Maglite sent back with leaked batteries. Cost $11.49 to ship

[Beacon of Light]

They do this to make you just toss it. I didn't realize I could have just bought a new one (an LED version 3xD cell) for around $18. I didn't realize it was going to cost over $11. I figured $5 or $6 tops. Is it ever worth it to send in for a warranty replacement? I'll be really pissed if they contact me and tell me it will be $12 for a new one since the batteries weren't Duracell or Energizers and I know for sure they were one of those 2 brands.

 

[divine]

Maybe Duracell or Energizer would have given you a better deal.

 

[gallonoffuel]

I was under the impression duracell will cut you a check for the price of whatever their batteries destroy. I guess its better than nothing, but I'd prefer the things didn't leak in the first place.

 

[jaundice]

This is why I've decided to phase alkalines out of my life in favor of lithiums. For all of the thousands of dollars of stuff I've had leaking alkalines destroy, I could easily have put lithiums in and 1) always had it work on demand, and 2) still come out ahead on cost.

-John

 

[Beacon of Light]

Lithiums do not leak? What about keeping a flashlight in a car for years baking in the 130+ degree heat.

 

[jaundice]

My understanding is that lithiums can take relatively high temperatures with little issue. Although they may leak, it is comparatively rare compared to alkalines, and unlikely within the 15 year shelf life. Plus, they only self-discharge about 1% per year, unlike 10% per year for alkalines.

-John

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

Lithiums do not leak? What about keeping a flashlight in a car for years baking in the 130+ degree heat.

Might consider not parking your car next to an active volcano... LOL

 

[mooman7]

I had the same thing happen to me last week. Maglite 2D destroyed by leaking Duracells. Called them up and boom! Check for the new light and coupon for replacement batteries.

 

[alpg88]

hydrogen peroxyde removes and disolves whatever leaks out of batterys.

 

[SG688]

Don't despair. About 2 years ago, my replacement check included reimbursement for shipping.

Last month, a friend of mine first called the battery company [I forget if it was Ev or Duracell] and was sent a prepaid shipping label. His replacement check was accompanied by coupons for $36 worth of batteries.

 

[LuxLuthor]

My left front tire was low on air this morning.

 

[Beacon of Light]

Would be cool if they ship me a 3D LED version, but I doubt it.

I had the same thing happen to me last week. Maglite 2D destroyed by leaking Duracells. Called them up and boom! Check for the new light and coupon for replacement batteries.

 

[MorePower]

My understanding is that lithiums can take relatively high temperatures with little issue. Although they may leak, it is comparatively rare compared to alkalines, and unlikely within the 15 year shelf life. Plus, they only self-discharge about 1% per year, unlike 10% per year for alkalines.

-John

Lithium cells can leak, but the electrolyte used in them rapidly evaporates and doesn't corrode aluminum like potassium hydroxide from an alkaline cell will.

Alkaline cells do not have a self discharge rate of 10% per year. I can't imagine where you came up with that number. At 7 years, an alkaline battery should have 70% or more of its initial capacity.

 

[Illum]

Lithiums do not leak? What about keeping a flashlight in a car for years baking in the 130+ degree heat.

130 is a bit high, but otherwise lithiums are well capable of surviving it. As with all extreme temperatures, expect runtime to suffer. With Lithiums, at least you have runtime

 

[mooman7]

got my check today from Procter & Gamble for the replacement cost of the maglite plus batteries. That took only a week!!

 

[LuxLuthor]

got my check today from Procter & Gamble for the replacement cost of the maglite plus batteries. That took only a week!!

Good to hear. Turns out my tire had a recurring slow leak that ended up being a small penny finishing mail. The local tire store patched it, and I'm back on the open road.

 

[lctorana]

Snork!

(probably a bit too subtle)

 

[Beacon of Light]

Put one of those digital temp gauges in your car between 12 and 3pm. Guaranteed it is 120+. I live in Florida where in car temps can soar to 130-140 degrees.

130 is a bit high, but otherwise lithiums are well capable of surviving it. As with all extreme temperatures, expect runtime to suffer. With Lithiums, at least you have runtime

 

[Beacon of Light]

Got my Maglite back and it is apparently a new model as it has a different serial number, but strangely it is a lower number than the one I sent in but it looked brand new not like a refurb.

Anyone know how to date a Maglite based on the serial number?

Didn't get any batteries with the Maglite, or even a voucher coupon to buy replacements.... That kind of sucked. Also didn't get a refund for my cost for mailing in the Maglite....

 

[Roberts30]

Wow, I'm kinda suprised you didn't have a better transaction with MagLite, They have always done me well..