Maglite Battery Corrosion

[Alstep]

My good old Maglite didn't work tonight, so went to change the batteries. The batteries corroded and swelled so bad and had one heck of a time getting them out. Replaced them not so long ago. Any good way to neutralize the corrosion & clean out all the gunk on the inside?
Another question, is there any conversion to LED?

[HamGunner]

I am not sure of the best way to remove the corrosion, but there are replacement LED bulbs that last for ever and are easy on batteries. I replaced all my Maglites with the LED bulbs. They are as bright as the regular incandescent bulb and maybe a bit whiter as well.

[samari46]

Try baking soda and warm water and a old tooth brush. Repeat as needed. For the threads on the end cap use silicone grease.The baking soda neutralizes the corrosion aka "white stuff" and the warm water helps to break it down and the tooth brush does the cleaning. This on a regular flashlite with standard carbon or lithium ion batteries but be careful not to get any water in the head as this is where the electronics are.Frank

[StuBach]

A pencil eraser will also do well on polishing any surfaces the toothbrush won’t scrub clean. Especially useful on the terminals that connect to battery.

[smithnframe]

The same thing happened to me about 10 years ago with a 6-cell mag lite I had. Couldn't get it out no matter what I tried. Bought my first Surefire and never looked back!

[StuBach]

The same thing happened to me about 10 years ago with a 6-cell mag lite I had. Couldn't get it out no matter what I tried. Bought my first Surefire and never looked back!

I’ve also had great luck with the $10 knockoffs of lights like SureFire. My dad gave my wife a high end one years ago for Christmas ($120 price point from amazon) and a couple years ago I bought myself a $10 one at 7-Eleven. Only way you can tell the difference is the color of the button, all other parts and features are identical including brightness.

Hers came with a large single battery that’s expensive to replace cause it’s a weird size. Mine takes AAA in an adapter or the large oddball one my wife’s does. I stick to the adapter.

[winelover]

Alkaline batteries went to hell in a hand basket. I won't leave them in flashlights, anymore. I've switched over to the Lithium batteries. They are more expensive but last longer and are not prone to leakage. Another thing you can do is leave the alkaline batteries out, next to the flashlight. Install, only when you're going to use it.

Winelover

[Land Owner]

I have DOZENS of mini-Mag and 2/3/4 D-cell Maglite flashlights. Quite a few have had corroded alkaline batteries in them - most particularly DURACELL. I take the flashlights apart routinely now.

1.) Take the flashlight COMPLETELY apart.
2.) Baking soda and water as indicated above. Tooth brush too.
3.) Sandpaper (220 grit) on a dowel in a hand drill for inside the barrel. Be aggressive.
4.) Steel wool for the threads. Be aggressive.
5.) I have successfully used Rubbing Alcohol on the electronics and a toothbrush.
6.) Tread lightly using alcohol and place everything in the heat of a closed car for a day (or two) to dry completely.
7.) Vaseline on the O-rings, inside barrel, and all threads when putting parts back together.
8.) If it won't light at all, keep the components for spare parts.

[GhostHawk]

Buy a cheap ebay knockoff that uses rechargeable 18650 battery's. They last longer, recharge in a few hours, and do not seem to ever do what the alkalines do.

I have an 8$ light with an 8$ battery mounted under my 12 ga 870. For 5 years if I push the button I have light, and lots of it.
Good enough for me. YMMV

[Mal Paso]

Alkaline batteries are just that, alkaline. Baking Soda is also alkaline and will not neutralize an alkaline battery. Baking Soda will only neutralize an Acid Battery.

[Buzz Krumhunger]

If the stuck batteries are Duracell brand, send the whole thing to Duracell. They’ll fix it for free, or send you a check to buy a new flashlight with.

I’ve had Duracell batteries destroy several flashlights over the last few years. Their batteries are junk nowadays. I’ve even had them leak in the package, unused.

[gwpercle]

I have found some "brands" of batteries are more prone to corrosion than others .
In my experience I try not to leave Ray-O-Vac batteries in my lights for any extended period of time and any no-name cheap-o batteries ... all have leaked and one destroyed a good Maglite with the leaked acid .
I don't believe I have ever had a Duracell battery leak and even if they cost more I buy them .
Gary

[gwpercle]

If the stuck batteries are Duracell brand, send the whole thing to Duracell. They’ll fix it for free, or send you a check to buy a new flashlight with.

I’ve had Duracell batteries destroy several flashlights over the last few years. Their batteries are junk nowadays. I’ve even had them leak in the package, unused.

Well ... there goes my theory on Duracell not leaking ... Just ignore post #12 !
I don't know what batteries to buy now !!!!
Gary

[Alstep]

If the stuck batteries are Duracell brand, send the whole thing to Duracell. They’ll fix it for free, or send you a check to buy a new flashlight with.

I’ve had Duracell batteries destroy several flashlights over the last few years. Their batteries are junk nowadays. I’ve even had them leak in the package, unused.

Darn, as luck would have it, I already threw them out.
Thanks for all your replies. Might just go for a new LED light.

[smithnframe]

I’ve also had great luck with the $10 knockoffs of lights like SureFire. My dad gave my wife a high end one years ago for Christmas ($120 price point from amazon) and a couple years ago I bought myself a $10 one at 7-Eleven. Only way you can tell the difference is the color of the button, all other parts and features are identical including brightness.

Hers came with a large single battery that’s expensive to replace cause it’s a weird size. Mine takes AAA in an adapter or the large oddball one my wife’s does. I stick to the adapter.

I'm positive the one bought at the convenience store is nowhere near Surefire quality! I have a rechargeable Surefire that after 5 years a battery would no longer hold a charge and I called Surefire and they sent me 2 no charge. I'll stick with Surefire and not mess with the Chinese made knock offs!

[Der Gebirgsjager]

These, maybe? 10 year shelf life. I've had no problems.

[redneck1]

It won't solve all the problems , but if you use some die-electric grease on the batteries themselves along with the terminals it does a decent job of at least slowing the corrosion down if not eliminating it .

[bangerjim]

That is why I threw all my Mag's out years ago. The tolerances are so tight in the metal tubes even the slightest swelling of even premium alkaline batteries will cause sticking. Since the goop that leaked from the batteries is alkaline, use a weak acid mabe even white vinegar to loosen the garbage and then 0 steel wool swab on a dowel. Once you can get new batteries to go in, grease them up as mentioned. and switch to LED's! Or buy CHICOM knock-offs for a few dollars and just throw them away if you forget to change the batteries. I only use CopperTop batteries. They have a published shelf-life on them.

banger

[kenblacksmith]

I have used Windex with Ammonia to great effect in these situations, apply and use air & towel to remove.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Most big-time battery manufacturers will replace your flashlight, just send it to them for replacement.
BUT, if they can't tell if it was their batteries in the flashlight, then they lightly won't replace it.