Replace batteries?

[Ohmg like ohmg]

How do you know when an 18650 battery needs to be replaced?

 

[Mooch]

Over time you will notice that you'll need to recharge it more often. Or, in a mechanical mod, it won't seem to hit as hard. When either of this becomes too annoying, it's time to replace the battery.

You also might notice that the battery is starting to get warmer than usual. The internal resistance of the battery rises as it ages and the current through that resistance causes heat. I typically see the battery lose too much of its capacity (running time) way before the internal resistance goes up too much but if your battery starts feeling appreciably warmer during use, replace it.

 

[Completely Average]

When the amount of time a charge last is significantly shorter than when it was new.

There is no hard and fast rule, but generally speaking if one new battery lasts you all day and as it gets older it eventually only lasts part of the day it's time to replace it.

 

[suprtrkr]

Those are all good thoughts. I personally use a charger with a readout (Xtar VC4) and I trash my batteries when their charged capacity decreases by about 10%, or if I see the charger select a charging rate unusually low for the slot I have put the battery.

 

[dc99]

Since were on the subject, How do you guys dispose of your batteries?

 

[JavaJunkie]

Since were on the subject, How do you guys dispose of your batteries?

You can recycle them where electronics are accepted for recycling. Most municipalities don't want them in the regular trash. Best Buy and Target usually have small recycling drop-off thingies at the front of their stores. I heard that WalMart was going to start that, but I've not seen any there yet.

 

[Mooch]

Since were on the subject, How do you guys dispose of your batteries?

Discharge down to 2V, give it a couple wraps of duct or packing tape, and bring it to a local recycling center when I have enough stuff to make the trip worthwhile.

 

[dc99]

Thank you. I have quite a few that need a new home.

 

[JavaJunkie]

How do you know when an 18650 battery needs to be replaced?

Lithium-Ion batteries typically last ~500 charge cycles. After you've burned through about 20% of those (IIRC), you may notice that you don't have full use of the mAh. As the battery continues to be used the charge life will drop further. Basically, when it's annoying, recycle it. You should also stop using any 18650 battery that has damaged or worn wraps (unless you re-wrap it, of course). Anything that smells funny or looks corroded. My rule is that if it looks funny, recycle it.