Scratched/Dented Batteries

[Robin24k]

Prior to this incident, I had been using almost brand new Duraloops in my 2AA Mag. The first time I used them, I wasn't too happy to notice that the tailcap spring scratched the batteries. I figured that would be all right as long as I used the same set in there. However, I later discovered, to my horror, that the first battery developed a dent on the bottom from the battery behind it. I switched the positions of the batteries, and the other battery also developed a dent.

I'm using lithium primaries in my 2AA now and the Duraloops are on my D-size lights, but my question is whether or not the routine damage is something to be worried about. Primaries don't get dented, so maybe the Duraloops are softer?

As for the scratches, apparenly it isn't just Mags that do this, as a SureFire caused the same kind of damage to these RCR123's below. I hope the routine scratching of the bottom of the battery won't wear the metal out so much to poke a hole through?

 

[Vesper]

I don't know if it'll eventually burrow through and cause/create damage, but I'm also hoping others with lots of rechargeable use can comment on this too. I also noticed my 18500's with similar burrowing going on from my Malkoff MD3 and 9P springs equally and wondered the same thing. The gouging is significant enough to go hmmm...

This articled by HKJ shows that there is maybe a protective plate and is possibly thick enough to keep the battery safe, but not sure.

The Anatomy of a Protected Battery
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=257162

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Robin24k,

In "normal" use, the battery will turn to crap before you can wear a hole in it. A little bit of a dent is considered "normal wear and tear."

Hmmm, another reason not to use crap cells...

Tom

 

[kuksul08]

This happened to my eneloops as well, a couple got dents from the pressure in the battery holder. Hmm... I hope they aren't damaged internally from this.

Left - undamaged
Middle - dented in the center
Right - dented off to one side.

 

[Robin24k]

Hmm, so it appears that Eneloops are just softer then?

Hmmm, another reason not to use crap cells...

Hmm, if these are crap cells, then what wouldn't be?

 

[regor_nono]

Those ain't crap cells... kuksul08 was able to incur wear and tear before they can turn crap. That means those cells were used a long while but can still spit out amps.

 

[Robin24k]

Ah. For what it's worth, I'm still using 6+ year old NiMH AAA's, so these Duraloops will probably be around for a while. :twothumbs

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Robin24k,

You misunderstood my remark.

The wear and tear on the cell is another reason to stop using a cell once it is no longer vibrant. This is different from suggesting that a cell that shows signs of wear and tear is crap.

Until your cells turn to crap, use the heck out of them. Once they turn to crap, recycle them.

Tom

 

[Lynx_Arc]

some people have taken out springs in lights and cut them down and filed/sanded them to help prevent scratching and denting but it is better to be a little beat up on the end than have batteries rattle around in the light causing it to blink when you move it

 

[Robin24k]

I know what you mean, but it will probably take me a long time to cycle the cells enough so that they aren't vibrant anymore. Kind of like a low-mileage car, even though the car is old, there's still a lot of life left, so storage conditions determines what state the car is in. That is why I'm concerned that wear and tear might get to the cell before cycles do.

some people have taken out springs in lights and cut them down and filed/sanded them to help prevent scratching and denting but it is better to be a little beat up on the end than have batteries rattle around in the light causing it to blink when you move it

I tried that, and these springs are so small I can't even get a grip with needle-nose pliers. I would think that stretching the spring a bit and bending the end downwards might be helpful, but it's hard to do on a spring as small as the 2AA Mag's.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

I know what you mean, but it will probably take me a long time to cycle the cells enough so that they aren't vibrant anymore. Kind of like a low-mileage car, even though the car is old, there's still a lot of life left, so storage conditions determines what state the car is in. That is why I'm concerned that wear and tear might get to the cell before cycles do.


I tried that, and these springs are so small I can't even get a grip with needle-nose pliers. I would think that stretching the spring a bit and bending the end downwards might be helpful, but it's hard to do on a spring as small as the 2AA Mag's.

try an emery (fingernail file) board on it.

 

[Robin24k]

Just tried that...filed and filed and nothinig happened...

 

[Hondo]

I usually dust off the burr on the end of the spring with a Dremmel tool grinding wheel. Then I smooth it a bit more with fine wet/dry sanding paper. Still see marks on the end of the battery, but no more deep gouges.

 

[Beacon of Light]

One of the reasons I don't care for the Photon Proton Pro. It dents cells. To me I'd prefer lights not damage my cells like this.

 

[nbp]

I was just wondering about this issue. I have some 17670s that are getting circles scratched in their tails in my C2. I will try to smooth out the spring a bit per the suggestions above. Otherwise, have we since seen any indication that the spring can do enough damage to a rechargeable to become a problem?? Your thoughts are most welcome.

 

[HotWire]

I just bought a new Surefire A2. As I turn the twisty I can feel the sharp spring scratch across the battery. I've modified other springs in other flashlights by using a diamond wheel in my Dremel. I've also soldered across the gap after some minor grinding. If I see my Surefire 123s getting scratched or dented, I'll smooth the spring with the diamond wheel.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

Unless you can see a cut groove in the bottom of a cell it is nothing worth worrying about. Try using a pencil eraser on the scratches if they polish out then they are just superficial.