Are my batteries junk?

[gKrupa]

I have a set of VTC4's someone gave me, they have had heavy use. I was just wondering if the degradation of a cell will ultimately effect the output in a very noticeable way. To be more specific, when I build a 24g 7wrap at 2.5mm it's ..alright. But when I try to go down to a single coil Clapton, the ramp up time is INSANE! (36 over 26) I have a fair grasp of whats going on with mechanical mods, but i'm just wondering if I should hit the books or order new batteries. I do have a Multi-meter I could search for to test the output.

 

[VictorViper]

I wouldn't accept even lightly used batteries, FWIW. Batteries can and will degrade in a noticeable way, critically in their capacity and C-ratings - net amperage affect.

Toss it (recycle, please!) and buy fresh cells. Not worth the risk or headaches.

 

[State O' Flux]

But when I try to go down to a single coil Clapton, the ramp up time is INSANE! (36 over 26) I have a fair grasp of whats going on with mechanical mods, but i'm just wondering if I should hit the books or order new batteries. I do have a Multi-meter I could search for to test the output.

Never trust used batteries... and, hit the books to learn more about Ohm's law, battery safety and build modeling. See second sigline below.

You can run your build data through Steam Engine to determine what you're calling ramp-up time... or, time to temperature. If you look at the "results" box, there is a value called "heat capacity".
This is, in effect, ramp-up time... with a higher value (example - Heat capacity (each coil) 18.79 mJ/K)... indicating a slower time to temperature.

If you're not familiar with Steam Engine, I've written an extensive user guide... see first sigline link below.

 

[VictorViper]

I believe OP edited APV to read mechanical mod... so my goodness yes, hit the books, ask questions (we're happy to help, plenty of resources as mentioned) and keep it simple. Safe use is entirely in your control. Without knowledge you are not safe. Period.