How to Resurrect a Dead Rechargeable Battery

Resurrecting dead rechargeable batteries

Rechargeable batteries are used to power countless games, toys and appliances. Families can spend small fortunes just trying keep their gaming console controllers up and running. Unfortunately, even rechargeable batteries do not last forever. There are a few tricks to try when attempting to revive old or dead rechargeable batteries. Just because rechargeable batteries are dead does not mean that you need to throw them away.

Things You'll Need

• Freezer
• Dead rechargeable batteries
• Plastic wrap
• Aluminum foil
• Digital multimeter or battery tester
• 12-volt AC/DC charger
• Protective gloves
• Safety goggles

Instructions

Freeze Dead Rechargeable Batteries Back to Life

1. 

   Freeze and recharge

   Wrap each dead rechargeable battery individually in plastic wrap.

2. Bundle the plastic-wrapped rechargeable batteries together in aluminum foil and seal tightly.

3. Place the dead rechargeable batteries in a freezer overnight.

4. Remove the dead rechargeable batteries from the freezer. Allow them to warm to room temperature.

5. Check the charge on each battery using a battery tester or multimeter. If a battery did not recharge, you may need to zap it back to life.

Zap Rechargeable Batteries Back to Life

1. 

   Bring them back to life.

   Gather together all dead rechargeable batteries that you wish to revive.

2. 

   Positive and negative ends

   Locate the positive and negative ends of the battery. The positive end always has a raised end while the negative end is flat.

3. 

   Danger

   Put on all safety gear, including goggles, gloves and a long-sleeve shirt.

4. Locate the red and black clamps on the 12-volt AC/DC charger. Place the black clamp on the negative end of the battery.

5. Hold the black clamp in place on the negative battery node. Take the red clamp and lightly tap the positive end of the battery. Sparks may fly at this point.

6. Tap the red clamp to the positive end of the battery again and hold for no longer than two seconds.

7. Remove all clamps and test the battery charge with a multimeter or battery tester.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear protective gear on your eyes, skin and hands.

• This is a hazardous procedure. Anyone attempting this process is doing so under risk of injury to themselves and/or their property.

• The recharging process should be completed by someone familiar with handling electricity.

• There is a risk of fire, explosion and acid spraying from the battery during the charging process.

References

• Low Cost Batteries: Rebuilding or Refurbishing
• This Old House: NiCad Batteries
• "Rechargeable Batteries Applications Handbook;" EDN Series for Design Engineers; 1998

Resources

• Battery Ressurection
• Tool Crib
• Dwayne's This and That: How to Rebuild a Battery Pack