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Duracell, especially AA size but others too, had a serious problem. They seem to have cured that, now have a 12 year guarantee. I have recently bought Duracell and Kirkland which are the same and have had good luck with them. The cells that leaked also had two dimples on the bottom, not there on the new cells.
I suspect all dry cells leak but the Duracells had something peculiar about them.
Not so sure this was a bean counter problem.
Duracell was originally a Mallory product, the best available at that time.
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On 9/5/2024 9:20 AM, Cubdriver wrote: I too have seen far too many Corrodacell err, I mean 'Duracells' spew forth their toxic venom, some even while still new in package and well before their 'use by' dates. ?About fifteen years ago folks on a photography forum I was on were talking about Sanyo (now Panasonic) Eneloop NiMH batteries (anyone who's used an electronic flash unit knows they chew through AAs like howitzer shells at the Battle of the Bulge), so I bought some. ?As long as whatever you're using them in can tolerate their lower voltage of 1.2 V, I think they're fantastic - the work in low temps (use them in a temperature sender that lives outside) and none have so far leaked. ?I now use them in everything I can.
--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
SKCC 19998
|
Duracell / Duraleak has been owned by Warren Buffett since 2014, or so. Before that Procter & Gamble made sure the quality went way down. About a year ago, I had enough of seeing damaged appliances, so in a moment of particular annoyance I sent Mr. Buffett a letter asking him to look into it.
?
The brand¡¯s reputation is in my mind permanently damaged, but I am happy to hear that you see some improvement. The warranty however is useless, no matter how many years they offer. It may still be contingent on ¡°removing batteries from the device when not in use¡±. I agree that the old Duracells from way back were good.
?
Vladan
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On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 09:28 AM, Richard Knoppow wrote:
Duracell, especially AA size ... seem to have cured that, now have a 12 year guarantee
yes.
but there is a lot of bs and confusion... online... about whether the date code (on the cell) is the 'expiry date' or the 'manufactured date' ... so when does the 12 years start?
?
Anyway... AFAICT ... it's a 12 year 'shelf life' ... stored under optimum conditions... and AFAIK there's nothing in the guarantee/warranty about 'storage' in a 'device'
?
I don't know... but the electrolyte in alkaline batteries is KOH, and the anode is zinc... and high molarity KOH will react with zinc to produce hydrogen.... slowly... but it does happen.
Just to speculate... maybe over time, and over 'long over discharge conditions' enough of the gas builds up to cause the battery seals to fail sufficiently...? to let the electrolyte leak out.
And, maybe not.
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I stopped using Duracell & Energizer batteries some time ago. The Duracells always leaked with that corrosive crusty white powder. The energizers leaked with a clear corrosive liquid that was much more damaging having it run down into things with much more of a cleanup and restoration effort.
I once picked up a package of Duracell AA batteries and about two months later noticed that they were leaking in the sealed package. Sent a note to Duracell about it and they immediately chastised me for storing the cells in a bad environment (my lab ¨C 68-70 degrees F, 15-20% humidity). Then they requested that I ship the batteries to them for evaluation.
Let¡¯s see¡.. $11.00 for the batteries, $9.00 to ship them. I think not.
On another posting site an engineer mentioned that he switched to Harbor Freight Tools batteries with good success. I have started using their ¡°Thunderbolt¡± brand with no problems so far. And when you can purchase a pack of 24 AA cells for $5 at their occasional sales promotions the price sting becomes a thing of the past.
Also, I have never witnessed a leaking battery of those made in China.
Greg
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Are you sure those HF batteries are alkaline and not zinc-carbon? Zinc-carbon batteries won't leak, but they have less capacity than alkalines do. They tend to be the batteries that come with remote controls in TV's and stereo equipment as I think they can sit around longer while the product is in a warehouse somewhere, and won't leak. They also feel light compared to a regular alkaline. I think they actually work well in remotes that have very low draw anyway, and sit around for years and years.
On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 2:20?PM Greg Muir via <big_sky_explorer= [email protected]> wrote: I stopped using Duracell & Energizer batteries some time ago.? The Duracells always leaked with that corrosive crusty white powder.? The energizers leaked with a clear corrosive liquid that was much more damaging having it run down into things with much more of a cleanup and restoration effort.
I once picked up a package of Duracell AA batteries and about two months later noticed that they were leaking in the sealed package.? Sent a note to Duracell about it and they immediately chastised me for storing the cells in a bad environment (my lab ¨C 68-70 degrees F, 15-20% humidity).? Then they requested that I ship the batteries to them for evaluation.
Let¡¯s see¡..? $11.00 for the batteries, $9.00 to ship them.? I think not.
On another posting site an engineer mentioned that he switched to Harbor Freight Tools batteries with good success.? I have started using their ¡°Thunderbolt¡± brand with no problems so far.? And when you can purchase a pack of 24 AA cells for $5 at their occasional sales promotions the price sting becomes a thing of the past.?
Also, I have never witnessed a leaking battery of those made in China.
Greg
|
My experience goes back to when Duracell was a trade-mark of Mallory. At that time they didn't leak and had the longest life of any alkaline cell. Things changed when the brand was sold.
I have not had bad experience with Energizer cells but have not used that many. Currently, Duracell seems to be OK. I had bought Duracell and Kirkland (same products) at their worst when leaking cells were found in the original box, probably leaked at the store. I switched to Energizer and had no problems. I also bought some Panasonic cells. Made with an overall clear jacket. The jacket keep the leaked material to the cell. I currently have a supply of new Duracells but watch them carefully. Turns out I have a lot of battery operated stuff here partly due to a somewhat unreliable power main. Size D, C, AA, AAA and 9V.
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On 9/5/2024 2:20 PM, Greg Muir via groups.io wrote: I stopped using Duracell & Energizer batteries some time ago. The Duracells always leaked with that corrosive crusty white powder. The energizers leaked with a clear corrosive liquid that was much more damaging having it run down into things with much more of a cleanup and restoration effort.
I once picked up a package of Duracell AA batteries and about two months later noticed that they were leaking in the sealed package. Sent a note to Duracell about it and they immediately chastised me for storing the cells in a bad environment (my lab ¨C 68-70 degrees F, 15-20% humidity). Then they requested that I ship the batteries to them for evaluation.
Let¡¯s see¡.. $11.00 for the batteries, $9.00 to ship them. I think not.
On another posting site an engineer mentioned that he switched to Harbor Freight Tools batteries with good success. I have started using their ¡°Thunderbolt¡± brand with no problems so far. And when you can purchase a pack of 24 AA cells for $5 at their occasional sales promotions the price sting becomes a thing of the past.
Also, I have never witnessed a leaking battery of those made in China.
Greg
--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
SKCC 19998
|
I disagree about zinc-carbon batteries not leaking. They certainly can leak. I think they are still made.
The best cells for long term low demand service are Mercury cells, alas a thing of the past now. Mercury cells were often used as bias cells because if their very steady voltage. Mercury cells can also leak.
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On 9/5/2024 2:28 PM, Andrew Hakman wrote: Are you sure those HF batteries are alkaline and not zinc-carbon? Zinc-carbon batteries won't leak, but they have less capacity than alkalines do. They tend to be the batteries that come with remote controls in TV's and stereo equipment as I think they can sit around longer while the product is in a warehouse somewhere, and won't leak. They also feel light compared to a regular alkaline. I think they actually work well in remotes that have very low draw anyway, and sit around for years and years.
--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
SKCC 19998
|
Harbor Freight sells both types. Thse days Caron Zic are called 'Heavy Duty'. I have used the HF alkaline for years without any problems, but I'll have to switch now that I no longer drive.
On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 5:29?PM Andrew Hakman via <andrew.hakman= [email protected]> wrote: Are you sure those HF batteries are alkaline and not zinc-carbon? Zinc-carbon batteries won't leak, but they have less capacity than alkalines do. They tend to be the batteries that come with remote controls in TV's and stereo equipment as I think they can sit around longer while the product is in a warehouse somewhere, and won't leak. They also feel light compared to a regular alkaline. I think they actually work well in remotes that have very low draw anyway, and sit around for years and years.
On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 2:20?PM Greg Muir via <big_sky_explorer= [email protected]> wrote: I stopped using Duracell & Energizer batteries some time ago.? The Duracells always leaked with that corrosive crusty white powder.? The energizers leaked with a clear corrosive liquid that was much more damaging having it run down into things with much more of a cleanup and restoration effort.
I once picked up a package of Duracell AA batteries and about two months later noticed that they were leaking in the sealed package.? Sent a note to Duracell about it and they immediately chastised me for storing the cells in a bad environment (my lab ¨C 68-70 degrees F, 15-20% humidity).? Then they requested that I ship the batteries to them for evaluation.
Let¡¯s see¡..? $11.00 for the batteries, $9.00 to ship them.? I think not.
On another posting site an engineer mentioned that he switched to Harbor Freight Tools batteries with good success.? I have started using their ¡°Thunderbolt¡± brand with no problems so far.? And when you can purchase a pack of 24 AA cells for $5 at their occasional sales promotions the price sting becomes a thing of the past.?
Also, I have never witnessed a leaking battery of those made in China.
Greg
|
After reading comments here, I am unconvinced leakage of alkaline AA and AAA Duracell and other brand cells has been reduced enough to safely use the cells in valuable equipment. Too many of them leak.
If no-leakage is important to you, change to Eveready Ultimate primary Li cells, accept the higher cost and my experience shows cell leakage just does not happen.
Ok... someone here may have had a primary Li cell leak. Please speak up. I bet the incidence is really low.
There *is* a lot of bs. Remember, you are listening to a bunch of Marketing types.
Larry Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S10
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-------- Original message -------- Date: 9/5/24 11:59 AM (GMT-08:00) Subject: Re: [HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment] Leaking alkaline cells
On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 09:28 AM, Richard Knoppow wrote:
Duracell, especially AA size ... seem to have cured that, now have a 12 year guarantee
yes.
but there is a lot of bs and confusion... online... about whether the date code (on the cell) is the 'expiry date' or the 'manufactured date' ......
Larry Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S10
-------- Original message -------- From: Roy Thistle <roy.thistle@...> Date: 9/5/24 11:59 AM (GMT-08:00) Subject: Re: [HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment] Leaking alkaline cells
On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 09:28 AM, Richard Knoppow wrote:
Duracell, especially AA size ... seem to have cured that, now have a 12 year guarantee
yes.
but there is a lot of bs and confusion... online... about whether the date code (on the cell) is the 'expiry date' or the 'manufactured date' ... so when does the 12 years start?
?
Anyway... AFAICT ... it's a 12 year 'shelf life' ... stored under optimum conditions... and AFAIK there's nothing in the guarantee/warranty about 'storage' in a 'device'
?
I don't know... but the electrolyte in alkaline batteries is KOH, and the anode is zinc... and high molarity KOH will react with zinc to produce hydrogen.... slowly... but it does happen.
Just to speculate... maybe over time, and over 'long over discharge conditions' enough of the gas builds up to cause the battery seals to fail sufficiently...? to let the electrolyte leak out.
And, maybe not.
|
From what I read many years ago, there used to be a trace amount of Mercury in Alkaline cells, and they didn't leak. It was after environmentalists demanded its removal that the leaks started.
On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 5:34?PM Richard Knoppow via <dickburk= [email protected]> wrote: ? ? My experience goes back to when Duracell was a trade-mark of
Mallory. At that time they didn't leak and had the longest life of any
alkaline cell. Things changed when the brand was sold.
? ? ?I have not had bad experience with Energizer cells but have not
used that many. Currently, Duracell seems to be OK. I had bought
Duracell and Kirkland (same products) at their worst when leaking cells
were found in the original box, probably leaked at the store. I switched
to Energizer and had no problems. I also bought some Panasonic cells.
Made with an overall clear jacket. The jacket keep the leaked material
to the cell. I currently have a supply of new Duracells but watch them
carefully. Turns out I have a lot of battery operated stuff here partly
due to a somewhat unreliable power main. Size D, C, AA, AAA and 9V.
On 9/5/2024 2:20 PM, Greg Muir via wrote:
> I stopped using Duracell & Energizer batteries some time ago.? The Duracells always leaked with that corrosive crusty white powder.? The energizers leaked with a clear corrosive liquid that was much more damaging having it run down into things with much more of a cleanup and restoration effort.
>
> I once picked up a package of Duracell AA batteries and about two months later noticed that they were leaking in the sealed package.? Sent a note to Duracell about it and they immediately chastised me for storing the cells in a bad environment (my lab ¨C 68-70 degrees F, 15-20% humidity).? Then they requested that I ship the batteries to them for evaluation.
>
> Let¡¯s see¡..? $11.00 for the batteries, $9.00 to ship them.? I think not.
>
> On another posting site an engineer mentioned that he switched to Harbor Freight Tools batteries with good success.? I have started using their ¡°Thunderbolt¡± brand with no problems so far.? And when you can purchase a pack of 24 AA cells for $5 at their occasional sales promotions the price sting becomes a thing of the past.
>
> Also, I have never witnessed a leaking battery of those made in China.
>
> Greg
>
>
>
>
>
--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
SKCC 19998
|
I now keep 9 VDC, AA and AAA cells separately, and next to, devices that need them. My Kestrel was repairable using vinegar. My Garmin was not, but the iPhone fills that need. My other "toys", including the irreplaceable Pyramid generator, are ready to go if and when I need them - I just need to insert the battery(ies).
When I moved back to FL from CO six years ago, I took ALL batteries out of devices that I did not carry with me on the road trip to FL. Seeing as some of those batteries I removed (all Duracells) leaked in the interim of the move, I'm glad I did that. DaveD KC0WJN
Thanks for all the fish.
============================== All spelling mistakes are the responsibilty of the reader (Rick Renz, STK, ca. 1994) ==============================
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On Sep 5, 2024, at 18:10, Larry McDavid via groups.io <lmcdavid@...> wrote:
? After reading comments here, I am unconvinced leakage of alkaline AA and AAA Duracell and other brand cells has been reduced enough to safely use the cells in valuable equipment. Too many of them leak.
If no-leakage is important to you, change to Eveready Ultimate primary Li cells, accept the higher cost and my experience shows cell leakage just does not happen.
Ok... someone here may have had a primary Li cell leak. Please speak up. I bet the incidence is really low.
There *is* a lot of bs. Remember, you are listening to a bunch of Marketing types.
Larry Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S10
-------- Original message -------- Date: 9/5/24 11:59 AM (GMT-08:00) Subject: Re: [HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment] Leaking alkaline cells
On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 09:28 AM, Richard Knoppow wrote:
Duracell, especially AA size ... seem to have cured that, now have a 12 year guarantee
yes.
but there is a lot of bs and confusion... online... about whether the date code (on the cell) is the 'expiry date' or the 'manufactured date' ......
Larry Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S10
-------- Original message -------- From: Roy Thistle <roy.thistle@...> Date: 9/5/24 11:59 AM (GMT-08:00) Subject: Re: [HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment] Leaking alkaline cells
On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 09:28 AM, Richard Knoppow wrote:
Duracell, especially AA size ... seem to have cured that, now have a 12 year guarantee
yes.
but there is a lot of bs and confusion... online... about whether the date code (on the cell) is the 'expiry date' or the 'manufactured date' ... so when does the 12 years start?
?
Anyway... AFAICT ... it's a 12 year 'shelf life' ... stored under optimum conditions... and AFAIK there's nothing in the guarantee/warranty about 'storage' in a 'device'
?
I don't know... but the electrolyte in alkaline batteries is KOH, and the anode is zinc... and high molarity KOH will react with zinc to produce hydrogen.... slowly... but it does happen.
Just to speculate... maybe over time, and over 'long over discharge conditions' enough of the gas builds up to cause the battery seals to fail sufficiently...? to let the electrolyte leak out.
And, maybe not.
|
I don't know whether it's a manufacturing difference but down here in Australia my experience has been that Duracells are not as bad as some of the USA based commenters have described. The worst offenders I've had to clean up after are the "Varta" brand cells which I believe were originally from Eastern Europe but are probably made you know where.?
?
I won't have them in the house.
?
In this globalised age there are lots of other? unknown-name brands on sale but I'm not keen to find out the hard way whether they are really leakproof.
?
Morris
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That is exactly what I have done. Zero leakage even after those ultimate lithiums are flat dead.?
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On Sep 5, 2024, at 6:10?PM, Larry McDavid via groups.io <lmcdavid@...> wrote:
? After reading comments here, I am unconvinced leakage of alkaline AA and AAA Duracell and other brand cells has been reduced enough to safely use the cells in valuable equipment. Too many of them leak.
If no-leakage is important to you, change to Eveready Ultimate primary Li cells, accept the higher cost and my experience shows cell leakage just does not happen.
Ok... someone here may have had a primary Li cell leak. Please speak up. I bet the incidence is really low.
There *is* a lot of bs. Remember, you are listening to a bunch of Marketing types.
Larry Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S10
-------- Original message -------- Date: 9/5/24 11:59 AM (GMT-08:00) Subject: Re: [HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment] Leaking alkaline cells
On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 09:28 AM, Richard Knoppow wrote:
Duracell, especially AA size ... seem to have cured that, now have a 12 year guarantee
yes.
but there is a lot of bs and confusion... online... about whether the date code (on the cell) is the 'expiry date' or the 'manufactured date' ......
Larry Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S10
-------- Original message -------- From: Roy Thistle <roy.thistle@...> Date: 9/5/24 11:59 AM (GMT-08:00) Subject: Re: [HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment] Leaking alkaline cells
On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 09:28 AM, Richard Knoppow wrote:
Duracell, especially AA size ... seem to have cured that, now have a 12 year guarantee
yes.
but there is a lot of bs and confusion... online... about whether the date code (on the cell) is the 'expiry date' or the 'manufactured date' ... so when does the 12 years start?
?
Anyway... AFAICT ... it's a 12 year 'shelf life' ... stored under optimum conditions... and AFAIK there's nothing in the guarantee/warranty about 'storage' in a 'device'
?
I don't know... but the electrolyte in alkaline batteries is KOH, and the anode is zinc... and high molarity KOH will react with zinc to produce hydrogen.... slowly... but it does happen.
Just to speculate... maybe over time, and over 'long over discharge conditions' enough of the gas builds up to cause the battery seals to fail sufficiently...? to let the electrolyte leak out.
And, maybe not.
|
Yeah - I was wondering on what planet Zinc-Carbon batteries didn't leak.
?
That's acidic chemistry, and alkalines when they finally came along were a god-send because the alkaline leakage was so much less damaging than the acidic leakage from the zinc-carbon variety. ?I still remember pouring the foul, liquified insides of last-year's flashlights out and trying to figure out if any of them could be resurrected again for this year's summer camp as a scout in the '70s.
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Yeah but they had those neat carbon rods that could be used for other things.
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On 9/5/2024 8:12 PM, William Ray via groups.io wrote: Yeah - I was wondering on what planet Zinc-Carbon batteries didn't leak.
That's acidic chemistry, and alkalines when they finally came along were a god-send because the alkaline leakage was so much less damaging than the acidic leakage from the zinc-carbon variety. ?I still remember pouring the foul, liquified insides of last-year's flashlights out and trying to figure out if any of them could be resurrected again for this year's summer camp as a scout in the '70s.
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The Harbor Freight "Thunderbolt" brand batteries are alkaline.
Having paid a little over $0.20 per AA cell I decided couldn't go wrong.
Greg
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On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 02:29 PM, Andrew Hakman wrote:
Zinc-carbon batteries won't leak
I am the only unlucky one.
Eveready (a.k.a. neveready) use to leak all the time... back in the day when bicycle headlights used to use them.
Made a right mess.
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On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 02:37 PM, Richard Knoppow wrote:
zinc-carbon batteries.... I think they are still made.
by the billions.
?
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On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 03:21 PM, Michael A. Terrell wrote:
used to be a trace amount of Mercury
It amalgamates with the zinc to supposedly help prevent the formation of 'gas,' which pressurizes the cell, and causes the seals to fail... so they say.
Anyway per D alkaline cell... about 100 mg? of mercury.
So if there is millions of batteries in a landfill, that's a lot of mercury... albeit dispersed.
The mercury reacts with the environment, and water soluble, and highly toxic, salts of mercury, are formed, that leach into the water table.
?
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On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 05:16 PM, Peter Gottlieb wrote:
Yeah but they had those neat carbon rods that could be used for other things.
microphones
arc lamps
electrodes for electrolysis
electrodes for cells? (wait what?)
?
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Michael A. Terrell