Tarnished battery tops.

[Papillon61]

I've noticed that the flat top of one of my EFEST 18650 seems to be tarnishing - looks kind of brownish. It is the one I've had for longest and probably the one that has most hours on it. What does that mean exactly? Does it reduce performance? Should I clean it? If yes, how?

 

[State O' Flux]

Pencil eraser for the light stuff... ink eraser for the less light... toss it if it's more than surface rust.

 

[philoshop]

I have no idea why that would happen unless it's somehow getting a little bit of juice on it. Then again, it could be just atmospheric/climate related. If it's not affecting performance it's probably not worth worrying about.
The best tool for making them shiny again is a pencil eraser.

 

[Rixsta]

Sounds like Corrosion which is normal, maybe a bit of wire wool on it, don't think its anything to worry about, apart from not making a good connection.. It's just a natural phenomenon, acid softens the lead plates overtime..

 

[State O' Flux]

Then again, it could be just atmospheric/climate related. .

Probably... or really corrosive hand perspiration. Yep... that's a thing.

 

[philoshop]

In gunsmithing it's called 'toxic hands'. I've seen stainless steel barrels with fingerprints on them. (shrug)

 

[sonicbomb]

Did croak touch it?

 

[supertrunker]

It's just a natural phenomenon, acid softens the lead plates overtime..

Especially if you vape using a car battery.

T

 

[Papillon61]

I must confess You have lost me a little - what with the croak and the corrosive hands. We are talking of the actual battery. I doubt I have ever touched the flat top of my battery. It just goes for mod to charger and from charger to mod. I do have an eraser meant for cleaning stuff off just about everything including scuffs on leather. I will try that.

 

[Thrasher]

I either use scotchbright or sand paper and lightly buff it out.

Just oxidation, be it from high power, age or climate, it happens.