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Are there any leak-free AA batteries?
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Oct 23, 2013 06:41:24   #
Budnjax Loc: NE Florida
 
I find that about 10% of the Energizer or Duracell AA batteries I buy leak....sometimes while still in the package, even though they are stored in a cool, dark, dry drawer. I've had numerous flashlights ruined due to this and have had leakage-caused corrosion in quite a few flash guns, etc. Has anyone found any brand of AA alkaline or lithium batteries that DON'T leak?

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Oct 23, 2013 07:05:19   #
larryg Loc: Central Wi.
 
Don't know. I use all AA rechargeable batteries. Camera, medal detectors, BP monitor, portable GPS. I always have and never had one leak. Problem with rechargeable is they will loose power while sitting idle so I keep them rotated and always have a fresh set in the 4 place charger

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Oct 23, 2013 07:22:31   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Budnjax wrote:
I find that about 10% of the Energizer or Duracell AA batteries I buy leak....sometimes while still in the package, even though they are stored in a cool, dark, dry drawer. I've had numerous flashlights ruined due to this and have had leakage-caused corrosion in quite a few flash guns, etc. Has anyone found any brand of AA alkaline or lithium batteries that DON'T leak?

The only batteries I've seen leak are ones that were left in a device for years.
Years ago, Rayovac advertised that their batteries would not leak. If they did, they would replace your flashlight. (That's what batteries were used for in the old days - flashlights.) I sent the flashlight and batteries to them, and they sent me a new one.

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Oct 23, 2013 12:15:02   #
jim quist Loc: Missouri
 
I use eveready energizer rechargeable batteries in my flash units, flashlights, kids toys, never had one leak.

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Oct 23, 2013 12:47:59   #
Musket Loc: ArtBallin'
 
No battery is leakproof if you leave it for years inside a device.

I have not had any Energizer rechargeable batteries leak on me under normal use. I take batteries out of flash guns after use because sometimes they go for extended periods of time of no use.

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Oct 24, 2013 06:14:04   #
LGilbert Loc: Earth
 
Budnjax wrote:
I've had numerous flashlights ruined due to this and have had leakage-caused corrosion in quite a few flash guns, etc. Has anyone found any brand of AA alkaline or lithium batteries that DON'T leak?


The only time a quality battery will leak is when the electrolyte inside is no longer holding a charge and the ionic balance is no longer being maintained, reverting the electrolyte to be a free radical and eat the battery casing. Batteries will die over time as well as through use. An unused battery will remain charged and in good condition for a couple of years, enough that you will not notice it has lost some of its capacity. However, once it has had some of its capacity discharged, it becomes acidic. The more it is discharged, the greater the corrosive capacity of the electrolyte. So, you use half the battery capacity in your flashlight (and the light is still as bright as new) and then set it in a cool place to continue on its way, eating itself up. As the internal structure is consumed and the electrolyte decays, it shorts out the battery internally and then it really goes to town eating the casing.

Bottom line: New batteries have a shelf life and will eventually consume themselves. Half used batteries should be removed from devices when constant use is not anticipated as they have already started digesting....

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Oct 24, 2013 06:26:59   #
joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois
 
larryg wrote:
Don't know. I use all AA rechargeable batteries. Camera, medal detectors, BP monitor, portable GPS. I always have and never had one leak. Problem with rechargeable is they will loose power while sitting idle so I keep them rotated and always have a fresh set in the 4 place charger


I agree. Get a couple of sets of 2500mAH low discharge batteries and a slow charger and you will never have to worry. And you'll save a ton of money in the long run and have shorter recycle times as well.

A good brand will retain about 70-75% of its charge over a year and can be recharged over 500 times.

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Oct 24, 2013 06:48:51   #
bobmartin
 
Change to eneloop ni-mh rechargeables...

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Oct 24, 2013 08:57:00   #
Dlevon Loc: New Jersey
 
Budnjax wrote:
I find that about 10% of the Energizer or Duracell AA batteries I buy leak....sometimes while still in the package, even though they are stored in a cool, dark, dry drawer. I've had numerous flashlights ruined due to this and have had leakage-caused corrosion in quite a few flash guns, etc. Has anyone found any brand of AA alkaline or lithium batteries that DON'T leak?


Never had a battery leak! From the other posts not many others do too! In the package? wow! Where are you buying them, or maybe you need an exorcist! LOL

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Oct 24, 2013 09:37:46   #
Bpace Loc: Alabama
 
That is strange for them to leak while still in the package.
What is the expiration date on them?

For non rechargeable batteries I always get ray o vac's.
A lot more economical than energizer, duracell etc...
Wal mart has them for around $5.00 for a 10 pack.

I have returned 2 devices to ray o vac which was ruined
by their batteries leaking.

The first was an led flashlight I paid about 20.00 for,
they sent me a check for 25.00 and a $5.00 coupon toward any ray o vac purchase.

The second was an old magellan gps I paid $200 some for.
Several years later I tried to use it and found it corroded inside.
That model was no longer made and the only ad I could find for
that model was a ridiculously high priced for around $700.
They sent me a check for over $700 plus 3 $5.00 coupons.

There is a form on their website to fill out and send with your device.

Budnjax wrote:
I find that about 10% of the Energizer or Duracell AA batteries I buy leak....sometimes while still in the package, even though they are stored in a cool, dark, dry drawer. I've had numerous flashlights ruined due to this and have had leakage-caused corrosion in quite a few flash guns, etc. Has anyone found any brand of AA alkaline or lithium batteries that DON'T leak?

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Oct 24, 2013 11:14:23   #
snapshot4619 Loc: AZ USA
 
I have used Walgreen's alkaline batteries for years and have been very pleased. Never a leak.

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Oct 24, 2013 18:37:51   #
Mudshark Loc: Illinois
 
Budnjax wrote:
I find that about 10% of the Energizer or Duracell AA batteries I buy leak....sometimes while still in the package, even though they are stored in a cool, dark, dry drawer. I've had numerous flashlights ruined due to this and have had leakage-caused corrosion in quite a few flash guns, etc. Has anyone found any brand of AA alkaline or lithium batteries that DON'T leak?


I've had the same problem for years...especially with Energizer...won't let them on my property, ever again...
I switched to Sanyo eneloop rechargables and so far I've found them outstanding. You can use them partially charged right out of the package but once they run down and you put a full charge on them...WOW...and they hold a charge a very long time...excellent!

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Oct 25, 2013 03:12:32   #
sisko67
 
Budnjax, I must agree with Bob Martin. I have been using Eneloop ni-mh batteries now for over two years. I sue them in my camera one digital camera, P&S, in my flash unit and even in my second battery grip pack for both Canon cameras. From my understanding once they have a full charge, at the end of a year they will have 85-90% of their charge, just sitting on the shelf. I never keep these rechargeable or any other battery in my camera gear when they are not being used. I have yet to see any signs of leakage, in two years use. I do understand Not to use a Fast charger on these batteries as this will shorten their life. These batteries are not cheap, but what they save me in through away batteries it is worth it. I hope this helps. Best place to find these batteries is on the Net., shop around. They are made by Sanyo and I have heard they have improved then since I bought mine. :-)

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Oct 25, 2013 05:59:21   #
Crwiwy Loc: Devon UK
 
Budnjax wrote:
I find that about 10% of the Energizer or Duracell AA batteries I buy leak....sometimes while still in the package, even though they are stored in a cool, dark, dry drawer. I've had numerous flashlights ruined due to this and have had leakage-caused corrosion in quite a few flash guns, etc. Has anyone found any brand of AA alkaline or lithium batteries that DON'T leak?


Use rechargeables - save a fortune and the environment.
In digital cameras the rechargeable also will last about 3 times longer. :thumbup:

Look back at past topics for the best battery to buy.

I have a load of AA batteries dating back over 20 years - many still work. However the worst by far for leaking have been the Duracell and this is a battery I would never purchase! :thumbdown:

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Oct 25, 2013 13:59:23   #
JohnK
 
Rarely have I had an alkaline battery leak, with the exception of Panasonic. I have had Duracell batteries and don't recall having one of them leak. Based on Consumer Reports testing I have stuck with Duracells based on how the others do in testing... Rayovac don't last as long. I do not understand the part about them becoming acidic. When I worked in a power plant lab, they used to bring us equipment that had alkaline batteries leak and corrode, and we found that it was easiest to clean the corrosion out using a weak acid, usually dilute phosphoric acid.

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