dropped my copper mech mod

Status
Not open for further replies.

j0nj0n3s

Senior Member
May 6, 2015
98
56
36
Alabama
So, I dropped it. I figured OK, some scratches and a little bit of a dent (copper mech mod), and a bit of rash on my doge rda. Well, it hit fine right after that. But the next time I pulled it, it didn't hit, there was no vapor, it just kind of hissed at me. I took the cap off the rda, same thing, had the sound, but no vape. Then I noticed my button was getting really hot, really quick. So I immediately took it apart and the battery was really hot. So I took the battery outside, placed it on the concrete, and walked away quickly. I went back to it a few min later after it had a chance to cool down for a bit. Upon inspection, I found no faults in the wrapper, no dents or any kind of defects in the battery, except heat. My questions are, did the drop cause this, and if so, how? And is this battery best suited for the trash can now? Or can it be used again with special observances and a trial period? Its been hitting and performance has been great. Put in a fresh Samsung 25r this morning at 100%, its not pushing its limits with the RDA (.28 dual coil 24g 5 wrap, pulling around 15a with 32-40% headroom left over depending on the voltage between 4.2-3.7) and my last question, is my mod or RDA screwed from the fall (about 3 feet). I hope not BC I just got the mod 2 days ago. Any help is appreciated. Thanks guys
 

LilWhiteClouder

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Apr 1, 2015
1,260
2,684
Raleigh, NC
So, I dropped it. I figured OK, some scratches and a little bit of a dent (copper mech mod), and a bit of rash on my doge RDA. Well, it hit fine right after that. But the next time I pulled it, it didn't hit, there was no vapor, it just kind of hissed at me. I took the cap off the RDA, same thing, had the sound, but no vape. Then I noticed my button was getting really hot, really quick. So I immediately took it apart and the battery was really hot. So I took the battery outside, placed it on the concrete, and walked away quickly. I went back to it a few min later after it had a chance to cool down for a bit. Upon inspection, I found no faults in the wrapper, no dents or any kind of defects in the battery, except heat. My questions are, did the drop cause this, and if so, how? And is this battery best suited for the trash can now? Or can it be used again with special observances and a trial period? Its been hitting and performance has been great. Put in a fresh Samsung 25r this morning at 100%, its not pushing its limits with the RDA (.28 dual coil 24g 5 wrap, pulling around 15a with 32-40% headroom left over depending on the voltage between 4.2-3.7) and my last question, is my mod or RDA screwed from the fall (about 3 feet). I hope not BC I just got the mod 2 days ago. Any help is appreciated. Thanks guys

This is a great question and I look forward to the answers provided from more experienced users. I have not dropped any mods just yet (knock, knock) but I have had some shorts happen and the battery to get hot. I did the same as you and took it outside, just in case it vented, to cool down. Battery was just fine so I have been using it without issue.
Did the mech work without issue with the new battery?
Did you check your coil(s):
1. make sure they did not loosen or deform after the fall and
2. checked on an ohm reader to ensure there are no shorts?
Was there any noticeable damage to the mod or atty?
 

j0nj0n3s

Senior Member
May 6, 2015
98
56
36
Alabama
Recent updates. I tried it again once the battery was cold again. Same hiss, no vape. So I began investigation in my RDA, seems as if the positive post was pushed way up and it wasn't making a good connection, I'm assuming this is the basic example of what is called a short, and I am an idiot. Regardless, I've adjusted it, and got fire. I fired it 3 times and its consistent, and then proceeded to take one drag off of it, then immediately unscrewed the bottom and dropped the battery out into my hand. The battery shows no signs of warmth or strain. But you guys have the final say. It seems to be working properly, the mod and RDA are OK. But I'm sketchy on the battery BC it got hot. If y'all say discard it, its gone. I'd rather buy another one than lose a hand if y'all think its unsafe.
 

j0nj0n3s

Senior Member
May 6, 2015
98
56
36
Alabama
If I were at home I could check it, I've been using the setup for more than 24 hours w no problems, just swapping out batteries. I looked at the coils and they were fine. It was the stupid screw in the bottom of the RDA connecting to the positive post. It was pushed way up. So it was without a doubt a fault of a short, and mostly user error (meaning my fault because I'm an idiot.) So now my only concern is for this battery and safety. I tried it again with no problems, but I'm still a bit worried because I know of the potential these batteries have to wreak havoc and destruction if mishandled.
 

nyiddle

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Apr 9, 2014
2,826
2,692
USA. State: Inebriated.
I'd recommend discarding that battery for sure. Even though it's performing well today, the battery getting hot was essentially the battery trying to dump the entirety of its voltage. Whether that was caused by the connection in the mod going wonky or because of actual damage to the battery is sort of questionable. I'm tempted to say it was caused by the mod. Either way, you've discharged a battery, which has damaged the cell for sure. It might be working fine now, but you (or I) really can't guarantee the future integrity of this battery.

Additionally, please don't throw your Lithium batteries in the trash. I'm not one to stand on a soapbox for the environment, but you should definitely find a Radioshack or Verizon store or anywhere that they'll take and properly recycle your battery.

Hope that helps. Looking forward to hearing from @Baditude.

Just to be clear, problems that may arise in the future from this wonky battery may include (but are not limited to): Another situation where the battery vents/discharges unexpectedly, the battery accepting more voltage on a charger than it should (ie: charging to 4.3V instead of 4.2V), or quite simply, the battery not holding a charge at all! None of these situations are good, and all 3 of them can lead to a pretty catastrophic outcome in a worst case scenario type situation. You've already gotten lucky once.
 
Last edited:

xpen

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Jun 18, 2012
834
1,274
Italy
My guess is the drop shifted the coil a bit, shorting it out; if a new build doesn't show any symptoms both the mod and the atomizer should probably be in good condition.
Personally I'd get rid of a battery exposed to such a stress, though.. You never know what happens to their chemistry when overheated.
 

Robert Cromwell

Moved On
ECF Veteran
Feb 16, 2015
14,009
65,472
elsewhere
sounds like the top pin in the mod got pushed up and allowed the battery to short at the top. If you corrected this issue then it should be ok. I am assuming it has the battery rattle adjustment screw in the top? Or is this a hybrid with the center pin on the atomizer contacting the battery directly? If this is the case is the top of the battery pushed in a bit? If so discard the battery properly. And if you are vaping at high wattages discard the battery if it overheated.

Just my opinion though.
 

Baditude

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Apr 8, 2012
30,394
73,076
71
Ridgeway, Ohio
As those before me have recommended, dispose of that battery properly. It's too risky to chance.

Batteries are one of the least expensive pieces of gear in our setups, but they are the most important and most dangerous pieces. $10 for a new battery is a better idea than having the apprehension that the old battery may vent or cause your mod to explode, especially a mechanical mod with no built-in protection circuitry. It's always better to be safe and not sorry.

Just in case you need additional coaching to dispose of the battery, look at the pics in this blog of battery failure and what they can do to a mod and the user's hands. Explain It To The Noob
 

j0nj0n3s

Senior Member
May 6, 2015
98
56
36
Alabama
Well, the i's have it. Battery will be disposed of (properly, not just in the trash here at work). It was the pin in the RDA. There is a bit of a mark (not an indention) on the battery. I have more batteries at home. I'll live with one less. I have no spare hands or faces at home, so I'll need to keep these in the best working order I can lol. I really appreciate you guys quick and accurate responses. You guys may very well be life savers today. Thank you.
 

nyiddle

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Apr 9, 2014
2,826
2,692
USA. State: Inebriated.
I have no spare hands or faces at home

Let me know if you need any, I'm never in short supply.

hqdefault.jpg
 

nyiddle

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Apr 9, 2014
2,826
2,692
USA. State: Inebriated.
Man these things tarnish fast. I just started using it yesterday /:

Personally I like copper mods after they get some natural tarnish/patina.

They're easy to clean though, just disassemble n soak the bad boy in vinegar + salt (other people use Coca Cola).
 

j0nj0n3s

Senior Member
May 6, 2015
98
56
36
Alabama
Tbh I'm not even sure, but I got a dark horse RDA and as soon as I got it I built on it and started vaping, after a while I noticed an awful metallic taste that lasted literally all day. Found out it was due to left over machine oil. Since then, I boil and wash and scrub all my rdas with a toothbrush. The RDA has been in rotation for a few weeks. Didn't notice the taste til this mod. May just be in my mind. Or maybe I got some of the 3-1 oil on something. Idk
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Users who are viewing this thread