Warning!!! Leaking Batteries!

[Big Jim]

Today I had a rash of leaking AA & AAA batteries. It started with my CD player remote not working. Huh, it was working last night! Checking the batteries they were found to be leaking. This hasn't been the first time in the last year or two that I have had leaking batteries. This sent up a flag, so, I started checking other remotes and found the ones in my big stereo system were also leaking. Two other remotes were OK, but, I changed their batteries just in case and took the ones out of two other that get little use.

Later on this evening I was trying to change channels on my TV to find that it wasn't working, although earlier today it seemed fine. Checking the batteries, I found that one of them was leaking.

Duracell, Energizer, it makes no difference as I have had both types leak. Today was no different. I will have to say that the batteries out of my stereo remote were very old, being the kind with a power strip indicator on the side. The CD p[layer batteries were dated 2017. The TV remote batteries were dated 2024.

I write this to remind everyone to check their batteries often. It is very easy to forget about them. If you catch the leak before it's too late, a little vinegar will clean things up.

However, I do think that all of these leaking batteries are a real problem. Something is not right. Up until a few years ago, I never had a leaking battery. Now, they are very common. To the point that I feel that there is a quality control issue with them across the board. New (2024), old, very old, they are all leaking.

I wonder if any of you have noticed the same thing.

[E7]

I wonder if any of you have noticed the same thing.

I am wondering if the place of manufacture might have anything to do with it? Have they changed production facilities lately?

I've used Duracells, like forever, and never had any issues. Might be that something has changed??? Disconcerting news, that!

No trouble here so far!

[chuck]

They're not lastings as long as they should either. It may have more to do with the transportation than the manufacturing per se. I doubt that the long trip in a cargo container across more than one ocean isn't helping matters especially if they make more than one crossing through the tropics. I think some of the packages indicate the batteries are coming out of SE Africa, Indian Ocean or other parts of SE Asia, aka NOT China. Sure hope the ones in the AED's are being made here or at least somewhere where there is strict QA enforcement.

[webenda]

Duracell, Energizer, it makes no difference
, they are all leaking.

I wonder if any of you have noticed the same thing.

No. I use Safeway Supermarket Signature Home brand. Not one has ever leaked.

[MYmoo]

@Big Jim:
Thank you for reminding us of some of the 'undocumented features' of batteries.
You are fortunate that you discovered this before serious damage to your equipment.

Leaking batteries and length of service (@ Chuck) are NOT a 'new' or 'recent' concern, at least for me.
Growing up in a rural location and being chastized for leaving the switch on a flashlite on causing the batteries to drain, ...at an early age, ...I learned my lesson well.

A longer length of service for batteries (or any other you-name-it product) would be detrimental with today's business models of planned obsolence.
The batteries might outlast the electronics!
They couldn't sell you a new, improved product (How can it be 'new' and 'improved at the same time'???) if any lasted "... as long as it should. ..."

@Wayne:
Location might be a contributation to your experience with batteries, as most prefer warm,dry environments.
From your illustration, complete the statement partly circled in red, "Made in the USA with _________ ___ ______ _________."
To me, This IS a truthful statement no matter where on the third rock from the Sun (Earth) you might be, while disclosing nothing about the country/location of origin.
(It would not be true if you or your location were on another 'heavenly body'.)

@To All:
Thank you for reading my response.
Y'all might already be aware of all the facts/opionions stated above.

[E7]

Location might be a contributation to your experience with batteries, as most prefer warm,dry environments.

It has been plenty warm, but not very DRY here in the rain forests of Southern PA......

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Location might be a contributation to your experience with batteries, as most prefer warm,dry environments.

It has been plenty warm, but not very DRY here in the rain forests of Southern PA......

Indeed. Been a many month long monsoon season this year....

[MYmoo]

Location might be a contributation to your experience with batteries, as most prefer warm,dry environments.

It has been plenty warm, but not very DRY here in the rain forests of Southern PA......

Indeed. Been a many month long monsoon season this year....

Make sure you don't get a hole in your rubbers...