All you master mechanics and tinkerers. I stupidly let the batteries in a 2-AA Maglite deteriorate til they swelled and jammed in the flashlite. I have had it for well over thirty years and hate to lose it even if it is an old incandescent model. The problem.... How do i get the swelled battery out ? I got the end one but the last one is so far in that I can't figure out a way to grab it. And yes... I am aware that even if I get it out the corrosion may have damaged the contacts but I want to try. I know..... Cheaper to go to Harbor freight and buy a new LED model but this is bugging me, there must be a solution. ( can't seem to add photo for some reason)
Gary B
I got one like that out once by running a screw through the top of the battery and then pulling from the head of the screw. Obviously, this could be a bad idea if the battery is charged and, yes, it will potentially let some of the battery acid out. Use gloves, eye protection etc. A little oil or WD-40 also helps. If the screw doesn't hold, you could drill out the internals and collapse the shell. Again, proper PPE required.
Maglite Mini LED 2-Cell AA Flashlight with Holster, Black - Basic Handheld... (https://www.amazon.com/Maglite-2-Cell-Flashlight-Holster-Black/dp/B000HFBR1O/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1IU6329ATIEF2&dchild=1&keywords=aa+maglight&qid=1592412517&sprefix=Aa+mag%2Caps%2C247&sr=8-2)
Sorry for your loss of a old friend. Emergency room visit with acid in your eye will be more than 16 bucks.
Scott
I've had it happen to me also. After the screw pulled out trying that method, I drilled it to collapse the sides and used an ice pick to get the rest out. The effort was futile as the corrosion had killed it. I have a drawer with a half dozen of the old AA maglite brand lights. PM me and I will send you one for postage. These are incandescent not led.
Chuck
Drill the center of the batteries stopping before you get to the end. Make a hook device and pull the battery shell out. Once out, pour in a mix of vinegar and salt or just go to HD and get a gallon of etch (phosphoric acid) until everything is clean and then pour in baking soda to neutralize it. Go to Amazon and buy a LED bulb for your old faithful. LED Replacement Flashlight Bulb - - Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/41-1643-LED-Replacement-Flashlight-Bulb/dp/B01AIQX4PS)
Pierce
Check out the lights from"Anker.com",much better then maglight.
I have several LED flashlights that use batteries and then tried these Anker rechargables.
Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 LED Flashlight, Pocket-Sized Torch with Super... (https://amazon.com/gp/product/B01KH2JP5G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
I have 2 now, recharge quickly, just the right size.
That's for sure but the old Maglights may have been a gift that has a bit of sentimental value plus they make great nightsticks for unwelcome visitors. My son bought me one years ago and I just can't part with it.
Pierce
I've got one at home that takes 6-D batteries. It would be perfect for this. I need to drill the batteries out though. They swelled up a while ago.
Gary, sentimental value has its uses.
Can you take off both ends of the flashlight so you can access the battery from either end?
If so, drill/poke a hole all the way thru the battery large enough to push a threaded rod thru. Put a fender washer and nut on one end and then make the other end to function like a slide hammer by using a nut and a sliding weight of some sort..
Spray Corrosion-X or WD-40 or something to help ease the chemical lock.
Might help if you just let the battery and flashlight case soak overnight in Coca Cola or baking soda/water solution.
No hurry? Two days or even more should help.
First I would fill it full of vinegar to neutralize the alkaline battery electrolyte.
Get a big drill bit and drill into the center then remove and if some of insides comes out might be able to reduce the swelling enough to slip it out. Use long pants and shirt and eye protection.
Frankly I wouldn't bother. The risk of injury is high for little reward. In the end it's just a thing. They can be replaced and the memory is in your head, for as long as you live.
I'm sure the one I posted is over 30 years old also. My brother and I both have a saying "I've never met a flashlight I didn't like" No fooling there are over a hundred here, some never taken out of the packaging. Why do they have to stick them in the isles of Costco, HD, Lowe's etc. Can't be sentimental with so many flashlights.
I remember one of our stations was in a high crime area. Someone was always coming to the door drunk in the middle of the night. Didn't help that a brothel and gambling parlor were only several hundred feet away. Above the front door was a little shelf with a big flashlight we always put in our hand before opening the front door. Just another reason I love big flashlights.
Pierce
Guys let's stop with the weapons use for flashlights.
Got the batteries out by removing the switch and using a plastic rod to push it out ..... BUT..... little contacts in the switch are very delicate and the battery acid had eat them up. Contact with MAGLITE, will evaluate and give me trade in price on new LED. We will see how this works out. Nothing to lose but a little postage. And you all are right, the crap in the batteries is corrosive to everything including tools and fingers.
Gary B
Anyone remember the message "we will replace your device free if the battery fails"?