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Dang Duracell

BobJudyBobJudy Member Posts: 6,671 ✭✭✭✭
edited December 2019 in General Discussion
Grabbed one of my favorite flashlights (Princeton Tec ImpactXL) this morning and thought it was a little dim. I store it lens down and the inside of the lens was 2/3 covered in a white waxy substance all around the edge. Pulled the batteries and one of the suckers was leaking. Cleaned everything up and new batteries and it is working fine. I guess I could have left them in to corrode the rest of the lite and Duracell would have replaced it. You would think with all of todays technology batteries wouldn't leak anymore.

This is far from my biggest or strongest flashlight, only 1 watt LED, but it will run for 40 hours or so between battery changes. Ten or so years ago on a hunt my super duper bazillion lumen light got bumped on while in my day pack. Didn't notice until after dark when it was time to walk an unfamiliar trail to my pick up spot. Swore that wouldn't happen again and it hasn't. Bob
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Comments

  • BrookwoodBrookwood Member, Moderator Posts: 13,771 ******
    edited November -1
    One of my game cameras did the same thing using fresh last years Duracell's. Out of 8 AA batteries two of them leaked! I used some thin baking soda paste to clean out the stuck on acid and recovered the camera but will refrain from buying this brand of batteries in the future! I had Energizers in a portable fish finder that were left out in my boat for four years not being used and when I took them out a month ago there were no issues. Heck, the fish finder still turned on and functioned before I removed the old batteries!
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  • BobJudyBobJudy Member Posts: 6,671 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I started buying the bulk pack of duracells because of leaking energizers. Guess I can't win. Bob
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  • BrookwoodBrookwood Member, Moderator Posts: 13,771 ******
    edited November -1
    I would not be a bit surprised to find out that both major brands of batteries are made in the same place!! I sure hope it is not in China!! :lol:
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  • EELLEELL Member Posts: 13 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Some Duracell batteries are made in Cleveland, Tn.
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  • hillbillehillbille Member Posts: 14,458 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I too wonder if they aren't all the same manufacturer, had problems with a moultrie camera eating batteries wouldn't last more than 2-3 days and they would be dead, sent it back moultrie sent me another and had same thing happen the next year, called them and told them I was disapointed and that the warantee had expired on the first one, they sent me another and a short note that basically said they wouldn't warantee anymore if I didn't use energizer in them, as I had told them I was using duracell........ haven't had a problem since and have only used energizers
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  • Bubba Jr.Bubba Jr. Member Posts: 8,303 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Years ago I used to sell Varta batteries in my camera business. They were made in Germany and were a VERY reliable battery. Then one day I had a customer bring back a battery they had purchased from me. I replaced it and looked at the battery closer and discovered it was made in China. I called my rep at Varta and she confirmed that all their batteries except for a very few were now made in China. I told her to cancel my account.

    Before I sold Varta's I had no luck with eveready for my personal stuff, so I only bought Duracell for years. Recently I had 4 Duracell batteries leak over a 2 week period. Checked them over and yep they were made in China. I suspect all batteries are made there now.

    WHEN ARE THE COMPANIES GOING TO LEARN THAT EVERYONE DOES NOT LIKE CHEAP CRAP FROM CHINA!!!!!
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  • redneckandyredneckandy Member Posts: 9,716 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Every single battery that I have had leak has been a Duracell. I won't buy another one.
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  • Quick&DeadQuick&Dead Member Posts: 1,466 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Bubba Jr. wrote:
    Years ago I used to sell Varta batteries in my camera business. They were made in Germany and were a VERY reliable battery. Then one day I had a customer bring back a battery they had purchased from me. I replaced it and looked at the battery closer and discovered it was made in China. I called my rep at Varta and she confirmed that all their batteries except for a very few were now made in China. I told her to cancel my account.

    Before I sold Varta's I had no luck with eveready for my personal stuff, so I only bought Duracell for years. Recently I had 4 Duracell batteries leak over a 2 week period. Checked them over and yep they were made in China. I suspect all batteries are made there now.

    WHEN ARE THE COMPANIES GOING TO LEARN THAT EVERYONE DOES NOT LIKE CHEAP CRAP FROM CHINA!!!!!

    Herein is the question ..... WHY are they made in China?
    1. Low labor cost per hour and zero benefits.
    2. No OSHA to contend with.
    3. NO labor regulations to meet.

    BASICALLY, NO GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS! ;)
    The government has no rights. Only the people have rights which empowers the government.
    We have enough gun laws, what we need is IDIOT control.
    Blood makes you related. Loyalty makes you family.

    I thought getting old would take longer. :shock:
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  • truthfultruthful Member Posts: 2,143 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Leaking batteries were a solved problem long ago. But seems to be back again. I's bet that no mater what we are told, or what the package says, that they are NON-USA MANUFACTURE.
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  • tomh.tomh. Member Posts: 3,848 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Quick&Dead wrote:
    Herein is the question ..... WHY are they made in China?
    1. Low labor cost per hour and zero benefits.
    2. No OSHA to contend with.
    3. NO labor regulations to meet.

    BASICALLY, NO GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS! ;)

    But the people from the government are here to help.
    For the children.
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  • montanajoemontanajoe Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 60,240 ******
    edited November -1
    Replace the 'KeyPad',,, ;);)
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  • charliemeyer007charliemeyer007 Member Posts: 6,572 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I quit buying Gonnaleaks (Duracells) many years ago. Eneloop rechargeable AA and AAA fill most of my needs. Even if they are only 25% of the claimed 2100 cycles and 70% charge at 10 years they are still awesome for the price. I bought a NiteCore I4 with the optional cig lighter DC cord so I can charge the batteries in the car or with my solar panels.

    Energizer Lithium for throw away ones are good at not leaking.
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  • BobJudyBobJudy Member Posts: 6,671 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Brookwood wrote:
    I would not be a bit surprised to find out that both major brands of batteries are made in the same place!! I sure hope it is not in China!! :lol:

    Been doing a little checking on where they are made. Around the house I found Energizers made in the U.S., Malaysia and Singapore. Duracells C,D,AA,AAA all labeled as made in U.S.A. Only their 9 volt listed as Malaysia. So it ain't the made in China excuse for leaking. It's just poor engineering. Both companies say they will replace any device damaged by their batteries leaking. A little online research shows lithium has a much better record than alkaline. Bob
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  • buschmasterbuschmaster Member Posts: 14,229 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Bubba Jr. wrote:
    WHEN ARE THE COMPANIES GOING TO LEARN THAT EVERYONE DOES NOT LIKE CHEAP CRAP FROM CHINA!!!!!
    when people stop buying it!

    which aint gonna happen
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  • EELLEELL Member Posts: 13 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I buy my AA & AAA batteries at the flea market. About 2 bucks for a 24 pack. They don't last long enough to leak before you have to change them out. Problem solved.
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  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,496 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you're old enough to remember carbon-zinc batteries, you'll realize how good today's really are.

    The best AA batts I've found in recent years have been by Sony and (to my surprise) Costco. As a test, I write the date on the battery in my electric toothbrush. A single Duracell alkaline lasts about three weeks - a month, tops. Not much more for an Energizer. I last put in a Kirtland AA on June 1 and it is STILL going strong. Same usage. Amazing.

    For some reason, batteries seem to leak when left in a device unused for long periods. But never in the package. I suspect there's an issue with some kind of ultra-low drain even if the device is off. The old advice about removing batteries is still valid but sometimes not practical.
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
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  • buschmasterbuschmaster Member Posts: 14,229 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    there are websites that rate batteries.
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  • Smitty500magSmitty500mag Member Posts: 13,623 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Speaking of leaking batteries. That brings back an old memory. My dad worked in the zinc mines in East Tennessee in the early 50s when I was a kid and I remember him coming home from work on a few occasions with burns on his body where he wore a battery on his belt for the light on his hard hat. Those old batteries would leak a lot.

    We lived in a company house across the street from the company store. Back in those days, like the song says, your soul really was owned by the company store.

    Our house is circled in red. The picture was taken in Mascot, TN.
    OU5PAVq.jpg
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  • bearman49709bearman49709 Member Posts: 503 ✭
    edited November -1
    I got tired of other brands leaking so I switched to Duracell about 25 years ago.I haven't had one leak yet and I use them in everything you put batteries in.
    I just checked some AA in my desk drawer and they say made in Belgium.
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  • yoshmysteryoshmyster Member Posts: 22,059 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Lately I noticed it doesn't matter who's brand they all leak or get all crystally. Just noticed my Larry light (AAA) had Duracell that was leaking. I need to go get some electronic cleaning spray or maybe I should've let he batteries finish eating that light. Now that I know Duracell will replace damage items from reading on here next time I'll let it go.
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  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,496 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rotsa Ruck, yosh. I bought a brand new high-end flashlight (Batteries Included!) and when I got the clamshell package open, the Duracells inside had leaked and destroyed the light. Neither the flashlight maker nor Duracell would send a replacement until they received the old one. Sent it Priority Mail with tracking to the flashlight people - who flat denied they ever received it.
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
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  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,496 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Well, don't that beat all? Just a few days after I wrote "For some reason, batteries seem to leak when left in a device unused for long periods. But never in the package." I bring out a box of batteries from storage and of eight twin-packs of AAA Duracells, FIVE of them have at least one leaking battery! All still in the original shrinkwrap, unused, and leaking.

    The box also contains about 40 AAA and 50 AA from Kirtland. Not one leak.
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
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  • montanajoemontanajoe Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 60,240 ******
    edited November -1
    Pretty sure Kirkland brand is made by Duracell;

    https://finance.yahoo.com/news/little-known-secret-behind-costco-142400084.html
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  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,496 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If that's so, there's a huge quality gap favoring those that get the Kirtland label. As I said, Kirtlands don't seem to leak and they waaaaay outlast Duracells in the toothbrush.
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
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  • BrookwoodBrookwood Member, Moderator Posts: 13,771 ******
    edited November -1
    I'm not familiar with the Kirtland brand. Never seen it in any local stores. Will keep an eye out for them.

    It may just be human nature that I don't notice something until I buy it. Then, I see what I bought everywhere!!
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  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,496 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It's the Costco house brand. I thought everybody knew that.
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
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  • bearman49709bearman49709 Member Posts: 503 ✭
    edited November -1
    The nearest Costco to me is just over 200 miles, never been in one.
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  • BrookwoodBrookwood Member, Moderator Posts: 13,771 ******
    edited November -1
    A new Cosco was built in the big town 40 miles north of me and opened a couple years ago. Never been there and because I pay for a membership with Sam's Club, probably never will go there either.

    If it weren't for a few paper products Sam's offers that my MRS can't live without, I'd never shop there as well! I always end up spending way too much at that place and frankly do not see any real savings in the prices they get there. IMHO, membership does not have any privileges!!
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  • fatcat458fatcat458 Member Posts: 436 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    They built a Costco and a Cabelas next door close by. Wife would go to Costco and guess where l went ;) After the first year wife didn't renew the Costco membership. Said it cost too much :shock:
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  • ProceramicProceramic Member Posts: 334 ✭
    edited November -1
    I've been using enloop rechargeable batteries for last several years. Get about 3 years of use with weekly recharging before having to discard.
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I suspect all batteries are made there now.

    WHEN ARE THE COMPANIES GOING TO LEARN THAT EVERYONE DOES NOT LIKE CHEAP CRAP FROM CHINA!!!!!


    Uh, I think the answer is when you can get them made somewhere else, which seems unlikely in the short term.
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  • spasmcreekspasmcreek Member Posts: 37,717 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    when you live in china where are your batteries made ???????????? gave up and just buy the 2A & 3A packs from dollar general.....my 14500 and 18650 are the largest milliamp 9900mah 3.7v li-on rechargeable i can find and they make pocket LEDs like >>>>searchlights<<<<......(oops china again)..the USA needs to form a tight alliance with china ( not just sending them all our money) ...all they have to do is forget to send a weeks worth of imports to us and then watch the USA collapse like a pricked balloon......
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  • RobOzRobOz Member Posts: 9,523 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I use flashlights everyday and have had good luck with both Duracell and Energizer batteries.
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