Duracell AA damage-to-optic “warranty” ?

[jrumann59]

I had this issue many years ago with all brands, some brands leak more than others but all brands leak. I have a couple of ruined mini mag lites that stopped working after the corrosion destroyed the anodizing inside the tubes.

 

[Fushigi Ojisan]

Costco batteries are the worst for leaking, my mom had some leaking in the package

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

 

[Oddway Otts]

I haven't used "Copper Tops" in over a decade. I have a large box of electronics destroyed by their leakage. Final straw was a $25.00 flashlight, for which they reimbursed me about $8.00 (Shipping it to them cost almost that much). Never more... In fact, in that decade, I have had only one cheap flashlight (kept in the car) by Dollar Tree batteries!

 

[JohnnyE]

This thread is an epiphany for me. Instead of keeping batteries in the flashlights in my car and other places, I'll keep the batteries in Ziploc bags tapes to the flashlights and insert the batts when needed. I, too, have lost quite a bit of equipment over the decades due to these leaking pieces of shit that I just can't tolerate it anymore.

 

[Mark75H]

This thread is an epiphany for me. Instead of keeping batteries in the flashlights in my car and other places, I'll keep the batteries in Ziploc bags tapes to the flashlights and insert the batts when needed. I, too, have lost quite a bit of equipment over the decades due to these leaking pieces of shit that I just can't tolerate it anymore.

That's exactly what I do.

 

[teratos]

what batteries are “best” for avoiding leaks?

 

[AlBeight]

Duracells are just garbage, there’s another thread on here somewhere where this was discussed and was the general consensus. I had my suspicions prior to then and it was confirmed here, so I never use them any more. I’ll use 7-11 brand batteries before I’ll ever use Duracells any more.

 

[Sirex]

All my optics get Energizer Lithium batteries. Supposedly leak proof witb a 20 year shelf life.

I use Energizer Lithium exclusively in my optics. I got a bulk shipment of Energizer Lithium AA batteries in 2002. I took some out randomly a couple months ago and measured with multimeter designed to specifically test batteries, and all were still around 1.7 or 1.8v. I also read somewhere Energizer will reimburse for any damage caused by them. I think I have it somewhere. But, my go to rifle is my Colt 6721 with an EoTech 512 on it and Energizer Lithium batteries. Now it was around $300 from PSA a while ago, andfor some guys 300 isn't a lot for an optic, but for me it is. So, a few dollars for a battery that may last 20+ years is good insurance. I also put a little bit of electrical connector protectant call DeOxit on the battery terminals in case.

 

[Sirex]

Duracells are just garbage, there’s another thread on here somewhere where this was discussed and was the general consensus. I had my suspicions prior to then and it was confirmed here, so I never use them any more. I’ll use 7-11 brand batteries before I’ll ever use Duracells any more.

Rayovac are by far the worst of the name brand batteries. If they DON'T leak, then they are defective.

 

[Growler215]

what batteries are “best” for avoiding leaks?

I think the answer is NiMH rechargeable batteries. Unlike alkaline batteries, they are basically dry inside. If you get Low Self Discharge ones they will stay charged for a year or more.

Ikea sells some pretty good ones ("Ladda") for a reasonable price. Panasonic (Eneloops) and Tenergy are also good brands. Avoid "made in China" ones - they are mostly junk and usually have much less capacity than marked/advertised, and will quickly self discharge.

For long term use in extremely cold temperatures (e.g. for an outdoor weather station) Lithium batteries are better.

 

[GuitarmanNick]

I have my phone remind me on the 1st of each month to do an electronics/optics battery check. It is rare that I do not actually check each one that contains a battery. I have avoided any leakage issues since beginning this.
If a problem is spotted, it can be dealt with before it becomes catastrophic.
I have seen almost every battery major brand destroy things over the years. None are immune from letting a bad lot get through.

 

[erwos]

This thread is one reason I moved away from AA and AAA batteries for my shooting gear, and instead use CR123s, 18650s, 18350s, etc.. That isn't the same as "never leak", but between that and buying quality batteries, it seems like a lot less of a problem. Ease of replacement is an issue, to be sure, but rechargeables in particular also don't need that much replacing.

 

[slsc98]

First, I want to say a huge THANK YOU! to everyone who has responded - your insights have given me a whole nuther perspective on pursuing this!

And one followup question …

Stay away from the Costco brand batteries this happened twice using their batteries in my deer cams.

Do you mean actual Costco marked batteries? Or, batteries possibly made for Costco by Duracell etc, in the big value pack cards?

Not sure I’ve seen batteries at Costco with “Costco” on them (I typically am not the one going in there tho) but, your post reminded the wife and I that: all the different brand (Duracell, Energizer, etc.) batteries we buy, we buy in the “value packs” sold at places like Costco, SAM’s etc.

Wondering if this might be part of a pattern …

 

[JohnnyE]

Costco's brand is Kirkland. I think these are the Costco batteries being discussed.

 

[Afrikeber]

First, I want to say a huge THANK YOU! to everyone who has responded - your insights have given me a whole nuther perspective on pursuing this!

And one followup question …



Do you mean actual Costco marked batteries? Or, batteries possibly made for Costco by Duracell etc, in the big value pack cards?

Not sure I’ve seen batteries at Costco with “Costco” on them (I typically am not the one going in there tho) but, your post reminded the wife and I that: all the different brand (Duracell, Energizer, etc.) batteries we buy, we buy in the “value packs” sold at places like Costco, SAM’s etc.

Wondering if this might be part of a pattern …

Yes, the Costco “Kirkland Signature” marked batteries are not good quality at all and leaked on me twice. Don’t know who makes them for Costco but risk of failure is high

 

[jrumann59]

Like I said dielectric grease will solve most of the issues since the grease will not react with what leaks out.

 

[Sirex]

Like I said dielectric grease will solve most of the issues since the grease will not react with what leaks out.

Yes! I have used the bulb grease, in those little packets you pick up at Advance Auto Parts or Auto Zone up at the check out counter. Works fairly well by blocking most of the leakage from getting to the contacts.

 

[Sirex]

Ironically, my daughter came downstairs last night, and told me her TV remote wasn't working. She said she tapped the remote and heard a weird splashing noise (I know, right?). I opened it, and sure enough, 2 Duracell AAA batteries, and leaking that clearish goop, and had a fuzzy white residue on the battery contacts. I gotta purge the Duracells outta everything.

 

[slsc98]

ETA: well, it’s been six months since I completed my end of the claims process but, just home from FL, going through the stack of mail and

Duracell mailed me a check!

Moral of the story REMAINS : DO NOT simply leave batteries in your optics for extended periods of time …

 

[slsc98]

Strange . I never had this happen to iron sights or fixed power scope . ( Yoo soon ?)

I’m trying to hang w the cool kids, what can I say (I agree w you tho!)