hard draw on battery? this works!

[pse001]

I have a V4L generic (808d-1) white auto battery that had a very hard draw. Was going to toss it anyway, so I did this:

1. poured a couple of tablespoons of 91% isopropyl into a small, shallow dish.
2. dipped the threaded end of the battery into the iso and swished it around and around.
3. used an old toothbrush dipped in the iso and scrubbed the hell out of the threaded end, face and threads.
4. immersed the batt again into the iso and swished and swished.
5. blew vigorously on the area in question.
6. set the thread end back in the iso and let it sit for 10 minutes.
7. blew like crazy on the area until no more droplets of iso flew off.
8. let it dry for 10 minutes
VoiLa! The draw is like new!!!! Works like a charm! Saved $12.50
Am I Goooooood, or what?

[ebilc]

well i gotta say pse, that sounds good.obviously you didn't stand the batt upright on the LED? how deep did the threaded end dip into the iso?

[pse001]

I dipped the thread end just enough to immerse it, no more. When I soaked the end for 10 minutes, had it leaning a little, with the end Just Barely immersed in the iso, with the rest of the battery resting against the side of the dish.

[ebilc]

Ok cool pse... i am gonna give that a shot. As i have a couple of hard to draw batts.

[Darrigaaz]

Is this for manual only? Or automatic?

[pse001]

I've only done it on the auto, but I don't see why it wouldn't work on a manual, since they're sealed. If the battery is unusable (unuseable?), what do you have to lose? I'm smoking the one I cleaned right now with a new Coffee cart, easy draw and tons of vapor.

[antithesis]

this technique seems a bit easier than the vid i watched about using pins and pipe cleaner (not that that was *hard*, but i mean, this seems quicker, or more convenient). i will keep it in mind! all my batts were bought this week so no troubles yet, but at least now i have things to try before i haul off and buy new ones.

thanks for the tip!

[Tenebrae]

Heavy shot glasses work well for this method. Saved a couple batts this way.
Still looking forward to my XL manual though

[jj2]

I tried this once. Battery soon died. Hope it works better for you.

[Pawpaw]

Sometimes you can get a brand new battery (auto or manual) that has a very stiff draw. The quickest and easiest way to fix it is to use a pin or needle to clean out the little air holes under the threads.

I've had that happen and this fixed it every time.

Of course, when you clean a well-used battery, you can do the same.