My question is, WHY DO PEOPLE ACCEPT THIS? I'm 65 when I was a kid batteries leaked. People complained and the manufacturers of batteries started replacing customer's ruined flashlights, radios, tape recorders, etc. They got tired of doing that and they fixed the batteries. For a couple decades batteries DIDN'T leak. Then they moved the manufacturing to China and they started leaking again. I have a $175 wrist strap GPS unit that was RUINED by leaking batteries. (There were so many screws to remove to get into the battery compartment, I didn't check as often as I should have.) My point again is, WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE THIS FOR GRANTED. I complain. Maybe if enough of us complain they will either A. Start replacing our ruined equipment. Or B. Make batteries that don't leak. I can't accept the fact that we carry around cell phones that have more processing power than the computers on the moon flights and we can't get leak free batteries.
So, I had this issue with a trusty three D Cell maglite. Tried everything I could to remove two stuck Duracell batteries. I also enlisted the help of a neighbor who almost has a machine shop in his garage. Still no luck. I researched the internet and learned that I may get a refund on my flashlight (torch) by writing to Duracell. I did just that, and I got a brand new LED Maglite. Thanks, Duracell.
This video is a good starting point for my epic - but I have a happy ending. After removing the first corroded battery with the bolt solution described in the video, I mixed up a solution of 1/2 tsp sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and equal part water. I removed the bulb and lens and added the solution and waited. This fairly mild base solution broke the chemical bonds from the corroded battery after a couple of hours of soaking. The second stuck battery came right out with a bit of persuasion by tapping the flashlight against a wood tool bench surface. Then I flushed the light really well, removed all the corrosion I could reach and cleaned all battery contacts in the flashlight with fine sandpaper. after drying overnight, I added fresh batteries and, voila, the thing worked! FWIW, I just ordered a 300 lumen LED battery online that should bring this older light up to modern standards. The trick is to reverse the corrosion using a base - not acid - solution.
I've got a few I picked up for $1, and need to get the batteries out. I was thinking of trying baking soda, to see if that would help. Thanks for the confirmation. Hopefully it works for me. I'd considered vinegar, and also baking soda, wasn't sure which might work better...
Happy to find my mag lite flashlight with same problem.. thanks for your video!! I’ll try baking soda/water soak as well, without flash part of course! Also like the idea of writing to the company after all they’re a reputable company. Thanks all from NY
So I watched both videos and noticed that the vinegar idea was a great idea. If you add a base to an acid, they are bound to react. I have added the two together before and the reaction is very violent, but I noticed that there was no violent reaction in your video. So I set my mag light, which is the same as yours in a plastic container and poured vinegar in until about half full. After 2 days, the bottom of the plastic container was covered in brown liquid. I cleaned the mag light out, sprayed it with WD40 and after a few shakes, the battery flew right out. My mag light has the LED and works just fine now. Thanks for the idea!
For a mini AA Maglite, especially LED, if your battery is stuck, find a drill bit that'll stick all the way down and use the drill on the bottom of the battery inside the light. Then use a screw and drill that in where you drilled the hole, then try to pull it out. You may be lucky enough to pull the battery out with the drill bit which is how I just got mine out!
My situation is far worse. I have the original 6 cell D-battery flashlight, that I bought in 1987. (I still have it) I couldn't get the batteries out, so after trying everything else, I tapped the side of the flashlight on a workbench, and dented the flashlight. The batteries are wedged inside now. MagLight offers a lifetime warranty, but not if the batteries are stuck inside.
Maglite Battery Puller. OK I've seen some pretty ridiculous methods of pulling batteries out. When these batteries leak they weld to the carcass of the Maglite. For some reason other aluminum flashlights (cheaper brands) don;t do this. I followed this video and it works perfectly! It took so much force I am convinced this is the only way to get the batteries free without damaging the flashlight. After cleaning up the corrosion inside. I coated the new batteries with some vegetable shortening so they had a better chance of extraction the next time. As long as the cab where the flashlight is stored doesn't get too hot the lubricant should be fine. This is a very sound Method! GOOD JOB SIR!
After decades of being a loyal Duracell customer, I had to switch brands. Their tendency to leak was ruining too many of my devices. I had to throw several Maglites in the trash thanks to Duracell (AKA Duracrap). Since I've switched to Rayovac (Made in USA), I've not had one leaky battery.
I have had a lot of brands leak ... so far never a D size Rechargeable battery so far . I have had Duracell and Energizer leak inside 2 of my MagLites from now on i dont put any battery`s in the light until i need the light.
You're going to need a bigger screw for that second battery. I found a maglite in the woods one time that this trick would have worked well with. Good luck to you. Our little channel is now supporting yours!
Funny you should say that. I bought said screw for the second battery and made a complete meal of it. Posting a video soon "How NOT to remove a stuck battery from a Mag-Lite". Thanks for the support. Heading over to your channel now.
I've been trying a similar method for over a year working up to a very large lag screw without success so far. I notice that the battery in yours is a Duracell Coppertop battery and I am sure it is Duracells in my Maglite that are stuck because I have a whole box of devices that have been ruined by Duracell batteries including an expensive automotive code reader. There are flashlights, radios, shavers, clocks, and even cameras that were destroyed by Duracell batteries leaking, expanding, and gassing, and I've had no response from Duracell when I inquire about replacement under their "leakproof" warranty. The Duracell advertising might as well say Guaranteed to Leak, as that has been my experience. I now use energizers in anything requiring batteries. Reading the comments below, I will try soaking it with baking soda solution and see if that might help; I did try liquid wrench but that did not release them. Thanks for the video. Glad you got yours apart that way.
Checked my 2-cell Mags this morning and found one with juicy batteries. Your method worked great for both batteries. I had to spray some penetrating spray to loosen the second battery enough to reach the bolt. I used a scrap 1/4" piece of plywood for the wedge instead of the thick piece you used. Also make sure to wear eye protection when you are drilling batteries. Getting the switch assembly out was tougher. I used a piece of PVC pipe hammered from the other end to get it past the corroded parts of the aluminum tube. I am going to look for a wire wheel of the correct diameter to remove the corrosion from inside the tube.
I have used a brake cylinder hone on a drill motor to clean up the inside tube of the MagLite. That's the 3-armed tool with long honing stones on the ends.
@@HootOwl513 I was imaging one that was small enough to hone the inside of my Olight AAA keychain flashlight. I love miniature tools … but , yeah , I’m assuming (especially as recent autos don’t have wheel cylinders) they don’t make such a thing . But great idea 👍🏽
@@lisacolbert5987 My ''newer'' truck is a '71 GMC, so I'm not that familiar with more modern vehicles. Yes, wheel cylinders are now archaic, but Master Cylinders may still be the same. IDK. The tool I refered to worked in a D-cell flashlight. AA and AAA lights are smaller. Perhaps a brass shotgun bore brush on a dremel tool or drill motor might work for AA. Caliber .45 brushes may work in AAA. You'lll have to experiment.
A lot of people don't know you can remove the light switch on the upper end. Remove the rubber piece over the switch and insert a small hex wrench(don't remember the size but it is very small) through the hole in the center. loosen it and then remove the bulb retaining ring. There is a spanner nut the size of the flashlight barrel you can screw out easily. The switch can then be removed giving access to the other end of the battery in the housing.
I saw your video I bought a laser level at a tag sale it had two AAA batteries that were corroded the first battery came out no problem but the second battery was stuck. I did not have any bolts to drill into it so I used a 3 1/2 inch deck screw and it pulled it right out great video thank you so much It worked
This might work with my AA sized Maglite. It's a souvenir from my time working at "Top Gun" (the squadron not the movie). So exchanging it would provide little comfort. By use of momentum, I've been able to get the bottom battery to move. The upper battery (of 2) does move. So... I'll give your method, or a version of it, a try. I'll just screw in a wood screw and pull out the battery with pliers. Only thing, a little copper clip fell out of the bottom of the light. So far, no idea where it goes. Thanks for the idea.
Thanks a lot Sir! I just removed a leaky shitty *Duracell* battery from our nice 2D LED Maglite. I'll be staying away from *Duracell* garbage from now on.
Thanks for a good video. For me actually the closest battery to the end was fine but the other two were in bad shape. I took one of my hand weights and banged on the open bottom until they came loose. I was ready to go get the drill or head to the hardware store when your video gave me pause. Well the thing takes a beating but it's working again with some fresh batteries. Will check more regularly.
Yes I unfortunately haven't cleaned the spring on the end cap well enough and now I am inspecting the insides a few months later I've noticed it is starting to corrode
You can also remove the head of the light. The lens assembly and bulb. Replace cap that holds the bulb in so you dont lose it. On a D cell light youll need a 5/64 allen wrench a minimum of 1 1/2" long. Thats with a handle attached. 3" will be a lot easier. Remove the rubber cover for the on off switch carefully. Use a small blunt object to wrinkle it up enough to get it out. Its not glued. Put the allen wrench inside the tiny hole in the center of the on off switch. All the way as far as it will go. Carefully turn the allen wrench counter clock wise a few turns. If you are lucky there will be some space between the batteries and the light switch assembly. If so youll be able to push the switch in and slide the assembly down a bit. Then it will give you a bit of room to remove the spring clip inside atop the switch assy. I use a 45degree pick to hold against one side of the clip and a 90 degree to get behind the front edge of the clip moving it inward toward the center of the light and pulling up as to remove it from the groove it is in. After removal carefully not to bend it up. Remove the switch assy through the top of the tube. When the swithch button is in the hole youll have to push in and slide the switch assy upward past the swith hole and out the top. Then take a piece of wood if possible with the end cap removed. Place on a piece of wood or something that wont damage the threads on the bottom. Place the thing youll be dtriking the batteries with inside the top of the tube and hit it with a hammer. Rubber or dead drop is best but gotta do what ya gotta do. If there is onvious corrosion you should place the light on plastic or something so the acid doesnt go every where. Strike the chosen ram i use a broom handle until the battery or batteries move downward until you can remove them. To aid in this its a good ide to spray lube inside the light tube from both ends. It will help prevent more damage to the tube and help the batteries to come out. Clean the inner tube well. Make sure no acid remains then reverse the procedure.
You lost me at "I use a 45degree pick" ... is that a toothpick? or the kind chain-gangs use to break rock? I'm interested to hear you method ... this might be a great opportunity to post a video (or at least some pictures). But thanks for taking the time to describe another way, I'm cautious about drilling into chemical batteries, at least not without protective eyewear and gloves. I've seen what that stuff did to the metal)
@@teamtamer i have several pick sets. Ine of the picks i use has the sharp pointed tip at a 45 degree angle to the handle of the pick. Generally picks are small pieces of round steel with different angles the sharp point is at. Small handles. Used for marking the center of things. Digging small items out of tight places. Hope that cleared things up.
@@teamtamer Maybe a tool like a FACOM 234A. But i think the job can be done with a small screw driver if you've been able to push the switch assembly. Without pushing the switch assembly you can't remoove the clip, i've heavily scratched the inside of mine trying to remoove that clip without pushing the switch.
That's quite the fancypants drill ya got there lol. I have a maglite with rotten batteries I will have to try this. I also just found one I had packed away for years, batteries expired in 2014 so they are 15 years old. No corrosion and the stupid thing still lit up when I turned it on! They only had 1.45v so pretty well dead, but can't believe they didn't fail
I'm here because I had a stuck battery, of course. I don't have a drill, so I took some cotton swabs and applied white vinegar to the battery. Reached in with a long file and scraped away the corrosion. Tapped the flashlight on the counter a few times and it came right out!
There is a circular retaining clip in the tube (not shown in this video) in my two Maglites, at the top of the switch assembly; IF you remove it ; then the switch assembly comes out the top, you can easily get corroded/ frozen batteries out. I used a 1" socket and extension with a rubber hammer to drive it out .
I came here because I had the same problem. My brother had this "like-new" Maglite 5 cell. He passed away a couple of years ago, and I'm trying to rescue It because it was something that belong to him, and I miss him. It seems like everything our family has used Duracell batteries in, has experienced this leakage. We've had technical equipment ruined by Duracell batteries that were well within their expiration date. Even the cheap Panasonic batteries from the Dollar General store don't do this. And for that matter, rhe old Duracells didn't do it back in the 70s either. ( if I remember correctly, they even guaranteed no leakage or they would replace the product. ) My unfortunate problem with my brother's flashlight is that the battery is the second one from the tail cap. I don't know if I can soak it with something to eat the electrolysis and corrosion away, or what I'm going to do at this point. I have to be careful not to ruin the switch and bulb assembly. I've got to see if I can take that apart from the front. THANK YOU, DURACELL!
Soaking the inside with apple cider vinegar helps also. If it won't budge, drill the battery, then soak with vinegar. This will eat all of the alkaline material and allow you to crush the battery shell. A small cylinder hone can remove the crusty junk after . Rinse the inside well. In the future, either remove the batteries when not in use or make a sleeve with parchment paper.
Wow, please be careful what type of battery you drill into, I tried this with a 18650 high powered battery that was stuck. As soon as drill bit penetrated it combusted and turned into a missile flying around the garage like a bullet. Very scary, Im sure these batteries are much safer but Im done drilling batteries
Good point. Don't mess with lithium batteries. These were very drained 1.5v alkaline cells. There was very little electrical energy stored in the battery. The main risk here is the corrosive nature of the contents of the cell.
This....did it work for me. Lol I had to beat the ever loving crap out of mine with hammers, poles, drills and chisels to get the remains of the battery and switch out. It was so badly corroded it'll need milled out now. But hopefully it'll still accept the upgrades. All the external threads are fine. Just in case anyone else was having difficulty with theirs! 😂
Well,This torch is a Dsize battery one,you should be able to remove the head and drive the corroded batteries out with a wooden dowel rod and a hammer...I remember having done that years ago..while you are about it you could replace the bulb with a LED bulb..Eveready state on their packaging that they will replace,at their discretion any device damaged by their batteries leaking..You could also consider doing what I saw another fellow do,years ago and that was to replace the D batteries with C ones..He put 5 C batteries into a pvc pipe,cut to length,and inserted this sleeved unit into the torch,saying that would solve leakage problem.he had suffered previously..
I sprayed Nutek Green Bolt Off Penetrant along the edge of the batteries - let sit for 10 minutes - and the batteries came out from my 3 Cell Maglite. Had to use hammer with screwdriver to tap on one battery and loosen - but with tapping on wood, they came out for me. No idea if the penetrant will do any damage to the Mag-lite over time.
Just found out that maglight warranties stuck corroded batteries in mag lights if they are duracell copper top or everready batteries even if warranty expired simply mail it to them and they send you a new flashlight
Brilliant News! Although I couldn't find information to this effect. The info I found on this one appears to exclude battery leakage from a warranty claim, rather direct the complaint to the battery company. Either way, the cost of sending back to MagLite head office from overseas would probably make it not worthwhile. maglite.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/UNIV_INCAN_WHS_WARRANTY_ENG_0716.pdf
You may not be able to send a package containing batteries by post as they are considered a hazardous material. Definitely a no-no if lithium batteries are involved.
Sorry, but your info is out of date. Mag-lite will NOT just "send you a new flashlight." They now have a Trade-in Program where they will take your light as a trade in toward a new light. The down side is that you pay about the same as price you would if you shop on Amazon for a new one. Add to that the shipping from your home to CA and the shipping from CA to your home. If you cannot get the battery out, sell it for parts and buy a new one on Amazon.
That is false. Where exactly did you read that? The warranty literally says. "This warranty does not cover any of the following: 1. Battery exhaustion; 2. Battery leakage; 3. Lamp burnout; or 4. Damage to or failure of the flashlight or any component thereof due to alteration, misuse, battery leakage or lack of maintenance." If batteries leak inside the device you can contact the battery maker as sometimes they cover devices damaged using their batteries, but Maglite would not just send a free light.
Some years ago I found the three Duracell D cell batteries had corroded completely in my MagLight. I called them, and they said to send it to them for a replacement. I did, and they sent me a new flashlight at no charge. They might have changed their policy since that time. Simple way to find out is to call them and ask.
For me, the batteries were "fused" so tightly to the aluminum tube that even your screw method didn't work; the screw finally ripped out of the battery. The last and ultimate method always works: chisel out stuck battery(ies) with a (silicone) hammer and a chisel.
Hi, my battery happens to be the 3rd one back or battery further in. I have a drill that could reach it but might be dangerous drilling into it? What is your recommendation? Thank you, Henry
Used to use Maglights in my work as aerospace QA and at home. Loved them. The new LED flashlights are better though, just as bright or brighter and batteries last way longer. I really like the Husky brand ones from Home Depot. Goodbye old friend.
Problem solved. Looked at some other videos and they suggested baking soda and water to neutralize the acid. I soaked it in a small tub overnight in baking soda. Instead of using a heat gun like they did (because I do not own one), I poured boiling water down the flashlight. Took it into the garage and one firm tap on the concrete got the battery loose. Now to clean up battery mess from inside the light.
I did that with one light. Was able to tap it out by smacking it. what a mess inside. But I was able to get it working again. The other light was to far gone. Teach me to leave the batteries in to long. The funny part is , the lights were working even with the batteries leaking all over. So the only way to check them is to remove the batteries.
I didn't experienced this but use good quality batteries and don't forget batteries inside for long time or just use rechargeable batteries in it nowadays there are Chinese lights with 18650 battery alot more lumens than maglite
@@Hi_hs I used Duracell. They were fresh when I put them in. Time slips by and I am not how long they were in. The lights still worked so I thought everything was ok. It wasn't
I seen in many reviews people saying that Duracells leaks inside so try other brands like camelion or use rechargeable but check it after 1 or 2 months also use some petroleum jelly inside its cap so it will not jam
Yes, Duracell are the worst. The new blue/silver ray-o-vacs are not so great either. Their old Black/Grey batteries with White letters were quite good, but now seems only the bright blue/silver ones are available. :-(
I want to repair my maglite its the big one like cops use and the spring is rusted away from.the back and i had to cut off the cap with a sawzall everything is rusted and corroded i wonder if this is too much for me to bite off and fix, i tried this technique and the batteries are like white and rusted all over and it just broke the battery when i tried pulling it out wonder if i can just drill it out to the best of my ability and wite brush everything
I like your accent. :) The coach screw is what we Yanks call a lag screw, not that it matters. Same thing. :) I was hoping to see the other battery vid you mentioned making. Edit: I found it thanks.Cheers!
What does Duracell say about these stuff ? I have a mini Maglite that i destroyed because i couldn't unscrew the cap because of tge Duracell batteries seized...
It sounded like the second battery moved a little. I have seen battery corrosion cause damage to the inside of the flashlight. Maybe you could hone the inside of the cylinder. I am working on two "torches" myself at the moment, but they are the kind that have 3 AAA batteries in a plastic case. I can'ts destroy the case.
I cut a piece of scrap wood the long way, narrow enough to fit into the mag light tube. I sprayed a liberal amount of WD-40 around the outer edges of the batteries, inserted the piece of wood into the tube, and beat the holy crap out of the stuck batteries. I left the WD-40 on the inner walls of the tube and haven't had a stuck battery since.
I inherited a AAA battery MAG light and could NOT remove the end cap. I put it in a vise and the metal shredded but still the cap remained. I tossed the whole thing out 😢
Very good. But be sure not to do this with either mercury-paste or cadmium-mix batteries. (They are unlikely to be found in any device these days, but are toxic inside, and that's slightly dangerous.) A good video, for sure. Thank you.
Hello, i have the same problem. As i have NO experience in doing a whole in a battery is it dangerous do do that (might it explode or something else)? Thanks a lot and great video ! :)
You can remove the head, slip a socket wrench over the bulb socket, add an extension and whack it with a hammer. That will remove the last two batteries and the switch.
I think we all know who the biggest culprit is when it comes to leaking batteries. I will never EVER buy a battery with a copper top again. They have cost me thousands of dollars in damaged equipment. I don’t recall ever having an Energizer leak in all my years.
Yeah that would be the first option. It didn't work for me though as the second battery was firmly in place and the screw just pulled through.. th-cam.com/video/x8wwFYcokG4/w-d-xo.html
You could remove the switch housing and go in from the top as shown in this video: th-cam.com/video/JPiFG0_jCYs/w-d-xo.html Then you could try and soak the end cap from the inside.
Longer screw? Or have a look at my other video where I dig out the next battery. Or you could dismantle the top of the maglite and push it through. Don’t give up!
Whilst the contents of an alkaline battery are corrosive (Hence the whole topic of this video), the amount of stored energy in a mostly depleted 1.5v D cell is very low. It is highly unlikely there would be any explosion. Happy for smarter people than me to contribute here!
I'll be dog gone !! Wish I'd thought of or saw something like this years ago. Had a nifty 3 cell AAA maglite, and this happened to it. I failed to get it out and tossed it.
I just tried this on my mini mag and it didn't work so well on the AA batteries. The screws kept pulling through. Ultimately I managed to get it out. On hind site for the mini mag I should have taken a drift to the light end and driven it out... The second battery was loose but the light is a loss anyway.
I had this issue with my second battery and ended up drilling out the top of it and then using a chisel to pry the battery casing from the flashlight wall. Got there in the end but damn it was hard work!
Dunno if you caught my comments on the video. My latest project had a battery bust at the closets end to the bulb. My method will work without drilling(allowing more acid to escape,no bolts etc)
i got mine out by "chiseling" the battery with a wooden stick and a hammer. i kept trying to twist it and whip the light until it came out. it took days. literally at least a week of it just pointing upwards with wd40 to hope it would slide out. after enough horrific chiseling which probably irreversably destroyed my torch. it came out. and left a permanent unremovable stain from the inside of the light
Remove batteries from all devices you aren't using for a long time. This includes flashlights -- if you have more than one of them side by side, you should rotate which one has batteries every few weeks. Keep the unused batteries within reach so you can grab and load them into the empty torch when you need to use both flashlights at the same time
lol epic ending.. 😅
Yeah, had to laugh - er - larf.
Buggah!
🤣😂 my thoughts exactly.....
Bugger 😂
when it rains, it pours.
My question is, WHY DO PEOPLE ACCEPT THIS? I'm 65 when I was a kid batteries leaked. People complained and the manufacturers of batteries started replacing customer's ruined flashlights, radios, tape recorders, etc. They got tired of doing that and they fixed the batteries. For a couple decades batteries DIDN'T leak. Then they moved the manufacturing to China and they started leaking again. I have a $175 wrist strap GPS unit that was RUINED by leaking batteries. (There were so many screws to remove to get into the battery compartment, I didn't check as often as I should have.) My point again is, WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE THIS FOR GRANTED. I complain. Maybe if enough of us complain they will either A. Start replacing our ruined equipment. Or B. Make batteries that don't leak. I can't accept the fact that we carry around cell phones that have more processing power than the computers on the moon flights and we can't get leak free batteries.
more reason to bring manufacturing back home!
YES!
PanamaSticks
Duracell now advertise a 10 year leak free guarantee.........
@@teatonaz I agree. Duracell is the worst.
I swear there is a solution/tutorial online for every issue I encounter! 😂 Thanks for the video!
So, I had this issue with a trusty three D Cell maglite. Tried everything I could to remove two stuck Duracell batteries. I also enlisted the help of a neighbor who almost has a machine shop in his garage. Still no luck. I researched the internet and learned that I may get a refund on my flashlight (torch) by writing to Duracell. I did just that, and I got a brand new LED Maglite. Thanks, Duracell.
This happens with Energizers also. That is my project today.
I don't even know what brand is corroded in mine, worked on it off and on through the day. Nothing moving,so here I am 😂
I would never have drilled a battery until I watched this. Thank you, you helped me save a great light.
Drill first, soak with apple cider vinegar. This will deactivate any alkaline in the cell, if you are worried about that.
This video is a good starting point for my epic - but I have a happy ending. After removing the first corroded battery with the bolt solution described in the video, I mixed up a solution of 1/2 tsp sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and equal part water. I removed the bulb and lens and added the solution and waited. This fairly mild base solution broke the chemical bonds from the corroded battery after a couple of hours of soaking. The second stuck battery came right out with a bit of persuasion by tapping the flashlight against a wood tool bench surface. Then I flushed the light really well, removed all the corrosion I could reach and cleaned all battery contacts in the flashlight with fine sandpaper. after drying overnight, I added fresh batteries and, voila, the thing worked! FWIW, I just ordered a 300 lumen LED battery online that should bring this older light up to modern standards. The trick is to reverse the corrosion using a base - not acid - solution.
i'm gonna try it
Thank you muchly for adding this comment
I've got a few I picked up for $1, and need to get the batteries out. I was thinking of trying baking soda, to see if that would help. Thanks for the confirmation. Hopefully it works for me.
I'd considered vinegar, and also baking soda, wasn't sure which might work better...
Happy to find my mag lite flashlight with same problem.. thanks for your video!! I’ll try baking soda/water soak as well, without flash part of course! Also like the idea of writing to the company after all they’re a reputable company. Thanks all from NY
So I watched both videos and noticed that the vinegar idea was a great idea. If you add a base to an acid, they are bound to react. I have added the two together before and the reaction is very violent, but I noticed that there was no violent reaction in your video. So I set my mag light, which is the same as yours in a plastic container and poured vinegar in until about half full. After 2 days, the bottom of the plastic container was covered in brown liquid. I cleaned the mag light out, sprayed it with WD40 and after a few shakes, the battery flew right out. My mag light has the LED and works just fine now. Thanks for the idea!
I love how it ends! I have a 40 dollar toothbrush with the same problem and one would be crazy to spend another 40 without giving this a go. Thanks!
Followed most of your advice,but rather than use a coach bolt,which I didn't have,I used a corkscrew-of which I have many!
worked a treat!
Nice!!
Your comment about a corkscrew saved me! I have a AAA-sized mag light with no suitable screws. Cork screw got it done in a few seconds!
@@adslf874yti3q7u4hf83 You're very welcome.
For a mini AA Maglite, especially LED, if your battery is stuck, find a drill bit that'll stick all the way down and use the drill on the bottom of the battery inside the light. Then use a screw and drill that in where you drilled the hole, then try to pull it out. You may be lucky enough to pull the battery out with the drill bit which is how I just got mine out!
My situation is far worse. I have the original 6 cell D-battery flashlight, that I bought in 1987. (I still have it) I couldn't get the batteries out, so after trying everything else, I tapped the side of the flashlight on a workbench, and dented the flashlight. The batteries are wedged inside now. MagLight offers a lifetime warranty, but not if the batteries are stuck inside.
Maglite Battery Puller.
OK I've seen some pretty ridiculous methods of pulling batteries out. When these batteries leak they weld to the carcass of the Maglite. For some reason other aluminum flashlights (cheaper brands) don;t do this. I followed this video and it works perfectly! It took so much force I am convinced this is the only way to get the batteries free without damaging the flashlight. After cleaning up the corrosion inside. I coated the new batteries with some vegetable shortening so they had a better chance of extraction the next time. As long as the cab where the flashlight is stored doesn't get too hot the lubricant should be fine. This is a very sound Method! GOOD JOB SIR!
After decades of being a loyal Duracell customer, I had to switch brands. Their tendency to leak was ruining too many of my devices. I had to throw several Maglites in the trash thanks to Duracell (AKA Duracrap). Since I've switched to Rayovac (Made in USA), I've not had one leaky battery.
Funny, Rayovac just ruined my Mag-Light. Got the first one out but still working on the 2nd battery.
I have had a lot of brands leak ... so far never a D size Rechargeable battery so far . I have had Duracell and Energizer leak inside 2 of my MagLites from now on i dont put any battery`s in the light until i need the light.
Greg Sullivan
You're going to need a bigger screw for that second battery. I found a maglite in the woods one time that this trick would have worked well with. Good luck to you. Our little channel is now supporting yours!
Funny you should say that. I bought said screw for the second battery and made a complete meal of it. Posting a video soon "How NOT to remove a stuck battery from a Mag-Lite". Thanks for the support. Heading over to your channel now.
I've been trying a similar method for over a year working up to a very large lag screw without success so far. I notice that the battery in yours is a Duracell Coppertop battery and I am sure it is Duracells in my Maglite that are stuck because I have a whole box of devices that have been ruined by Duracell batteries including an expensive automotive code reader. There are flashlights, radios, shavers, clocks, and even cameras that were destroyed by Duracell batteries leaking, expanding, and gassing, and I've had no response from Duracell when I inquire about replacement under their "leakproof" warranty. The Duracell advertising might as well say Guaranteed to Leak, as that has been my experience. I now use energizers in anything requiring batteries. Reading the comments below, I will try soaking it with baking soda solution and see if that might help; I did try liquid wrench but that did not release them. Thanks for the video. Glad you got yours apart that way.
Checked my 2-cell Mags this morning and found one with juicy batteries. Your method worked great for both batteries. I had to spray some penetrating spray to loosen the second battery enough to reach the bolt. I used a scrap 1/4" piece of plywood for the wedge instead of the thick piece you used. Also make sure to wear eye protection when you are drilling batteries. Getting the switch assembly out was tougher. I used a piece of PVC pipe hammered from the other end to get it past the corroded parts of the aluminum tube. I am going to look for a wire wheel of the correct diameter to remove the corrosion from inside the tube.
I have used a brake cylinder hone on a drill motor to clean up the inside tube of the MagLite. That's the 3-armed tool with long honing stones on the ends.
@@HootOwl513 I was imaging one that was small enough to hone the inside of my Olight AAA keychain flashlight. I love miniature tools … but , yeah , I’m assuming (especially as recent autos don’t have wheel cylinders) they don’t make such a thing . But great idea 👍🏽
@@lisacolbert5987 My ''newer'' truck is a '71 GMC, so I'm not that familiar with more modern vehicles. Yes, wheel cylinders are now archaic, but Master Cylinders may still be the same. IDK. The tool I refered to worked in a D-cell flashlight. AA and AAA lights are smaller. Perhaps a brass shotgun bore brush on a dremel tool or drill motor might work for AA. Caliber .45 brushes may work in AAA. You'lll have to experiment.
Thank you for explaining this battery extraction method. My light is smaller, but the same principle applies here.
I have some Maglites which have bad batteries stuck in them and I need to get them out. I will try this technique on my lights and hope it works.
THANK YOU!! I just did this on a smaller scale using dense, 2mm cardboard and it worked - hoorayyyy!
Right. That last word was worth waiting for.
Very helpful - I enjoyed the moral lesson at the end.
It's like pulling the cork out of a wine bottle! Worked great with a stuck AA battery. Thanks.
Bugger! Love it! Good tip overall.
A lot of people don't know you can remove the light switch on the upper end. Remove the rubber piece over the switch and insert a small hex wrench(don't remember the size but it is very small) through the hole in the center. loosen it and then remove the bulb retaining ring. There is a spanner nut the size of the flashlight barrel you can screw out easily. The switch can then be removed giving access to the other end of the battery in the housing.
You've got to make a video of that. I'm sure there would be tons of people wanting to see that.
I saw your video I bought a laser level at a tag sale it had two AAA batteries that were corroded the first battery came out no problem but the second battery was stuck. I did not have any bolts to drill into it so I used a 3 1/2 inch deck screw and it pulled it right out great video thank you so much It worked
Thank you this helped but I lost it at the end when you said "bugger"
This might work with my AA sized Maglite. It's a souvenir from my
time working at "Top Gun" (the squadron not the movie). So exchanging it would provide little comfort.
By use of momentum, I've been able to get the bottom battery to move. The upper battery (of 2) does move. So... I'll give your method, or a version of it, a try. I'll just screw in a wood screw and pull out the battery with pliers.
Only thing, a little copper clip fell out of the bottom of the light. So far, no idea where it goes.
Thanks for the idea.
Did you figure out what it was?
@@Demiglitch: Yes. Corrosion was too far gone. I junked it.
I’m really thankful but I still have the other battery’s to get out😭
Thanks a lot Sir! I just removed a leaky shitty *Duracell* battery from our nice 2D LED Maglite. I'll be staying away from *Duracell* garbage from now on.
Thanks for a good video. For me actually the closest battery to the end was fine but the other two were in bad shape. I took one of my hand weights and banged on the open bottom until they came loose. I was ready to go get the drill or head to the hardware store when your video gave me pause. Well the thing takes a beating but it's working again with some fresh batteries. Will check more regularly.
Yes I unfortunately haven't cleaned the spring on the end cap well enough and now I am inspecting the insides a few months later I've noticed it is starting to corrode
So the lesson is while there are some great hacks nothing replaces good maintenance.
You can also remove the head of the light. The lens assembly and bulb. Replace cap that holds the bulb in so you dont lose it. On a D cell light youll need a 5/64 allen wrench a minimum of 1 1/2" long. Thats with a handle attached. 3" will be a lot easier. Remove the rubber cover for the on off switch carefully. Use a small blunt object to wrinkle it up enough to get it out. Its not glued. Put the allen wrench inside the tiny hole in the center of the on off switch. All the way as far as it will go. Carefully turn the allen wrench counter clock wise a few turns. If you are lucky there will be some space between the batteries and the light switch assembly. If so youll be able to push the switch in and slide the assembly down a bit. Then it will give you a bit of room to remove the spring clip inside atop the switch assy. I use a 45degree pick to hold against one side of the clip and a 90 degree to get behind the front edge of the clip moving it inward toward the center of the light and pulling up as to remove it from the groove it is in. After removal carefully not to bend it up. Remove the switch assy through the top of the tube. When the swithch button is in the hole youll have to push in and slide the switch assy upward past the swith hole and out the top. Then take a piece of wood if possible with the end cap removed. Place on a piece of wood or something that wont damage the threads on the bottom. Place the thing youll be dtriking the batteries with inside the top of the tube and hit it with a hammer. Rubber or dead drop is best but gotta do what ya gotta do. If there is onvious corrosion you should place the light on plastic or something so the acid doesnt go every where. Strike the chosen ram i use a broom handle until the battery or batteries move downward until you can remove them. To aid in this its a good ide to spray lube inside the light tube from both ends. It will help prevent more damage to the tube and help the batteries to come out. Clean the inner tube well. Make sure no acid remains then reverse the procedure.
VERY difficult to remove the retaining ring with spear ends.
My head hurts
You lost me at "I use a 45degree pick" ... is that a toothpick? or the kind chain-gangs use to break rock?
I'm interested to hear you method ... this might be a great opportunity to post a video (or at least some pictures). But thanks for taking the time to describe another way, I'm cautious about drilling into chemical batteries, at least not without protective eyewear and gloves. I've seen what that stuff did to the metal)
@@teamtamer i have several pick sets. Ine of the picks i use has the sharp pointed tip at a 45 degree angle to the handle of the pick. Generally picks are small pieces of round steel with different angles the sharp point is at. Small handles. Used for marking the center of things. Digging small items out of tight places. Hope that cleared things up.
@@teamtamer Maybe a tool like a FACOM 234A. But i think the job can be done with a small screw driver if you've been able to push the switch assembly. Without pushing the switch assembly you can't remoove the clip, i've heavily scratched the inside of mine trying to remoove that clip without pushing the switch.
That's quite the fancypants drill ya got there lol. I have a maglite with rotten batteries I will have to try this. I also just found one I had packed away for years, batteries expired in 2014 so they are 15 years old. No corrosion and the stupid thing still lit up when I turned it on! They only had 1.45v so pretty well dead, but can't believe they didn't fail
Yep. All the gear, no idea!
I'm here because I had a stuck battery, of course. I don't have a drill, so I took some cotton swabs and applied white vinegar to the battery. Reached in with a long file and scraped away the corrosion. Tapped the flashlight on the counter a few times and it came right out!
The final video shows disassembly of the switch mechanism to force the batteries out from the top.
There is a circular retaining clip in the tube (not shown in this video) in my two Maglites, at the top of the switch assembly; IF you remove it ; then the switch assembly comes out the top, you can easily get corroded/ frozen batteries out. I used a 1" socket and extension with a rubber hammer to drive it out .
B.R. Field this would have made the job so my easier! Thank you!
You're gonna need a bigger bolt...!!! - Jaws
Ha! Fucken amazing..
I came here because I had the same problem. My brother had this "like-new" Maglite 5 cell. He passed away a couple of years ago, and I'm trying to rescue It because it was something that belong to him, and I miss him. It seems like everything our family has used Duracell batteries in, has experienced this leakage. We've had technical equipment ruined by Duracell batteries that were well within their expiration date. Even the cheap Panasonic batteries from the Dollar General store don't do this. And for that matter, rhe old Duracells didn't do it back in the 70s either. ( if I remember correctly, they even guaranteed no leakage or they would replace the product. )
My unfortunate problem with my brother's flashlight is that the battery is the second one from the tail cap. I don't know if I can soak it with something to eat the electrolysis and corrosion away, or what I'm going to do at this point. I have to be careful not to ruin the switch and bulb assembly. I've got to see if I can take that apart from the front.
THANK YOU, DURACELL!
I use vinegar and baking soda, works everytime, you may have to tap the tub with a rubber mallet to loosen
John Nickolsen
A good long white vinegar soak can help...
It totally worked! Thanks
Soaking the inside with apple cider vinegar helps also. If it won't budge, drill the battery, then soak with vinegar. This will eat all of the alkaline material and allow you to crush the battery shell. A small cylinder hone can remove the crusty junk after . Rinse the inside well. In the future, either remove the batteries when not in use or make a sleeve with parchment paper.
Wow, please be careful what type of battery you drill into, I tried this with a 18650 high powered battery that was stuck. As soon as drill bit penetrated it combusted and turned into a missile flying around the garage like a bullet. Very scary, Im sure these batteries are much safer but Im done drilling batteries
Good point. Don't mess with lithium batteries. These were very drained 1.5v alkaline cells. There was very little electrical energy stored in the battery. The main risk here is the corrosive nature of the contents of the cell.
Great idea worked great. Thanks
Thank you for your help sir.
So helpful video.
great ending!
That helped a lot, because I just wanted to know if I can Drill into the battery. 💪🎉👍
This....did it work for me. Lol I had to beat the ever loving crap out of mine with hammers, poles, drills and chisels to get the remains of the battery and switch out. It was so badly corroded it'll need milled out now. But hopefully it'll still accept the upgrades. All the external threads are fine. Just in case anyone else was having difficulty with theirs! 😂
That is a good idea! I will try it out later! Thanks. How many battery are in a MagLight 6?
Thank you, saved my Led-Lenser 🙂
I was shocked out of my mind to see a duracell come out of that flashlight./sarc
Yep, classic ending. I actually LOL'ed ! ! !
Well,This torch is a Dsize battery one,you should be able to remove the head and drive the corroded batteries out with a wooden dowel rod and a hammer...I remember having done that years ago..while you are about it you could replace the bulb with a LED bulb..Eveready state on their packaging that they will replace,at their discretion any device damaged by their batteries leaking..You could also consider doing what I saw another fellow do,years ago and that was to replace the D batteries with C ones..He put 5 C batteries into a pvc pipe,cut to length,and inserted this sleeved unit into the torch,saying that would solve leakage problem.he had suffered previously..
My D size Maglite isn't open from the bulb end. It's closed just forward of the push button switch.
Thx, worked perfectly 🙂
I sprayed Nutek Green Bolt Off Penetrant along the edge of the batteries - let sit for 10 minutes - and the batteries came out from my 3 Cell Maglite. Had to use hammer with screwdriver to tap on one battery and loosen - but with tapping on wood, they came out for me. No idea if the penetrant will do any damage to the Mag-lite over time.
What a twist! Hope I have better luck...
Just found out that maglight warranties stuck corroded batteries in mag lights if they are duracell copper top or everready batteries even if warranty expired simply mail it to them and they send you a new flashlight
Brilliant News! Although I couldn't find information to this effect. The info I found on this one appears to exclude battery leakage from a warranty claim, rather direct the complaint to the battery company. Either way, the cost of sending back to MagLite head office from overseas would probably make it not worthwhile. maglite.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/UNIV_INCAN_WHS_WARRANTY_ENG_0716.pdf
You may not be able to send a package containing batteries by post as they are considered a hazardous material. Definitely a no-no if lithium batteries are involved.
Sorry, but your info is out of date. Mag-lite will NOT just "send you a new
flashlight." They now have a Trade-in Program where they will take your light as a trade in toward a new light. The down side is that you pay about the same as
price you would if you shop on Amazon for a new one. Add to that the shipping from your home to CA and the shipping from CA to your home. If you cannot get the battery out, sell it for parts and buy a new one on Amazon.
That is false. Where exactly did you read that? The warranty literally says. "This warranty does not cover any of the following: 1.
Battery exhaustion; 2. Battery leakage; 3. Lamp burnout; or 4. Damage to or failure of the flashlight or any component thereof due to alteration, misuse, battery leakage or lack of maintenance."
If batteries leak inside the device you can contact the battery maker as sometimes they cover devices damaged using their batteries, but Maglite would not just send a free light.
Some years ago I found the three Duracell D cell batteries had corroded completely in my MagLight. I called them, and they said to send it to them for a replacement.
I did, and they sent me a new flashlight at no charge.
They might have changed their policy since that time.
Simple way to find out is to call them and ask.
thank you, thats the problem I have and will do that tomorrow
For me, the batteries were "fused" so tightly to the aluminum tube that even your screw method didn't work; the screw finally ripped out of the battery.
The last and ultimate method always works: chisel out stuck battery(ies) with a (silicone) hammer and a chisel.
Great attempt. On to battery two. You can do it.
Thanks Andy. I did it, but it was a mess!
We miss 100% of the chances if we don't try. Congrats. Gloat in the glory my friend... You did it and that's all that matters.
Worked great! Thanks!
Hi, my battery happens to be the 3rd one back or battery further in. I have a drill that could reach it but might be dangerous drilling into it? What is your recommendation? Thank you, Henry
It always seems to be a Duracell that’s swollen, corroded & stuck. I’ve even had Duracell AA batteries corroding in their seal packaging!
Thanks for the tutorial... I had less but work just as effective. Now I'm where your at battery two.. haha
Glad to hear it worked for you!
I got the second battery out last night... But i made a complete mess of it! Will post the video soon
Thanks again for watching
Used to use Maglights in my work as aerospace QA and at home. Loved them. The new LED flashlights are better though, just as bright or brighter and batteries last way longer. I really like the Husky brand ones from Home Depot. Goodbye old friend.
Thanks man! I have just succeded! You saved me a lot of time and thinking and possible mistakes! Thanks a lot!!
Great to hear! It doesn't always work, but when it does it's very satisfying!
Problem solved. Looked at some other videos and they suggested baking soda and water to neutralize the acid. I soaked it in a small tub overnight in baking soda. Instead of using a heat gun like they did (because I do not own one), I poured boiling water down the flashlight. Took it into the garage and one firm tap on the concrete got the battery loose. Now to clean up battery mess from inside the light.
Boiling water is easy way
I did that with one light. Was able to tap it out by smacking it. what a mess inside. But I was able to get it working again. The other light was to far gone. Teach me to leave the batteries in to long. The funny part is , the lights were working even with the batteries leaking all over. So the only way to check them is to remove the batteries.
I didn't experienced this but use good quality batteries and don't forget batteries inside for long time or just use rechargeable batteries in it nowadays there are Chinese lights with 18650 battery alot more lumens than maglite
@@Hi_hs I used Duracell. They were fresh when I put them in. Time slips by and I am not how long they were in. The lights still worked so I thought everything was ok. It wasn't
I seen in many reviews people saying that Duracells leaks inside so try other brands like camelion or use rechargeable but check it after 1 or 2 months also use some petroleum jelly inside its cap so it will not jam
Thank you for this trick :)
I had the same with a Duracell. They replaced the torch and gave me a set of batteries. Seems Duracell leak.
Yes, Duracell are the worst. The new blue/silver ray-o-vacs are not so great either. Their old Black/Grey batteries with White letters were quite good, but now seems only the bright blue/silver ones are available. :-(
I want to repair my maglite its the big one like cops use and the spring is rusted away from.the back and i had to cut off the cap with a sawzall everything is rusted and corroded i wonder if this is too much for me to bite off and fix, i tried this technique and the batteries are like white and rusted all over and it just broke the battery when i tried pulling it out wonder if i can just drill it out to the best of my ability and wite brush everything
Hahahahahaha - Bugger, Perfect description - good luck!
Hilarious comedic timing on the ending
Not much help when it's the first battery :\
This is my problem. It's the first battery...
Use a shorter bolt Einstein. 🙄
@@Beardman56 longer bolt then, eh.
wondeboy12
I like your accent. :) The coach screw is what we Yanks call a lag screw, not that it matters. Same thing. :) I was hoping to see the other battery vid you mentioned making.
Edit: I found it thanks.Cheers!
Bowtie Thirteentwenty it’s on my channel. I get the battery out but it’s not pretty!
@@stephenjlr Thank you I found it. :)
What does Duracell say about these stuff ? I have a mini Maglite that i destroyed because i couldn't unscrew the cap because of tge Duracell batteries seized...
It sounded like the second battery moved a little. I have seen battery corrosion cause damage to the inside of the flashlight. Maybe you could hone the inside of the cylinder. I am working on two "torches" myself at the moment, but they are the kind that have 3 AAA batteries in a plastic case. I can'ts destroy the case.
Thanks mate; good on ya. As far as it went (bugga). Great technique, gotta go out to the Gar-age now. :)
Unfortunately didn't work for me and I can't seem to get the retention ring out of the top side. How frustrating.
I cut a piece of scrap wood the long way, narrow enough to fit into the mag light tube. I sprayed a liberal amount of WD-40 around the outer edges of the batteries, inserted the piece of wood into the tube, and beat the holy crap out of the stuck batteries. I left the WD-40 on the inner walls of the tube and haven't had a stuck battery since.
Did you do a opposite end approach, by undoing the lamp end hammering them out from that direction?
@@frankw3217
Yes. There was more visable battery crud in the cap end. Seemed to me that was the way to go.
I inherited a AAA battery MAG light and could NOT remove the end cap. I put it in a vise and the metal shredded but still the cap remained. I tossed the whole thing out 😢
Very good. But be sure not to do this with either mercury-paste or cadmium-mix batteries. (They are unlikely to be found in any device these days, but are toxic inside, and that's slightly dangerous.) A good video, for sure. Thank you.
Hello, i have the same problem. As i have NO experience in doing a whole in a battery is it dangerous do do that (might it explode or something else)? Thanks a lot and great video ! :)
These batteries would be holding very little energy so there is close to zero chance of explosion. The contents of the cell may be corrosive though.
is there a further solution to this vexing problem? I challenge the author to provide another go at the distant battery!
Another two videos on the channel Neil. I didn’t give up!
You can remove the head, slip a socket wrench over the bulb socket, add an extension and whack it with a hammer. That will remove the last two batteries and the switch.
Wish I saw this a long time ago I lost two good maglites this way ,and I thought buy buying brand name batteries was a good idea
💥 Bugger 💥
I think we all know who the biggest culprit is when it comes to leaking batteries. I will never EVER buy a battery with a copper top again. They have cost me thousands of dollars in damaged equipment. I don’t recall ever having an Energizer leak in all my years.
Thanks! What about the next battery? That's the problem I have?
Yeah that would be the first option. It didn't work for me though as the second battery was firmly in place and the screw just pulled through.. th-cam.com/video/x8wwFYcokG4/w-d-xo.html
but if the end cap is stuck on aswell how do you get it off without damaging it..
You could remove the switch housing and go in from the top as shown in this video: th-cam.com/video/JPiFG0_jCYs/w-d-xo.html Then you could try and soak the end cap from the inside.
Great but in my case not the first but the other one is stuck. The deep one. Bummer
Longer screw? Or have a look at my other video where I dig out the next battery. Or you could dismantle the top of the maglite and push it through. Don’t give up!
How many MM was the 2nd larger bolt? Thank you for the vid too
just the extra length of a D cell
@@stephenjlr Thank you
Ending was epic🤣 So what's the bottle of poison for sloshing around on the shelf.😳
Will the battery explode if you drill into it or is it dangerous?
Whilst the contents of an alkaline battery are corrosive (Hence the whole topic of this video), the amount of stored energy in a mostly depleted 1.5v D cell is very low. It is highly unlikely there would be any explosion. Happy for smarter people than me to contribute here!
I'll be dog gone !! Wish I'd thought of or saw something like this years ago. Had a nifty 3 cell AAA maglite, and this happened to it. I failed to get it out and tossed it.
I just tried this on my mini mag and it didn't work so well on the AA batteries. The screws kept pulling through. Ultimately I managed to get it out. On hind site for the mini mag I should have taken a drift to the light end and driven it out... The second battery was loose but the light is a loss anyway.
I had this issue with my second battery and ended up drilling out the top of it and then using a chisel to pry the battery casing from the flashlight wall. Got there in the end but damn it was hard work!
I rip off the top of the battery and its still there :(
Just pour some white vinegar down it. It dissolves dried battery acid and cleans as it goes. The batteries will drop out after a good soaking
I'm dealing with an LED minimaglite with AA batteries and one is stuck. It's about 2 1/4 inches in
Yeah, only works if the battery is stuck near the end. Hard to find drills and lag screws long enough to reach batteries close to the switch assembly.
Dunno if you caught my comments on the video. My latest project had a battery bust at the closets end to the bulb. My method will work without drilling(allowing more acid to escape,no bolts etc)
What if the lid is stuck on? Is there anything safe to soak it in to loosen it?
RachelTeeKae pb blaster or even coke.
What if the spring has lost some spirals due to corrosion....what would you do?
I guess it depends on how much of the spring has gone. You might be up for a new spring
You can pack the empty space with aluminum foil to "complete" the electrical circuit.
i got mine out by "chiseling" the battery with a wooden stick and a hammer. i kept trying to twist it and whip the light until it came out. it took days. literally at least a week of it just pointing upwards with wd40 to hope it would slide out. after enough horrific chiseling which probably irreversably destroyed my torch. it came out. and left a permanent unremovable stain from the inside of the light
Remove batteries from all devices you aren't using for a long time. This includes flashlights -- if you have more than one of them side by side, you should rotate which one has batteries every few weeks. Keep the unused batteries within reach so you can grab and load them into the empty torch when you need to use both flashlights at the same time