I've got an older digital camera where the batteries are placed vertically. One of those batteries has become swollen after sitting in there for at least 5 years and is stuck tight. I'm considering drilling down the center of the battery to weaken it for easier removal. What do you think? What potential risks should I be aware of?
3 Answers
One of your main concerns should definitely be the risk of fire. Swollen batteries can be unstable, and drilling into one might cause a short circuit, which could lead to a fire hazard. I’d be cautious with that approach! Instead, you might want to try a gentler method first.
I’d recommend opening up the camera if you can. You might need to replace the battery compartment or the contacts anyway, so it could save you some trouble later on. Plus, it gives you better access to deal with the battery!
What type of battery are we talking about here? If it's a standard AA battery, I've found that using a pencil with super glue on the eraser end works well. Just glue it on and it gives you a solid grip to pull it out!