TM16 Damaged all my 18650 Batteries

[Xiphex]

Photos The Battery compartment of the Nitecore TM16 damaged all my NEW NL189 batteries. I asked Nitecore if it's still okay to use them [NL189] when peeling or scratched, they said all need to be replaced due to possible short circuit etc.. This is cray. There are no Nitecore dealerships in BC, how am I suppose to have them ALL replaced?

To those who have the TM16, please monitor your battery label condition. I think this is a mass manufacturing or design flaw that may be on most batches.

 

[Tamaela]

Just order this https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10004244/1323901-single-18650-battery-pvc-heat-shrink-tubing-red and do this https://www.google.com/search?q=18650+rewrap&pws=0&gl=us&hl=en&gws_rd=ssl

You'll still be able to use them 🙂

 

[Xiphex]

Just order this https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10004244/1323901-single-18650-battery-pvc-heat-shrink-tubing-red and do this https://www.google.com/search?q=18650+rewrap&pws=0&gl=us&hl=en&gws_rd=ssl

You'll still be able to use them 🙂

Re-Wrapping the battery is not a permanent solution because the TM16 battery compartment can be HOT, effectively slowly melting at the heat shrink. ?

 

[markr6]

I noticed some sharp edges on the top of one of the battery tubes. Nothing I would really complain about though. But I always insert batteries carefully because of this in any device, from my Comcast remote (Eneloop destroyer) to flashlights to my kids toys.

 

[kreisl]

i cant see any damage on these blurry photos

if the wrapper is damaged, then i'll try double-wrapped cells, for example generic protected NCR18650B.

 

[markr6]

i cant see any damage on these blurry photos

if the wrapper is damaged, then i'll try double-wrapped cells, for example generic protected NCR18650B.

It's a little difficult, but I see the nicks. Looks like the edge of the battery tube got caught while inserting. Or there was a burr or something inside the tube.

 

[Xiphex]

It's a little difficult, but I see the nicks. Looks like the edge of the battery tube got caught while inserting. Or there was a burr or something inside the tube.

Am I over Reacting or would it be safe to use heavy duty Heat shrink? < Didn't work, increased thickness, back to Electrical tape (Edit)

 

[markr6]

I'm seeing the 2 or 3 small holes after the "Made in China" on the bottom cell. I think anything to cover that would be fine. Electrical tape?

 

[magellan]

Yeah, I'd try a little electrical tape. The tape should be less brittle than the plastic battery wrap if there are burrs causing tearing.

 

[Xiphex]

I'm seeing the 2 or 3 small holes after the "Made in China" on the bottom cell. I think anything to cover that would be fine. Electrical tape?

Electrical Tape has the possibility of melting. I'd prefer to shrink all 11 batteries , and do that once. Not taking chances of not shrinking other batteries.

 

[markr6]

I have/had some other lights that would tear a wraper if I wasn't careful. I definitely wouldn't call it a manufacturing defect, though. I still prefer this setup to a battery carrier. Just use caution when inserting the cells. I doubt the tape would melt...if the tube is getting that hot, I am not using my light anymore! But wrapping the cells is the "proper" way, so I won't argue with that.

 

[WarRaven]

Electrical Tape has the possibility of melting.

Cells are wrapped with a heat shrink wrapped wrapper friend.
Some use a bit of packing tape for touch ups, thin and strong.

 

[magellan]

How do you know it's temp related?

I have a TM06, a TM11, and a TM15. All great lights but I don't have the TM16 yet so I haven't experienced this problem.

 

[Xiphex]

@11 MarkR6 --> I was careful with inserting the batteries. The label tore after 5 inserter times of the battery
@12 WarRaven --> Yes the outer layer is a wrapper. Nitecore told me to throw the battery away, discontinue use of the battery.
@13 Magellan --> The battery peeling was caused by the TM16 battery shaft.

 

[magellan]

By shaft you mean the carrier or a part of the carrier?

Was it getting noticeably hot?

 

[Xiphex]

By shaft you mean the carrier or a part of the carrier? Was it getting noticeably hot?

shaft, I mean the battery compartment. The batteries become warm on turbo.

 

[markr6]

That's interesting. I was doing some beamshots last night and at one point I left it on for 10 minutes just to "work" the battery and test for heat. It body of the light didn't get very hot at all, but the head was getting there. Vinh even did a current boost; no others mods that I'm aware of other than the emitters for a better tint.

 

[magellan]

shaft, I mean the battery compartment. The batteries become warm on turbo.

Okay.

Yeah, I have more than a few big "photon blaster" lights, including a Modamag Colossus HID light at 15,000 lumens and Vinh modded Tk75vn77 at 20,000 lumens and I limit turbo to 15-20 seconds, usually less. The turbo mode on these big lights is really for entertainment only for me. Usually medium to high is good enough.

 

[WarRaven]

Xiphex, did Nitecore say they were going to send you free replacements after telling you to toss these?

Or..


Ooh yeah buddy, throw them all out, yes the ones in other lights too... Just go buy more.

 

[Xiphex]

Xiphex, did Nitecore say they were going to send you free replacements after telling you to toss these? Or.. Ooh yeah buddy, throw them all out, yes the ones in other lights too... Just go buy more.

I informed Nitecore Facebook, they said Toss the batteries at my cost. I emailed Nitecore website, still waiting for them to issue me a Case ID of a $580 refund (covering the defective TM16, MH20, EA41 and Batteries) etc.