How do i go about removing and cleaning these batteries? Some of them are really stuck in there.

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How do i go about removing and cleaning these batteries? Some of them are really stuck in there.
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For future reference. A little lemon juice and vinegar with a Q-tip rubbing the corrosion and then letting it air dry will restore the corrosion. Not sure about getting the batteries out if they are swollen stuck.

Just a word of warning, with corrosion this bad in the battery compartment it could be that the entire system is ruined too. The acid tends to leak into motherboards and fuck up everything so if you do manage to get them out you could have a whole lot more work, soldering and trace repair to get this thing to work

Bit of info:
Posting on the behalf of a friend since they don’t have a reddit account

We found this camera at a thrift store and apart from the batteries everything seems to be in good condition.

The camera is a Konica Minolta Dimage Z3 for anyone wondering.

For the batteries, have you tried tweezers/pliers to get the batteries out? They’re dead anyway, so a bit of damage is no problem. Do be careful of overpulling.

Here’s an example:

https://youtu.be/pEyGVD2Z7HA?t=60

And as the others said, white vinegar for the acid cleaning.

Isopropyl alcohol. It is a powerful solvent and it not a conductor.

It looks like there are three small screws, with one even being on top of the battery tray. If those screws are removed, maybe the top of the battery tray can pull out which would then make it easier to remove the bad batteries and later to clean?

Electrical Contact Cleaner.

Comes in an aerosol can and dries completely in a minute, depending how much you spray. At the risk of staying the obvious, it’s made for electronics.

It’s also great for getting gunk off your hands. It probably causes cancer, but you are asking for help on reddit, so YMMV.

Has a nice smell, too, but I like the smell of jet fumes, so take that for what it is worth.

Use gloves, eye protection, and a toothbrush…or wire brush if you’re in a hurry. As previously mentioned, once clean, use glue sticks to pull the batteries out. Then, use toothbrush, sandpaper, and the wire brush with the electrical contact cleaner to get everything cleaned until you don’t see any corrosion. Then, clean some more.

If you really want to go crazy, go to Auto Zone, and get some PFPE grease (conducts electricity) to put on the contacts after cleaning. It may help inhibit future corrosion and the auto sells the grease in little “ketchup packets,” so you don’t have to buy a tub of the grease…unless you plan to start corrosion repair as a hobby.

Don’t eat the leftover ketchup.

[deleted]

You can use isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush to scrub off the corrosion.

To remove the batteries (I have done this but do it carefully and slowly) get a tiny drill bit or a screw and drill into the battery only enough so that it gets a solid grip and then you can use pliers to grip the screw and pull the batteries out.

My method is to drill a small hole in the battery and use a wine bottle opener to apply leverage to the batteries. Yes, drilling a hole in the battery is gross, and you should use eye protection and gloves.

That is too far gone. Once those batteries swell up, you are not getting them out without destroying the device.

They look like Duracell ®️, take pictures of the disassembly, try to preserve the remains, call Mallory, report their quality control issue, and it the device came new with the batteries, inform the device manufacturer also.

Somebody should help reduce you pain and loss in this incident.

I use hand sanitizer on a qtip and let it dry.

Lemon juice + vinegar with a Q-tip followed by a little isopropyl 99%

Isopropyl alcohol would do the trick too

I’ve only done this with a metal flashlight, so it might not be a good idea here. I’ve had luck drilling a small hole into the battery, then partially driving a screw into it, and then pulling on the screw to pull the battery out.

invent a time machine and develop good maintenance habits before you buy this item.

Neutralize with water and baking soda, clean contacts with vinegar with a Q-tip

I just had this issue with a camera flash. However, I could unscrew the flash and the battery compartment came apart in two pieces, so the stuck battery came out easily.

Is there a way to unscrew that section to see if you can pop them out from the other end?

Update: Some tweezers and isopropyl alcohol managed to get 1 battery free.

Good luck. These usually don’t come back to life.

If they’re just regular AA batteries, screw a screw into them and pull with some pliers.

You know you can just buy other batteries man, you don’t need to scrounge

WD40 or similar.

a thin flat screw driver should be able to leverage them out

Use a small drill bit to drill into the top of the batteries to get a good grip

Wire brush, you’ll be shocked by the results

Maybe use a strong magnet to pull them out?

Hydrogen peroxide and a q tip might help remove most of the battery acid but it might be a lost cause because those look seriously corroded.

How to Safely Remove and Clean Battered Batteries: Tips and Tricks for a Easy Job

Removing and cleaning batteries can be a challenge, especially when they become stuck in place over time. However, with the right techniques and precautions, you can safely remove batteries and restore their performance without causing any damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to safely remove and clean stuck-in batteries.

Before You Start

Before attempting to remove a stuck battery, make sure you follow all necessary safety precautions:

  • Disconnect the power source, if possible. This prevents any accidental discharge or surge that could harm you.
  • Wear protective gloves to prevent cuts and scratches. Old batteries can be dusty and brittle, and exposed metal contacts can be particularly hazardous.
  • Work on a clean, flat, and stable surface to reduce the risk of accidental tipping or rolling of the object containing the battery.

Removing Stuck Batteries

If the battery is stuck, don’t pry it out forcefully, as this can damage the container or surrounding components. Here are some steps to guide you:

  1. Prepare a removal tool: Inspect the battery compartment to identify the type of tabs or clips used to retain the battery. You might need a screwdriver (flathead or Phillips), a coin or a flat-head plier to loosen or remove clips.
  2. Loosen the battery: Gently pry the battery from one side, starting with small, controlled movements. Hold the battery securely to ensure it doesn’t slip off and fall, potentially getting damaged.
  3. Gently rock and rotate the battery: Use your fingernails or a rounded tool to rock the battery back and forth, if necessary. Rotate the battery to help loosen any side tabs or clips.
  4. Remove any corrosion: Visually inspect the battery clips or tabs for corrosion signs. If present, rub the affected areas with sandpaper or a cloth.
  5. Carefully detach the battery: Once partially loose, the battery can be fully removed. Rotate and pull the battery evenly to avoid causing any sparks or electrical shocks.

Cleaning the Batteries and Battery Compartments

Now that you’ve safely removed the batteries, proceed with cleaning them:

  • Wipe away corrosion and oxide buildup: Use a non-abrasive cloth with a small amount of bicarbonate soda, vinegar (1:1), and water mixture. Avoid liquids, as they can soak into the battery casing.

Special Cases: Discharging and Disposing
If you find that discharging a stuck battery from an appliance or device cannot be safely accomplished, carefully wrap the battery in aluminum foil or several layers of tape to encapsulate the exposed contacts to prevent accidental contact or touch. Store it in an open container and seek environmental waste management for proper handling and disposal.

Avoiding Future Issues

In the future, consider replacing batteries regularly, especially critical ones, such as button cells in devices. Install a battery door or closure mechanism on the device that contains the batteries. Moreover, regularly clean and brush away any dust or particulate buildup from the exterior and battery contacts.

The next time you encounter batteries stuck in a device or appliance, you’ll find the removal and cleaning task easier with these tips, ensuring your safety and providing optimal battery performance. So, remember: caution before removal, controlled force whenever necessary, and careful drying after cleaning are key strategies for successfully tackling stuck-battery removals.

How do i go about removing and cleaning these batteries? Some of them are really stuck in there.

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