Cappy Loc: Wildwood, NJ

Thank you, VERY INFORMATIVE. I really appreciate it, it also explains a lot.

JohnK

This puzzled me since in my experience leaks were alkaline, so I did some searching. This from Wikipedia:
Leaks
Leaked alkaline battery

Alkaline batteries are prone to leaking potassium hydroxide, a caustic agent that can cause respiratory, eye and skin irritation.[note 1] This can be reduced by not attempting to recharge disposable alkaline cells, not mixing different battery types in the same device, replacing all of the batteries at the same time, storing in a dry place, and removing batteries for storage of devices.

All batteries gradually self-discharge (whether installed in a device or not) and dead batteries will eventually leak. Extremely high temperatures can also cause batteries to rupture and leak (such as in a car during summer).

The reason for leaks is that as batteries discharge — either through usage or gradual self-discharge — the chemistry of the cells changes and some hydrogen gas is generated. This out-gassing increases pressure in the battery. Eventually, the excess pressure either ruptures the insulating seals at the end of the battery, or the outer metal canister, or both. In addition, as the battery ages, its steel outer canister may gradually corrode or rust, which can further contribute to containment failure.

Once a leak has formed due to corrosion of the outer steel shell, potassium hydroxide absorbs carbon dioxide from the air to form a feathery crystalline structure of potassium carbonate that grows and spreads out from the battery over time, following along metal electrodes to circuit boards where it commences oxidation of copper tracks and other components, leading to permanent circuitry damage.

The leaking crystalline growths can also emerge from seams around battery covers to form a furry coating outside the device, that corrodes any objects in contact with the leaking device.

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

Let's answer this question with another question. Are there any unsinkable ships?

Bpace Loc: Alabama

Yes, the Titanic. :?

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

FYI Doc ..... if a Energizer or Duracell leaks inside a battery run item it gets replaced for free ..... D's leaked in my Maglite and Duracell paid me for a replacement .....

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

And I would not touch Rayovac batteries with a ten foot pole. Leak like a sieve

Bpace Loc: Alabama

I have seen all major brands leak. I know rayovac will pay for any damaged items.
As I said in a previous post, I made about $500.00 from one replacement.

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

Well Doc ..... ya gotta stop storing em under ya stove .....

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

And Bill Clinton said he didn't have sex with that girl. (Monica)

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

And Monica's still around Doc .....

bobmartin

Before changing to eneloop..I always used Energizers..I must have used hundreds and never had a single leak... In fact I have just looked at 2 packs with a use by date of 2026 that I've had for ages and ... no leaks..

Bpace Loc: Alabama

Your point is??

n3eg Loc: West coast USA

Who can forget the brown rusty contacts on the toys we had as kids? The Ray-O-Leak blue and yellow batteries with the green tape to wick the electrolyte right out of them?

All alkaline and carbon zinc batteries will eventually leak.

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

My point is this; Don't believe everything you hear/read. In the case of batteries leaking, while I don't feel that Rayovac, Energizer or Duracell would argue over replacing a damaged flashlight, were a $500.00 camera damaged in the same way, they might argue the point

olcoach Loc: Oregon

I haven't had a battery leak for a long time. Back in the old days I had several leak and like others here the manufacturers sent replacements. I have never seen any leak in the package. Where were these from?