Best charger?

[DaveP]

Another vote for the xtar vc4 charged. xtar has the most reliable chargers that are also the most versatile.

I use my VC4 all the time unless I'm back to using the reuleaux RX200S. The Efest Luc 4 is the only charger I own that will do up to 4 18650's at 1A charge rate. For all other mods it's the Xtar VC4.

What I like most about the VC4 is the information the display provides. You get actual voltage readings, a graphical dial display of charger progress, and MAH readings. Tha MAH readings are only meaningful if charging starts a lower voltages (full discharge to full charge), but it's good information that lets you know when a battery is beginning to lose capacity if you pay attention to average readings.

 

[DaveP]

Thank you very much for the tip. I was hoping someone would speak up if the WD 40 was not a good idea. I'll pick up some silicone spray at Home Depot this weekend.

I'd isolate the spray to the sliding part only. Some plastics might be compromised by the carrier in spray form silicone. You can also get silicone lubes in bottles with a straw type tip to lube only the part you want the silicone to contact.

 

[K_Tech]

I'd isolate the spray to the sliding part only. Some plastics might be compromised by the carrier in spray form silicone. You can also get silicone lubes in bottles with a straw type tip to lube only the part you want the silicone to contact.

Or this stuff:
Amazon.com : Tetra Gun 004B1I Gun Grease 1-Ounce Blister : Gun Lubrication : Sports & Outdoors

It's pretty cheap, a little bit goes a long way, it's very slick, and can be used for more than firearms. I use it for stuff around the house like door hinges and the drawer slides on my tool chests.

 

[Monotremata]

Several months ago as I was inserting a battery into the far right channel the slide went slack. I used it with three channels until I got around to opening it up, and when I did, I discovered that the tension springs were held in place with tiny little plastic standoffs - maybe 1mm in diameter. Even though I don't use a lot of force when I put the batteries in (really, I'm quite gentle with electronics) I'd snapped off the standoff when inserting the battery.
I fixed it with some JB Weld and reinforced the other three with a dab of JB Weld, and since my repair I haven't had any issues.
I haven't seen this as an issue on the forums, but I thought I should mention it.

I think this just happened last night to my new Xtar SV2 Rocket I just got like 10 days ago. Went to put a battery in slot 2 and SNAP, now the slide is dead. Haven't even taken the plastic off the display yet heh. Ill have to remember this in the future. At least its new enough, Illumn already sent me an RMA and return shipping label for it. I guess Ill have to be careful with the replacement.