blackest Loc: Ireland

They were very heavily advertised maybe they are making cheaper versions with thinner shells. Perhaps trading on a reputation that these days is undeserved.

mawyatt Loc: Clearwater, Florida

Steve, from what I'm finding I suspect many others will follow and remove Duracell from their shelves. Honestly I am surprised at the problems with Duracell, seems pretty widespread.

Good news is we have other options, like Eveready, Eneloops and so on.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

I use mostly rechargeable batteries, plus a few alkalines. I've never had a Duracell leak, but I'm constantly rotating my inventory between devices, chargers, and storage.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I always keep rechargeable AA and AAA, and the same in alkaline batteries. I also keep alkaline D size batteries for flashlights. I remove them when not in use. Eneloop AA/AAA hold a charge better than most rechargeables. However, during any emergency, when electrical power is out for a long period of time, you will love your alkaline batteries.

whitewolfowner

I have had the same experiences with Duracell. Their batteries ruined a $75 divers flash light of mine and they would not own up to replacing the flash light. I will never, never, never, buy a duracell battery as long as I live.

canondave1 Loc: Houston, TX

Well, this is an eye-opening thread, people. I had no idea that many HedgeHoggers were having issues with Duracell. I should have realized it after I nearly lost my TV remote a while back with that brand of AA's. I've gone all over my house to check my other remotes and flashlights. Thanks for the heads-up!

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

I have not noticed any leakage more than usual, i.e., rare. Though I am also thinking of older technology too, as Carbon, Mercury, and Silver Batteries over the years. But Alkaline, and Lithium Batteries probably should never leak today, but do on occasion. Though I probably should check all my battery powered devices as I most commonly have been using Duracell batteries. Oh, boy! I have noticed as of late though some new but ones that I purchased a while back are DOA upon first use or don't last long. This could be the same issue so I should check and buy more Eveready Batteries! Thanks for the heads up.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Interesting, many folks here want to blame others for their lack of responsibility. I check ALL my batteries twice a month. Anyone who leaves their batteries in their flash units when they are done using it are really asking for it. Leave your batteries in too long, you pay the price. But, it is always much easier blaming others rather then where it belongs, with US.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I hear you Bill, but I too have had far too many problems with that copper top brand and have switched to Eveready. Problems have virtually disappeared. I have found, generally, quality rechargeables do not leak. Just don't have the energe to remove the batteries from all my remotes every night. Best of luck.

lwhitehall Loc: St. Louis

I have seen new Duracell batteries on the store shelf that have started leaking. Years ago I had Duracell leak inside a camera and damage the camera and Duracell stated that I was on my own. I use only Energizer, Rayovac or Sams Club Members Mark.

mawyatt Loc: Clearwater, Florida

Glad you have the time to play around with your batteries, frankly I don't. What's interesting is "many folks here blaming others for their lack of responsibility" as you say, aren't blaming others actually, they are reporting on Duracell batteries leaking.

No battery should leak unless highly abused. I haven't seen a single reference to another brand leaking yet, I'm sure there are some. It's simply a Duracell problem, that's evidently widespread, that is tarnishing a well known and previously respected brand from many years ago.

mawyatt Loc: Clearwater, Florida

You are welcome sir!!

This is the very reason for my post, to alert folks to the Duracell leaking issue. Seems others want to turn this into "it's your responsibility for the Duracell leaking" rather than place the blame where it should be...soundly on the back of Duracell!!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I note that there is a class action suit against Duracell for leakage ( https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/45069-duracell-batteries-leak-normal-use-class-action-claims/ ). Whether it has any merit, I cannot say, just happened across it while investigating the issue. I will say that while leaving old discharged batteries in electronic devices for long periods is inviting trouble, I have personally witnessed a number of devices damaged by leaking Duracell batteries, and many were not old. Now it may be that we see more leaking Duracells because it's a popular battery and more are in use, but I personally have stopped using them except for 9 volt batteries, and use Eneloop rechargeables instead. Not only are they less expensive in the long run, but I have never seen one leak.

whitewolfowner

Checking all your batteries twice a month is like having the clean syndrome where one has to wash their hands every time someone touches them. This is abnormal behavior to say the least. Show me where Duracell recommends that you check their batteries twice a month and then, and only then will you have a valid argument. I have a few under water lights that are used every time I dive since it gets dark at 80 feet in the lake where I dive. I go every chance I get and quite often from April to November and when the weather is right from November to April. The batteries get changed when they get worn down and never a problem until a new light I bought that it came with duracel batteries. (I have never bought them because of the premium price that they put on them.) It was these batteries that leaked after only a couple of uses and a couple of months in the time period. If you think that it was from my negligence, then all I can say is that I have 100 acres of prime swamp land in Louisiana, loaded with huge alligators for sale and I'd be glad to sell it to you for as little as $559,900. This is a deal one cannot turn down for sure.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

How often to charge batts is an individual case-by-case thing. It very obviously varies based on a number of factors, such as type, brand, and model of batt, equipment it's used in, ambient temperature, etc. Your blanket statement is overly broad and unprovable. However, I'm very interested in the swampland. Please post details and photos.