Can I use plastic tape to fix the rips on batteries

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the safety and appropriateness of using plastic tape to repair rips on D size batteries. Participants explore the implications of battery damage, safety concerns, and potential risks associated with using damaged batteries.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that if the rip is in the metal casing, the battery should be discarded.
  • Others argue that small tears or scratches may not pose a significant problem and could be temporarily fixed with tape if the battery is otherwise intact.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for short circuits if the battery is held tightly in a metal holder, especially if tape is used.
  • There is a discussion about the dangers of leaking batteries and the corrosive nature of the substances inside.
  • Some participants mention that using damaged batteries should only be considered in extreme situations, likening it to a "zombie apocalypse" scenario.
  • One participant shares a personal anecdote about witnessing an AA battery explosion, raising concerns about the safety of using damaged batteries.
  • There is a mention of different types of tape, with some participants suggesting that electrical tape may be more appropriate than regular plastic tape.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the meaning of "mil-spec-level necessity" in the context of battery usage.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach a consensus on whether it is safe to use tape on damaged batteries. Multiple competing views remain regarding the risks and acceptable practices associated with battery damage.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the specific nature of the rips in the battery and the conditions under which they occurred. Participants express uncertainty about the implications of using damaged batteries and the potential for hazardous outcomes.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals concerned about battery safety, those looking for advice on handling damaged batteries, and participants in DIY or experimental projects involving batteries.

kenny1999
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I bought a new battery of D size today but I noticed that there is some rips (not much),
I am not experienced and I certainly won't rewrap the whole battery. I'd like to know if
it's okay to use fix it by taping the part with a small plastic tape??
 
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If you're talking about a rip in the metal casing, I'd suggest that you toss the battery.
 
kenny1999 said:
I bought a new battery of D size today but I noticed that there is some rips (not much),
I am not experienced and I certainly won't rewrap the whole battery. I'd like to know if
it's okay to use fix it by taping the part with a small plastic tape??
Photo of the battery (and rips) would be of help
 
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No. Safety first please. Please don't tape batteries unless mil-spec-level necessity forces you so to do.
 
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sysprog said:
No. Safety first please. Please don't tape batteries unless mil-spec-level necessity forces you so to do.
What's that mean .. mil-spec-level necessity?

i take the question about rips in the battery as being the protective plastic covering of the case, which may or may not be the situation. If it's new, why the rips are there in the first place, one has to wonder.

Regular plastic tape might not be a good option for anything electrical.
There is such a thing as electrical tape used to cover connections.
 
mil-spec means military specification -- please don't use a battery that you know is bad -- please get another . . .
 
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An ordinary flashlight "D" cell you say? If the metal case is intact and nothing leaking from it, sure, put some tape on it if needed, or if you just feel more comfortable that way. For almost all uses small tears or scratches are not a problem and can be ignored.

If it gets installed in a metal battery holder with tight clamps holding it in, be aware that most tape will not stand that. For that usage there could be a short circuit created, in which case the battery will get rather hot. Not good.

If it is leaking be aware that the stuff coming out is corrosive and damages nearby metal parts... like battery holders, circuit boards, metal flashlights, etc.

If it is leaking and you REALLY need to use it, patch the leak first and replace at the first opportunity. Patching may be done using tape (very temporary and not reliable) or using an adhesive. Good luck getting an adhesive to stick to the surface though!

Exception:[/size] If it is a Lithium battery, get rid of it. Those things are Dangerous when damaged! Don't just toss it in the garbage bag under the kitchen sink, they are a fire hazard. Dispose outdoors in a metal container.

Cheers,
Tom
 
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sysprog said:
mil-spec means military specification
we all know that ...
It's just you whole comment in that other post that didn't make sense
 
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davenn said:
we all know that ...
It's just you whole comment in that other post that didn't make sense
I meant that I think that one should not use a damaged battery unless one is confronted by a severe need to do so.
 
  • #10
sysprog said:
I meant that I think that one should not use a damaged battery unless one is confronted by a severe need to do so.
I think a more fitting expression instead of the 'mil-spec-level necessity' there would be the 'zombie apocalypse' o0)
That would perfectly describe the circumstances when it is acceptable to use damaged batteries.
 
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  • #11
Some batteries have a heat shrinkable wrapper on them. Is this what is meant?
 
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  • #12
I've been in the room when perfectly ordinary dry cell batteries exploded, sending shrapnel all over the room. I was ten feet away and one piece made an audible whiz as it went past my ear and hit the wall. These were AA size batteries in a small book light.

I'd hate to think what a D cell battery could do.

One must wonder what the OP's battery has been through to get scored like that.

Maybe its harmless. Maybe it's a ticking time bomb, waiting for the wrong time and place.
 
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  • #13
The OP hasn't been back to PF to read any of the replies.

We're guessing about what kind of rip he meant.

I'm interested in the AA battery explosion that @DaveC426913 described. What could make that happen? What chemical reaction would happen so fast? Were the batteries being cooked? In what way were they mistreated?
 
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  • #14
phinds said:
If you're talking about a rip in the metal casing, I'd suggest that you toss recycle the battery.
:wink:
 
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  • #15
anorlunda said:
I'm interested in the AA battery explosion that @DaveC426913 described. What could make that happen? What chemical reaction would happen so fast? Were the batteries being cooked? In what way were they mistreated?
It was a mystery. Just a little booklight. The guy who owned it was the kind of guy who gets his oil changed on schedule and changes his smoke detector batteries twice a year.
Had been running for at least a half hour. And then just spontaneously blew in the dining room, with 3 or 4 people standing around.

Only thing unusual maybe was that it was part of his gaming gear that traveled in a briefcase with him.
 
  • #16
I never heard of Alakaline AA batteries exploding. But I just found this on the Duracell site. They manufacture AA alakine batteries.

CAUTION: Batteries may explode or leak, and cause burn injury, if recharged, disposed of in fire, mixed with a different battery type, inserted backwards or disassembled. Replace all used batteries at the same time. Do not carry batteries loose in your pocket or purse. Do not remove the battery label. Keep small batteries (i.e., AAA) away from children. If swallowed, consult a physician at once.

Perhaps the batteries in the book light were mismatched.
 
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  • #17
berkeman said:
:wink:
What, you don't like poisoning the environment?
 
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  • #18
phinds said:
What, you don't like poisoning the environment?
I'll introduce you to my wife sometime. You wouldn't believe how environmentally conscious she is. Well, that's probably a good thing I guess...
 
Last edited:
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  • #19
fire It's a D battery -- I would (no taping it for a last chance) toss it in the trash and grab another, but I don't use that category of 'disposable' battery to begin with . . .
 
  • #20
sysprog said:
I meant that I think that one should not use a damaged battery unless one is confronted by a severe need to do so.

Rive said:
I think a more fitting expression instead of the 'mil-spec-level necessity' there would be the 'zombie apocalypse' o0)
That would perfectly describe the circumstances when it is acceptable to use damaged batteries.
Unless your name is McGyver.
Ask yourself the question,
"What would McGyver do? when confronted with a damaged battery.
And then don't do it.
 
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  • #21
The OP has plenty of answers to his question.

Thread closed.
 

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