- Feb 17, 2011
- 14,024
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.
That's exactly what I do.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.
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.All my optics get Energizer Lithium batteries. Supposedly leak proof witb a 20 year shelf life.
Rayovac are by far the worst of the name brand batteries. If they DON'T leak, then they are defective.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.
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.what batteries are “best” for avoiding leaks?
Stay away from the Costco brand batteries this happened twice using their batteries in my deer cams.
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 highFirst, 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! 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.Like I said dielectric grease will solve most of the issues since the grease will not react with what leaks out.
Strange . I never had this happen to iron sights or fixed power scope . ( Yoo soon ?)