Dear V4L Team: XL batteries and airholes' sizes

[Katya]

The very first XL batteries I ordered from V4L (one auto and one manual) had very tiny airholes and rather hard draw. I sent them back and Val was kind enough to let me exchange them for any other kind of battery I want with my next order. The problem is, I really, really loved the feel of the XLs, my only problem was the tight draw. And then I remembered Leaford's post from February in which he stated the following:

SOme of our older batteries were mis-manufactured with itsy-bitsy teeny-tiny holes. I think you'd like our new regular length ones better, with much bigger holes. Contact Val in customer service, she'll take care of you.
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Is it at all possible that I got one of those batteries with really tiny holes? Are they still in circulation? And how can one tell the difference?

I agree with Leaford that the new regular manuals have a very good draw. So, here's my question to you: Do you have any XL batteries with holes a bit larger than those teeny-tiny ones? Really, just a tad bigger? I read in a recent thread that one can take a drill and enlarge the holes, but I'm reluctant to do it. But I really want those XLs badly. What do I do? Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

I also remember Leaford saying that eventually the hole size will be standard for all V4L batteries. Are we there yet? If the new XLs with a little airier draw are on the way, I'll be happy to wait.

 

[Adrenalynn]

They're still teeny. I kinda like 'em that way, but I have a couple that I've just reamed out. You can get a small hand ream for a couple dollars at your local home improvement store. Takes literally five seconds. Just do one hole and then test, then the next, and so-on. Always easier to take metal off than add it back on.

 

[Kimmy]

I might have an extra XL from a while back you can try

 

[Gribeau]

It's not restricted to the XL series. One of my standards has tiny holes compared to the other three. As Adrena said, it's not difficult to widen the holes yourself. The metal is quite soft, I'm sure you could use a drill bit held by pliers to widen them if you don't have anything else.

 

[LorraineS]

Thanks for asking the question about small holes in xl batteries.I plan to take the advice given & try to enlarge the holes on my two.I do not like the hard draw--love all my batteries with bigger holes.

 

[timothy]

use a .042 drill bit makes the holes the same size as the bigger hole batterys and you can do one hole at a time until you get the airflow you want just be sure to try diffrent carts as some have a harder draw than others and some have lighter. this way you can tweek it to your liking................

 

[terrie1]

I took an 18 gauge syringe needle to mine and opened the holes up some. It works great now.

 

[keyzygirl]

I dremel EVEYTHING!!I love my dremel!!

 

[Katya]

Thank you all so very much!

Kimmy, you're a doll! So kind of you to offer your battery, but I can wait. I have my reg manuals and I love them.

I think I'll have to drill, after all. I'm just a bit nervous. Modifying the auto holes was easy because toothpicks and glue are reversible. I don't want to ruin a piece of art that the chrome XL battery is... Drills and dremels terrify me, so I'll start with my 18-inch sharp syringe. I may be able to muster enough courage to do it.

Anyway, my ideal auto shorties and regulars would have a tiny bit smaller holes, and the XLs would have a tad larger holes. And I mean a tad, just a tad. A smidgeon. The reg manuals are close to perfection. But that's just my preference.

Thanks again for your responses.

 

[nbourbaki]

I also think the manual regulars have the perfect draw. I'm hopeful that the new XL batteries have the same draw as the regular manuals going forward.

 

[rver]

Thanks...that 18 gage needle did the trick for me.

 

[terrie1]

Youre Welcome