How to Get Old Batteries Out of a Flashlight

Batteries are usually in the bottom of a flashlight.

Old batteries are prone to leakage, so it is important to remove them from a flashlight as soon as they die. If you leave old batteries inside a flashlight, they may swell and then leak, causing corrosion and making the batteries more difficult to remove. Always wear protective gloves when removing old, dead batteries from a flashlight so you do not get battery acid on your skin.

Things You'll Need

• Trash can

Instructions

1. Locate the battery cover of the flashlight. It is usually the tailpiece of the flashlight, or it may be on the side of the flashlight if you have a larger model.

2. Hold the flashlight over a trash can.

3. Unscrew the tail cap or slip off the battery cover while holding the flashlight at an angle so any battery acid leaks flow into the trash can.

4. Look inside the battery housing to make sure there are no leaks. Pull the batteries out of the housing and discard them.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot remove the tailpiece or battery cover of the flashlight, the batteries have swollen and you should not attempt to remove them. Contact the flashlight manufacturer, who will usually replace the flashlight or repair it for you.

References

• Maglite: FAQ
• Need Battery: Cleaning up the battery leakage in flashlight