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Damaged flashlite

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

Re: Damaged flashlite

Reply #1 –
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.

Re: Damaged flashlite

Reply #2 –
Maglite Mini LED 2-Cell AA Flashlight with Holster, Black - Basic Handheld...
Sorry for your loss of a old friend. Emergency room visit with acid in your eye will be more than 16 bucks.
Scott
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Re: Damaged flashlite

Reply #3 –
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
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Damaged flashlite

Reply #4 –

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

Pierce

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Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Damaged flashlite

Reply #5 –
Check out the lights from"Anker.com",much better then maglight.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Damaged flashlite

Reply #6 –

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...

I have 2 now, recharge quickly, just the right size.

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Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Damaged flashlite

Reply #7 –
Quote from: John44 –
Check out the lights from"Anker.com",much better then maglight.
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
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Damaged flashlite

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
they make great nightsticks for unwelcome visitors.


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.
2000 Foretravel U320 4210 CAI (Formerly Gary Omel's coach)
Build #6189
previous: 2003 Foretravel U320 4020 AGDS

2015 Suburban
2007 Wrangler

Re: Damaged flashlite

Reply #9 –
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.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Damaged flashlite

Reply #10 –
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. 
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Damaged flashlite

Reply #11 –
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.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Damaged flashlite

Reply #12 –
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
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Damaged flashlite

Reply #13 –
Guys let's stop with the weapons use for flashlights.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Damaged flashlite

Reply #14 –
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
 

Re: Damaged flashlite

Reply #15 –
Anyone remember the message "we will replace your device free if the battery fails"?
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean