I had an 8 C cell boom box that the kids would run on batteries instead of plugging it into a nearby outlet. When I went to use it the batteries were dead.
I decided to replace the batteries, but put small pieces of carboard between the battery contacts and the unit's springs. That way there were always fresh batteries stored in the unit for emergency use. The kids just thought that the batteries were dead, and plugged it in whenever they wanted to use it.
I don't know if thin cardboard (like from a cereal box) would protect from leakage damage, but I suppose wrapping the ends in plastic wrap would. Alkalines hold their charge better than LSD NiMH batteries, so I don't mind using them.
WARNING: Highly caffeinated post to follow 😁. Also, I do not wish to turn this thread. The batteries and their usage I discuss below can be used in pocket or emergency radios. I am not attempting to segue into a flashlight discussion. I am also not an expert on anything (just ask my wife 😉). Most of what I've learned has been through the assistance of many fine folks right here at CPF, I'm just sharin' the wealth.
@Poppy good idea using the cardboard. Eight C cells is a lot of batteries to keep going through. Many years ago, we picked up a Streamlight Waypoint spotlight. It takes four C cells. With letting the dogs out several times in the dark each day, we went through them like water (we're rural, "in the woods"). I picked up some Eneloop AA to C adapters, four AA NiMH batteries, and a La Crosse BC700 charger (all on the advice of folks here). It really paid off big time.
I've been lucky with leakage so far. I use Energizer primary cells in things I do not use frequently, like emergency flashlights. These I check every so often and they're stored inside so there's little temperature variances, no extremes, and they don't get bounced around. These batteries will stay charged for many years.
In often used items, like radios and a couple of our flashlights/spotlights, et cetera, I use secondary cells. This has saved us a lot of money over the years and they've more than paid for themselves, many times over.
Were I to keep a flashlight in my vehicle, I'd either use Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries in it or, as my son does, store the batteries out of the unit. In our very cold winters, the alkaline cells usually go dead as my son found out. I am of the opinion that, for an old school type vehicle flashlight (or portable emergency radio), the way to go is Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries, in adapters if necessary.
Of course, in the last few years, I've
discovered Li-ion cells, mainly of the 18650 type. These and the lights that use them are amazing. Our daily use light is a Wuben L50 and that's replaced the big honkin' Streamlight. What I said in the above paragraphs is how I handle all our old technology items. Now, I am sold on these Li-ion units. All of this I learned here over the years. So, hopefully what I said above may help someone else.
