Splitting 223's into 123's - a question

[Frank C.]

Splitting 223\'s into 123\'s - a question

I posted this originally in the "Cheap 123A's" thread, but I think my question will get lost there.

Recently placed an order with cheapbatteries.com, and bought 6 of the duracell 223's ($2 each if less than 100), to try this split-into-123As thing. I found it very easy to saw the bottom of the case off without even nicking the cells inside (I did it by hand with the saw blade on a Swiss Army Knife - haven't tried to use the cutting blade on a Dremel yet, figured that would have less room for error). I insulated the cases of the 123As with a layer of scotch tape.

They seem to be fine - the only concern I have is that I'm unable to insulate the part of the case that is turned over the top (positive end) of the cell. My concern is that in a multi-123A light, could a drop or shock cause the positive post to compress enough that the bottom of the cell above could short the cell below it out? If so, how is anyone else working around this?

 

[Jim Smyth]

Re: Splitting 223\'s into 123\'s - a question

I use lagre snippers and snip the top end of the 223. The end that doesnt have the metal tap soldered to it. Work the batteries out and claen up the ends that have those sharp points left. I use clear wrapping tape. I leave a little extra over the top so it rolls a little over it. No problems yet.

 

[Frank C.]

Re: Splitting 223\'s into 123\'s - a question

The packing tape sticks find to the metal that's rolled over the tops? maybe I need to use that instead of the scotch tape.

I'll give it a try - thanks for the tip.

 

[MrAl]

Re: Splitting 223\'s into 123\'s - a question

Hi there Frank,

Cant you make a little insulating
washer out of something for the top?
Perhaps a few layers of tape over the top, then cut out around the positive tip with
a little razor knife?

Good luck with it,
Al

 

[Frank C.]

Re: Splitting 223\'s into 123\'s - a question

Hmmm, do you know if those need any sort of trimming?

 

[Heck]

Re: Splitting 223\'s into 123\'s - a question

I just take the "rings" from actual 123 batteries and put them on my new spliited 223....and when the "223s" are done.....I take the ring out again and reuse them again.....reduce reuse recycle man

 

[Frank C.]

Re: Splitting 223\'s into 123\'s - a question

What rings are you talking about? Something from disassembling (GASP) a 123A?

 

[Heck]

Re: Splitting 223\'s into 123\'s - a question

yep, if you open up a 123A

, you'll find a thin plastic film for the positive side, and a hard plastic ring for the negative side, I use those to put on disected "223s" and then wrap it with electrical tape....all goes well.

 

[Frank C.]

Re: Splitting 223\'s into 123\'s - a question

I'm liking the hole reinforcment idea

 

[cave dave]

Re: Splitting 223\'s into 123\'s - a question

If you put a tension on strechy electrical tape while your wraping, it will wrap itself over the edges. This works real well. I use the colored stuff that isn't as wide as regular. This seems to be thinner and strechier.

Be careful when disasembling its easy to short out one of the battery (the one with + side thats not exposed). The metal tab that connects the two can easily make contact from the + tab to the outer rim which is negative. try to pop off the whole bottom of the battery compartment before you start moving the batteries around and you will see what I mean.

BTW The Lowes was selling 2011 Duracell Ultras today for closeout of $4.22
This is how I know the above.

Man that battery got real hot in less than two seconds

Oh and do it yourself batteries work BETTER in the Arc SLS. Because the top sticks out farther and the bottom makes better contact too! No more tin foil.

 

[cave dave]

Re: Splitting 223\'s into 123\'s - a question

http://members.sigecom.net/igadget/223-001.jpg

This a picture of what's inside a 223.
The duracells did not have that insulating cap so if that strip touched the edge it would short. Also if the two batteries in this picture touch thats a short too.

Thats not good for the battery.

 

[lemlux]

Re: Splitting 223\'s into 123\'s - a question

Cave Dave:

I have a large number of Duracell 223's as well. I opened up the first two today.

I'm inclined to extend the positive nipple on each with a drop of solder. That should eliminate the possibility of a nipple crunch that would allow negative contact by the top rim of the battery.

 

[CODE 3]

Re: Splitting 223\'s into 123\'s - a question

Heat shrink tubing works well for insulating the battery, and it will shrink around the top, protecting it as well.

You can obtain it from an electrical supply house, and Industrial supplier such as MSC www.mscdirect.com

Radio Shack also sells it, but I'm not sure if what they have is big enough in diameter.

 

[sunspot]

Re: Splitting 223\'s into 123\'s - a question

If you buy the Energizer EL223A, they come already wrapped in plastic.

 

[Brocken]

Re: Splitting 223\'s into 123\'s - a question

Paper A&&holes work just fine also on both ends.

dave

 

[Lantern Jack O.]

Re: Splitting 223\'s into 123\'s - a question

Looks like there are at least two styles of Energizer EL223AP.

With some of the Energizer EL223AP's I got, one cell has a removable plastic cap, and otherwise, both cells were totally bare. On these, the cells were completely enclosed in the tough 223 shell. These were a bit of a pain to open up.

With some other Energizer EL223AP's, both cells have a full plastic wrap, and no removable plastic cap. These 223s are incredibly easy to open because the sides of the 223 shell are open lengthwise from top to bottom. You can simply push on the bottom of the 223 shell through this opening with a small flathead screwdriver, and it comes off with very little effort.

--EDIT--
Just noticed, the ones that are difficult to open and have the bare cells inside say "Made in Japan". The easy to open ones that have the plastic wrapped cells say "Made in U.S.A.".

 

[CNC Dan]

Re: Splitting 223\'s into 123\'s - a question

Originally posted by CODE 3:
Heat shrink tubing works well for insulating the battery, and it will shrink around the top, protecting it as well.

You can obtain it from an electrical supply house, and Industrial supplier such as MSC www.mscdirect.com

Radio Shack also sells it, but I'm not sure if what they have is big enough in diameter.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I just got some large diameter heat shrink tubing at Home Depo, in the electrical dept. Size: 3/4 shrinks to 3/8. Cut a piece a little longer than the 123 cell and it will cover the end of the can at the pos. end and at the neg. end.