LF5 and hopefully a CAB for the Jil - 14500). The RCR2 and RCR123 cells will get the most use - the LF5 runs pretty well on NiMH and lithium AA cells and the CAB is really for a longer runtime option when needed - so I'm inclined toward a 123 sized charger since the smaller cells will get the most use.

I can see how a wire alligator clipped to the charging terminals of the charger works (taking care to mate + and - properly) but how do you attach them to the battery without the spring loaded bay? Does anyone sell such wires?

Thanks!

 

[DM51]

LuxLuthor sells magnetic connectors which are suitable for this purpose. The open wire end goes to the charger terminal, and the magnet onto the battery terminal. Red wire for +ve, black for -ve. The strong magnets make a good contact.

To attach the wires to the charger, use a non-conductive spacer, such as a piece of wooden dowel cut to the right length. To be ultra-safe, use some non-flammable material, but fire is not a realistic danger with a small charger like a Nano.

If you want to use a Nano charger for charging a 14500, get the R123-size one, as the 10440 size will be slow.

 

[Gatsby]

DM51 - thanks for the reply! That is precisely what I was looking for.

 

[labrat]

Test-leads, with crocodile-clamps in both ends:




and small, strong magnets on the battery.
Good for charging even 18650-cells with the Nano, I use the Volt-meter to check the voltage and remove the battery when voltage is 4.20 Volts.
Takes 40 hours though, to recharge an empty 18650 cell!