How to prevent batteries leaking in your flashlight

You grab your handy flashlight and turn it on, but all you see is darkness. When you open up the battery compartment, you can immediately see the problem – the batteries have leaked.

Batteries that leak in a flashlight make a huge mess. If the leak is small and caught right away, it can probably be cleaned up and your flashlight can be saved. Larger leaks can easily ruin your flashlight. This is a problem you can avoid by using these smart tactics.

- Remove the batteries from a flashlight that is rarely used. You can store the batteries along with the light, but don't install them until you are ready to use it.

- Leave the batteries in a flashlight that you have placed in a glove compartment or other place to use in case of an emergency. Remove, inspect, and test the batteries at least every 6 months. If the batteries are run down, immediately replace them. Depleted batteries are more likely to leak.

- Replace depleted batteries in a flashlight with fresh, new ones. Don't mix old and new batteries. Use batteries that are the same type, made by the same manufacturer.

TIPS

- Dead batteries should never be left in equipment, their process is nearly complete and the shell is close to breach.

- Live batteries have a date on them for a reason. Chemical reaction occurs even if the battery is live and able to run the equipment. Often with today's LED technology, for example, the batteries will corrode through and start leaking long before they become too weak to run the flashlight.

- If your flashlight is part of a crash kit where you need batteries with the device at all times for emergency use, store them in a separate Ziploc bag and check their dates periodically as well as for leakage.