Nitecore i2 2016 question

[GrimeVapes]

Hey I just had a quick question regarding this charger and chargers in general. The springs on this sucker are pretty stiff and tight and not all that smooth at certain points. But the charger works great, I was wondering if it's safe to add some oil/lubrication to the springs. And if it's safe to do does it need to be non conductive special lubricant? I know these things can get hot. But the action is just a little rough on this thing don't want to be nicking my battery casing left and right inserting and removing batteries. Thanks

 

[DaveP]

I have the older Nitecore i4 and the springs aren't that hard to move, but it's been used a lot. I pull the contact back with my finger and insert batteries. If they are hard to move, a little silicone spray wouldn't hurt and might make them move easier.

These days I use the Nitecore to charge NiMh batteries. For 18650's I use the Efest LUC 4 and the Xtar VC4. They also have stiff springs on the contacts, but a little more room to work getting batteries in and out.

A rubber grip pad jar opener might be just what you need. The dollar stores sell them in packs of 4. You can use them to grip a battery for insertion and removal.

 

[GrimeVapes]

I have the older Nitecore i4 and the springs aren't that hard to move, but it's been used a lot. I pull the contact back with my finger and insert batteries. If they are hard to move, a little silicone spray wouldn't hurt and might make them move easier.

These days I use the Nitecore to charge NiMh batteries. For 18650's I use the Efest LUC 4 and the Xtar VC4. They also have stiff springs on the contacts, but a little more room to work getting batteries in and out.

A rubber grip pad jar opener might be just what you need. The dollar stores sell them in packs of 4. You can use them to grip a battery for insertion and removal.

Thanks for the advice man, I had the UM20 before this and the springs were so smooth and easy. I'll try that putting them in, pulling the spring down first instead of using the bottom of the battery. It's mostly getting them out, not much room for my fingers so I'll try something rubbery might just need to get a technique down to pull them from a certain angle smoothly. The chamber is really big so I should try pushing them all the way over so I can fit my fingers and kind of roll the battery out. And who knows, maybe there is some break in period it's brand new.

 

[SteveS45]

When I got my Nitecore i4 I don't remember now if it was in a video review or not but it spoke about the slides being tight and it was suggested to break them in a bit by moving them back and forth.

 

[DaveP]

Thanks for the advice man, I had the UM20 before this and the springs were so smooth and easy. I'll try that putting them in, pulling the spring down first instead of using the bottom of the battery. It's mostly getting them out, not much room for my fingers so I'll try something rubbery might just need to get a technique down to pull them from a certain angle smoothly. The chamber is really big so I should try pushing them all the way over so I can fit my fingers and kind of roll the battery out. And who knows, maybe there is some break in period it's brand new.

The technique I use with all my chargers is simply a slight roll of the battery with a finger to lift it slightly. That makes the positive end rise a little and easier to get a finger on the end to pull it back and prevent nicks in the wrap as you lift. It's easier to do if you are charging two batteries in a four battery charger so that you have space between the batteries to get your finger in between.

I know that manufacturers like to make things compact, but it would be fine with me if they made the chassis a couple or three inches wider for more room between batteries. I've made my fingernails really sore a couple of times using them to lift and remove a battery from a charger.

 

[mongo74]

I had the same issue. It resolved itself after I broke it in like a maniac, moving the spring mechanism back and forth a few dozen or so times lol.

 

[GrimeVapes]

haha alright sweet, thanks guys. It seems like the 1 side kind of worked its self out. But the others still a little rough so I'm mainly using that side now to break it in. I appreciate all of the feedback.