Suggestions for storing new IMRs

[brian1g]

Hey all, just picked up a new pila charger and some new aw IMR 18650s. I'm planning on keeping two of the IMRs as backups and would like some storage advice.

Should I do an initial charge on the new batteries before storage or leave them like they are? I was planning on keeping them in the same cabinet as my juice (dark and about 70 degrees or so) or should they go in the fridge or freezer?

I know there is a lot of battery info here on ecf but I'm having trouble finding an answer for brand new batteries.

Thanks in advance,
Brian

 

[leannebug]

It's good to mark them somehow and always use them together (if possible) so they retain the same discharge-charge use.

Sent from my pod

 

[MXBNW]

I store my battery's in a cool place not cold just out of any direct heat. I also put my battery's in a battery case like these. To avoid an damage to them or accidental contact with the +or- ends.

Battery Cases

If you do a Ebay search you will find them much cheaper.

 

[bmwjen]

I just store them in a battery case & rotote between 3 sets.

sent from my always glamorous Android using Tapatalk

 

[Twisty]

I've read that long term storage is best at 40-50 % charge. Cold dry is best environment for storage.

Harry

 

[Mudflap]

Wonderlite, a supplier of AW batteries here on ECF had this to say on the subject:

the longer it sits around at 3.5 or below, the worse it is.. IMR cells are from power tools originally. One member of ECF, before AW made them, removed what were Emoli IMR cells from a drills power pack, he got several 18650 cells that were sitting around at 2-3 volts for longer than they should have and they still had a good amount of life left.

No matter what chemistry you use the longer a cell is dead or below 0%, the more damage it does to capacity.

I would use all of the batteries in rotation rather than storing any of them. Batteries self discharge when not in use, so I say use 'em.

 

[Big Hitter]

I would use all of the batteries in rotation rather than storing any of them.

I couldn't agree more. I have almost 20 batteries between 18650 and 14500 and they all get used.

I keep them in a line and and fresh charge goes in on the right and I pull from the left.
That way i know they get used evenly.

You will get more bang for you buck by using them all then you would by trying to "save" two.

 

[unsure]

You'd be surprised what you can find around the house. We bought a large tube of Neosporin and it came in the plastic holder with a keychain and magnet on the back. It fits 2 18650 batts and room for cartos, attys or even a a sample size juice bottle.

 

[want to quit]

I never thought about how and where to store my batteries I just put 2 in the charger and use the other 2 and when they are empty I replace them with the freshly charged once and do that over and over. Not because I have a clue about batteries just because I don't buy things that I don't use.

Wait what? Ever since I vape I buy a bunch of stuff I never use forget what I just said..

 

[Rhapsodies Fire]

ya...us too!

 

[mlinky]

I just add new batteries into the rotation, but, if I were amassing batteries for a vape armageddon, how would one store them?

 

[redheadone]

I agree with the others. Rotate them and use them. I wouldn't store them if I were you It will cause your battery to discharge. As far as cases go you can find them at COV RTDVapor and Lighthound.com

 

[lostknitter]

I keep all mine in rotation, but have started marking them with the seller and date they are purchased. That way I have a better idea of how long they last for me.

 

[unsure]

I keep all mine in rotation, but have started marking them with the seller and date they are purchased. That way I have a better idea of how long they last for me.

Good idea. Wish I had done that. I got 7 18650s all charged and should my charger go kaput I have power enough to order and wait for a new one. It would be nice to know which are the oldest tho.

 

[bitey]

What are you marking them with? I tried Permanent Sharpie Marker, and it rubbed off over a short time of regular use.

Oh, I also rotate alll of mine and agree with the others who suggest doing this. That way, you aren't out any power that you don't get the benefit of.

 

[lostknitter]

A Sharpie thin line marker, the kind that has a spring, like a ball point pen. I figure I'll just re-mark them as needed. I did mark them around the bottom, and try to grasp them around the center.

 

[brian1g]

Thanks for all the great advice everyone. My new batteries are on the pila getting their initial charge right now. Going to write the date and # on each one also. Think I needed an intervention before I became an IMR hoarder lol.

On a side note the pila seriously ROCKS!