I have a large Maglite flashlight that returned to me with blown-up batteries inside, and I can't seem to get them out. They're not alkaline batteries, and the flashlight is made of aluminum, which complicates things. I borrowed it to someone, and it's been like this for a year now. Does anyone have tips on how to extract the batteries and possibly save the flashlight? Thanks for any help!
1 Answer
First off, make sure to wear gloves for safety! If the batteries are swollen and won't just shake out, you might need to pull them out more forcefully. Try using a wire or a metal strip folded into a hook shape. Slide it between the battery and the flashlight and tug on it. A little WD-40 could help loosen things up. Just avoid puncturing the battery! After removing them, make sure to clean the inside of the flashlight properly. You can find plenty of guides online about how to neutralize battery acid and clean the contacts.
Thanks, I'll give it a try!