Lithium 223's

[Gandalf]

Lithium 223\'s

Thanks to whoever suggested looking for lithium 223's on eBay (the double 123 battery pack). I bought 5 packs ( 5 223's, 10 123's) for $5, plus $4 shipping (!) These are the newer Energizer packaging, with a 2010 exp. date.

There were no other bids; I got them for the starting bid price. Now that I have enough for awhile, I'd recommend that you outer CPF members check eBay for the lithium 223's!

I'be used these in the past, and the easiest way I've found to get the two batteries out is simply to put the pack in a bench vice, and use a fine tooth saw (a hacksaw would work as well) to carefully cut through the plastic on all four sides, and seperate the halves. Once I did manage to cut into a battery, but this is actually easier than trying to pry out the batteries, for me at least.

 

[Sean]

Re: Lithium 223\'s

What do the batteries look like once you get them out? Are they insulated or marked in any way?

 

[Go Go Gadget Flashlight]

Re: Lithium 223\'s

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sean:
What do the batteries look like once you get them out? Are they insulated or marked in any way?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Looks like this. ;-)

Disemboweled 223 - 1
Disemboweled 223 - 2

Then all you have to do is fold the connecting thin metal so the 2 cells are in line. Wrap masking tape in a single layer over every edge so no metal shows from the sides. You may need to use thinner tape depending on the light you're putting them in. Packaging tape works pretty well too and is much thinner.

Hope this helps.

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Re: Lithium 223\'s

Be VERY careful cutting into a lithium battery pack. If you cut into the lithium, it can start on fire. And....you CAN"T use water to put it out!

 

[TrevorNasko]

Re: Lithium 223\'s

fire?

 

[patg]

Re: Lithium 223\'s

Yes, be VERY careful cutting open 223s' plastic cases. If you cut your thumb, it may start bleeding and you'll have to wait until you put on a Band-Aid before you can go get the hack saw that you should have used in the 1st place!

A couple shallow cuts with a hack saw around the seam at the closed end is a 'painless' way to open these jewels.

Pat

 

[lightlover]

Re: Lithium 223\'s

Aragorn,
Lithium is very reactive in it's metallic state. With enough of the metal itself, you can throw it into water, and it will explode quite impressively.

Even when in compound in a 123, it will fizz, perhaps worse, and water won't make the situation any better, the opposite, in fact. It will also react with moisture in the air.

Basically, don't cut into a lithium battery ! I've found that the 223's can be snapped open with needlenose pliers, a bit safer than cutting, I think.

At your own risk ......

lightlover

 

[rodmeister]

Re: Lithium 223\'s

Just curious, has anyone thrown a CR123 into a pan of water just to see what happens or doesn't happen?

 

[Brock]

Re: Lithium 223\'s

I have had 123 lights leak underwater and been completly drenched. They do fizz, bubble and hiss a bunch and then don't work. I have never had one explode on me, yet.

 

[Jim Smyth]

Re: Lithium 223\'s

How about using the 223's for single battery application's? I will have a M6 soon and I would need to seperate the 2 cell's into individual batteries to load into the carriage. Does the metal strip pull off? Do you need to heat it up to remove solder?, kinda looks spot welded from the picture's. Any dangers in getting it hot/too hot to remove solder? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Great pictures BTW!

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Re: Lithium 223\'s

223's work awesome, I have had no problems with any of the brands. I give a salute to whoever first posted to look an ebay for them.

Eric

 

[patg]

Re: Lithium 223\'s

I too, have found the 223's to be worth the trouble. Very cheap.


Pat

 

[rigormootis]

Re: Lithium 223\'s

yep....dissected 223s are all I use now...