Help! Charger problem and question for the electronically inclined

[space0matic]

Hi.
I have a charger that's clearly about to die, but I don't have a back-up for it, so I'm trying to get this to work for now.
When I plug my battery in to it, the light stays green (meaning fully charged) when it's not. It should glow red when it's charging.
I've wiggled it, played with it a bit, swapped out batts to see if it's a battery problem, and it's not; it's clearly the charger.
There is one thing I can do to make it glow red (and get it charging), and that is to place my finger on the barrel of the battery while it's in the charger. When I take my finger off of the battery, it stops charging.
Now, I thought it was the weight of my finger, so I thought I could balance something else on it and get the same result. I tried everything- wood, metal, plastic- but it only responds to my finger. I know this means something like I'm completing the charge circuitry, but I don't feel like I'm getting any shock or anything.
My question is this, does anyone know what else I could use in place of my finger to do this? I can't sit with my finger on the battery all night!
Thanks.... (not kidding!)

 

[Iffy]

Have you insured that the batt AND charger center posts are making contact? Try gently 'lifting' both center posts by a lil' smidge, 1/32" or 1/64". Dollars to donuts... Let us know how that works!

 

[space0matic]

Have you insured that the batt AND charger center posts are making contact? Try gently 'lifting' both center posts by a lil' smidge, 1/32" or 1/64". Dollars to donuts... Let us know how that works!

Yes. And I've tried it with multiple batts. Three. It's the charger.

 

[Rader2146]

How much pressure are you placing on the battery to get it to turn green? If it is a VERY light, "feather" touch, so light as to not disturb the battery or charger as it sits, then it could be an electrical issue. A very weird electrical issue.

I do agree with Iffy, the center posts should be the first step in troubleshooting. Use a paper clip or something similar and gently pry up on the pin, alternate sides until you think it has moved just a little bit.

Edit: I was typing when you last responded, so if you have already tried lifting the pins, then disregard that suggestion.

 

[Stosh]

Weird electrical problems, as more complicated than a loose connection, are the type that can start fires, vent flames. Don't play with burning your place down, at worst pick up a disposable at the gas station or some nicotine gum to tide you over.

Then rush order TWO chargers, always have a backup plan...

 

[space0matic]

How much pressure are you placing on the battery to get it to turn green? If it is a VERY light, "feather" touch, so light as to not disturb the battery or charger as it sits, then it could be an electrical issue. A very weird electrical issue.

Exactly! I've been searching the internet trying to find the right words to even explain this, it's so strange. I've read that even a little amount of electric current running through the body is harmful, so I'm afraid to even touch it for long.
It only required a feather-light touch, and nothing else will do it that I've tried.
On another note, when I did try and hold it there for a minute (before I saw the warnings, because, like I said, there is no sensation) I tried surfing the internet with my mouse in the other hand, and it made the mouse all jumpy.
I'm very curious now....

 

[Unforeseen]

Moved from General E-Smoking discussion to Assorted PV Topics - E-Cigarette Accessories Discussion

 

[space0matic]

Can I not ask that question?
I asked why it was moved, and it was deleted?

 

[Stosh]

@space0matic ...you can ask all the questions you like, anytime!!! You just saw a moderator "tidying up" the Forum, filing away questions and answers into sections for future reference by others...

There are sections for questions and answers about batteries, another for cartos, attys....etc
To try to make it easier for n00b vapers to find answers to common questions.

 

[space0matic]

Thanks, Stosh for the clarification.
Since graduating from my "Newb" status, I usually can't find the right place to post things to get answers, and most of my questions are pretty specific (as I try to make my answers be).
As it turned out, I did get my answer from a pal of mine who knows electricity backwards and forwards.
Now I have a question about atomizers, but that's another story albeit for another section.