Duracell alkaline batteries seem to have a bad rap... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 01:25:49 pm
content: ...according to discussions I've read in the internet. But this is really bad! Unopened package of AAAs with a use by date of 2016.

author: Cyberdragon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 01:33:40 pm
content: January 2016 maybe?

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 01:35:56 pm
content: Quote from: Cyberdragon on September 16, 2016, 01:33:40 pmA self-destruct mechanism! How devious.I had always thought that leaking is much more likely to occur when the cells are dead. Maybe I'm wrong?

author: Blastcap
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 01:42:29 pm
content: Dollar store counterfeits?Might even be genuine cells that was past date, and someone bought them up for next to nothing, repacked them and pushed them back on the market.I know my local dollar store sells brand name batteries for 1/4 of normal price, as they are within a year of expiry.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 05:54:07 pm
content: Honestly AA/AAA batteries deserve to die a quick death. Liion and NIMH tech has been here for a while, and they already come in AA/AAA forms. They are just a waste of money.

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 06:43:09 pm
content: Quote from: Blastcap on September 16, 2016, 01:42:29 pmThey don't look counterfeit. They are each individually dated March 2016.I threw out the 3 leaking ones and measured the remaining - they are all above 1.51VDC

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 06:56:45 pm
content: This is a safety feature: "pre-leaked batteries". Leaking in the package is safe, it saves them leaking in your devices and damaging them.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 07:11:23 pm
content: Quote from: Jwalling on September 16, 2016, 06:43:09 pmUnless you can afford having them leak in whatever you are going to use them in throw them all out, it's too much of a risk.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 07:16:00 pm
content: In my experience Duracell and The Industrial version, Procell, are VERY prone to leaking. I have had many leak whilst in date and still in the box. Even more have leaked in valuable equipment well before the use by date and without being in a discharged state. Totally unacceptable.I wrote to Gillette who own the Duracell and Procell and they just offer replacement batteries and understandably will make no comment on the leakage and its cause. They did not leak so easily many years ago but seem to have become quite a liability these days.I have decided against ever using these Duracell and Procell cells again, and now buy the well respected (but cheap) Kodak Xtralife alkalines. I have yet to see one of those leak in my equipment.Duracell & Procell should be used with great caution in my personal opinion and experience.Fraser

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 07:55:26 pm
content: Quote from: Jwalling on September 16, 2016, 06:43:09 pmI'd be very tempted to throw them all away if I were you, unless you only intend to use them to power something very cheap.

author: chris_leyson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 07:58:57 pm
content: I spotted some Energizer MAX "No leaks Guaranteed" AA batteries a few months ago and was tempted to buy a packet. According to the Energizer websitehttp://www.energizer.com/about-batteries/battery-leakagethey will either repair or replace any equipment damaged by a leaking Energizer battery. From now on I will be using Energizer batteries, just in case.

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 08:01:27 pm
content: Quote from: TwoOfFive on September 16, 2016, 05:54:07 pmWhat about for applications where self-discharge becomes an issue? Thermostats and electronic thermometers come to mind...

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 08:12:49 pm
content: Quote from: Hero999 on September 16, 2016, 07:55:26 pmBelieve me, I have no intention of using them. Nor will I buy Duracell in the future. I know it's only a sample of one package of 16, but still...

author: bitslice
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 08:27:10 pm
content: Quote from: Fraser on September 16, 2016, 07:16:00 pmThat's been my experience too,they ruined a nice torch, so more than a bit miffed.If there is one thing I'd expect an industrial battery to do, then it is "never leak under any condition",otherwise why bother?

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 08:28:30 pm
content: Quote from: bitslice on September 16, 2016, 08:27:10 pmMaybe they're supposed to last longer. Till they leak, anyway.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 08:29:32 pm
content: Quote from: Jwalling on September 16, 2016, 08:01:27 pmRegular AA batteries do that to. It's just that rechargeables do it faster. And unless you need to have it in an area where it has to last months without anybody touching it, you can always replace the batteries. If the device is location critical and you need it to hold a long charge without being touched, you wouldn't be using AA batteries for that application anyways. You would be using a proper liion/lipo solution

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 08:33:37 pm
content: Quote from: Jwalling on September 16, 2016, 08:28:30 pmI posted a link to this thread on Usenets S.E.R.One fellow replied that his 9V Procell actually exploded when shorted.http://802.11junk.com/jeffl/pics/Duracell/slides/Duracell-03.html

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 08:37:21 pm
content: Quote from: chris_leyson on September 16, 2016, 07:58:57 pmDuracell has (and as far as I know has always had) the same guarantee:"If not completely satisfied with your Duracell battery product, call 1-800-551-2355 (9:00AM – 5:00PM EST). Duracell guarantees its batteries against defects in materials and workmanship. Should any device be damaged due to a battery defect, we will repair or replace it at our option. Leaking battery and damaged device must be provided as proof of claim. Duracell may deny claims of damage caused by misuse or modification of the batteries or device."Also, I believe the Energizer guarantee applies to all their battery lines.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 08:47:57 pm
content: Quote from: Jwalling on September 16, 2016, 01:25:49 pmThey shouldn't leak, but I think that means they were made 10 years ago

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 08:50:03 pm
content: Quote from: Jwalling on September 16, 2016, 08:01:27 pmEither look for "clock" batteries, or look for generic batteries with no marketing fluff surrounding them such as Kodak, Sanyo, Sony, Panasonic, Fuji or other dollar store brands (Dollar Tree sells nice ones, but I forget the brand name).Leaking of alkaline batteries is promoted by "high power" formulations. Avoid those and you will be much safer.

author: TheBay
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 09:35:04 pm
content: This is quite a concern actually, I ordered some 9v batteries the other day and specifically picked "Duracell Industrial (the new name for Procell)as I REALLY don't want leaks inside my test equipment, all my multimeters etc take 9v batteries and can be in there over a year.I'm hoping these 9v are just button cells inside, but still worried after seeing this post, as the majority of these devices the batteries are screwed under a cover and only changed when I getinformed off a low battery, I don't want to keep checking them all the time!I have never seen Alkaline batteries leak until recently. I bought a load of "Logik" batteries from Currys, a few packs of AA and AAA, ALL the AAA's eventually leaked in some expensive devices such as the remote controls for my Lutron dimmers, Logitech harmony remotes, decent LED torches, head torches etc, lost count. Really annoyed about it.I made the assumption these must be real cheap nasty batteries and that's why Currys had them on offer or they are not actually Alkaline.I was under the impression an Alkaline rarely leaked! I have seen loads of Zinc Chlorides leak.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 09:43:17 pm
content: 9Vs rarely leak, if they do they usually contain it quite well.Alkalines have always been a bit leaky, Duracell the most so IME.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 09:45:38 pm
content: NiMH isn't suitable for all things. Some items (usually old and/or poorly designed) can't deal with the lower voltage. (On the other hand, that would be a legitimate use for a Batteroo!) If there's a "state of charge" measurement, it won't be correct: it will always read low, and may cause shutdown before the NiMH is properly exhausted.Note that there are two basic kinds of NiMH: those optimized for capacity (the most common kind, I think), and those optimized for life.I have a set of Tenergy Centura's (basically, an off-brand Eneloop), which go for months at a time between uses, say in my digital camera. A regular (high capacity) type self-discharges away within a month quite pitifully!Tim

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 10:59:41 pm
content: With regard to Duracell/Procell 9V batteries I have witnessed the following failures on many occasions1. Electrolyte leaks from cells and comes out of the top contact rivet centre. The equipment battery connector then loses corodes and at least one of its contacts comes off on the next battery change. Most annoying.2. Bottom of battery bulges under at least one internal cell. Battery can become jammed in battery bay.3. Battery suffers severe cell failure whilst on the storage shelf and blows a cell electrode out of the case bottom. Very messy ! I have found several in storage boxes that have done this. No idea y such a dramatic failure occurs at normal storage temperatures.Note: A PP3 Alkaline contains 6 thin cylindrical cells very much like a AAAA cell. They do fail but containment via the outer case of the battery is an added benefit.Gillette told me that the failures in my Maglite torches were due to excessive axial compression loading on the cells seals caused by the strong spring used in such torches. That does not explain the many other cell seal failures I have seen though.Fraser

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 11:04:16 pm
content: Quote from: Fraser on September 16, 2016, 10:59:41 pmThey are often constructed of rectangular cells in plastic packages, also. I have never seen such types leak.Zinc-crappy, err, carbon, on the left.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 11:10:33 pm
content: Thanks Monkeh,I had only seen cylindrical types in Alkaline 9V batteries. The old Zinc Carbon 9V batteries were normally the cell pile type.I stand corrected.Fraser

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2016, 12:54:27 am
content: Alkalines are horrendous when it comes to leaking, even when they're not depleted. I've thrown out several aluminum flashlights as a result because when the cells leak, you either can't get them out or the electrolyte fuses the enclosure shut. I even had a 9V burst its bottom when one of the cylindrical cells inside leaked.Duracell and Energizer do stand by their warranty, but that process gets old after the first couple of times.Suffice it to say, for AA, AAA and 9V, I only use low self-discharge NiMH batteries nowadays.

author: timb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2016, 02:37:49 am
content: Quote from: Fraser on September 16, 2016, 11:10:33 pmDuracell 9V batteries are of the type on the right (that is they use 6 AAAA cells inside). Energizer 9V's are constructed in pile form, like the unit in the middle of the image. (Source: Personal experience deconstructing both brands.)

author: TheBay
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 17, 2016, 01:53:29 pm
content: My delivery of 9V batteries just turned up today, fingers crossed these don't leak as I've gone around and put a load in my test equipment.Anyone else used this version?

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2016, 03:04:07 pm
content: As much as this thread is full of evidence and condemnation, it'd be interesting to find out the reason behind the leaking. Are the manufacturers skimping on the seals?

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2016, 04:54:13 pm
content: Amyk,If I knew the answer to this problem I suspect I could get a significant chunk of money from Gillete for resolving their problem that has existed, unresolved for many years 😄I would love to know the reason why Duracell have this issue when other brands suffer less leakage issues. You would think Gillette would have wanted to solve this issue as wrecking customers equipment is not a great reputation to have for a battery manufacturer. The compression damage to cell seals by Maglite torch springs in the D cell torches did make some sense as the springs were very powerful. I could see such effectively crushing the cells. That did not explain cells leaking in their boxes or whilst in battery bays that applied little pressure to the cells.People who tried to recharge Duracell alkaline cells noted a high cell seal failure rate so the cell seals may be very fragile, making them prone to failure.I personally do not recommend recharging Alkaline cells. The risk of leakage and associated damage outweighs the savings.Fraser

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2016, 05:12:03 pm
content: Unlike NiMH cells, alkaline cells cannot have a hermetic seal. Hydrogen gas gets produced during operation and this has to be allowed to escape from the cell, so the cell has a venting arrangement to let the gas out.What I believe happens is that under some circumstances the cell degrades and produces additional gas especially when old, and this builds up pressure inside the cell that has to escape. Sometimes this gas pressure pushes electrolyte out through the vents, which we see as a leak.It is my impression that the newer, high power, high drain kinds of cell have more active chemical formulations inside them, and these are more prone to unwanted gas production. This is why the more expensive brands seem to leak more often.I think the older, simpler cell formulations typical of dollar stores have more passive chemical formulations which are more stable over time and less likely to degrade with gas formation.

author: KeepItSimpleStupid
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2016, 06:02:52 pm
content: I vote +1 for Duracell leaks especially in Maglite Flashlights. They don;t make 3 cell AA's any more and those are a lot less easy to loose. One of my Maglites had a OD tolerance issue. The batteries stuck and only certain brands will slide easily in and out. I returned another and the bottom could not be opened by me or Maglite. It depends on what batteries are used in the flashlight whethe ror not the flashlight will be replaced. I'm not even sure Maglite is the right brand to buy anymore.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2016, 11:08:09 pm
content: Duracell has been owned by Warren Buffet now since 2014. I'm curious if the new owners are going to operate Duracell any better now especially with these leaks. I think I might phone them up or email them about this.http://fortune.com/2014/11/13/warren-buffett-to-buy-duracell/PS. Warren also owns Mouser.

author: KE5FX
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 02:47:26 am
content: Quote from: KeepItSimpleStupid on September 17, 2016, 06:02:52 pmMaglite was very late to the LED game, and they have nothing special to offer unless you just want something to conk somebody over the head with.Fenix has been a good brand for me, specifically theirPD-35. It will seem stupid to spend this much money on a flashlight until you actually open the box and try it.

author: batteksystem
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 02:50:12 am
content: My impression is that duracell used to have less leak in the pass. But now every remote, every item powered by them have leads, very annoying indeed.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 03:06:38 am
content: Quote from: batteksystem on September 18, 2016, 02:50:12 amyep, they used to be top quality cells that never leaked. This was like ~20 years ago.I'm guessing they got bought out and the new owner did an aggressive cost down which turned them to shit.It happens a lot in the power tool industry.1) Buy/takeover a power tool company with a good reputation for quality.2) Reduce production costs to absolute lowest you can without making it look/feel obviously shit.3) Drop retail price by 30% so everyone thinks "wow that's a good price for brand X" and buys it.4) Enjoy high profits for 3-5 years5) Sell the semi-ruined company brand to someone else before its too obvious whats happened.6) Repeat

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 10:09:40 am
content: Could it have been that they were simply improperly stored or shipped at some point? Sitting in a hot courier van for extended periods maybe?

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 10:55:22 am
content: Quote from: Halcyon on September 18, 2016, 10:09:40 amNot in the case of the ones shown in the OP. They were bought 4 years ago and sat in a kitchen drawer. They were at my Mom's house, and she always keeps the house at 72 degrees all year around. They were purchased at either Home Depot or Lowes (can't remember which). Unless the abuse happened before all that...

author: g.lewarne
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 11:10:02 am
content: On a related note, I have a question.There are literally hundreds of battery brands. I cannot believe that companies like ikea, Kodak, Supermarket Own Brand etc actually make their own cells. When you look at all these batteries, the end connectors (+ and -) all look exactly the same, except for the big two - Duracell and Energizer.So, who makes them all? Years ago I was told that GP make pretty much every branded battery out there (apart from Duracell / Energizer) and offer different capacity formulations to whoever is going to brand them and sell them on - is this the case?

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 02:05:28 pm
content: Easy for the OEM to make different quality batteries for different customers. You change he quality of the fill materials so that you use a cheaper lower purity blend of chemicals for the electrolyte and depolariser/anode, then use a lower grade steel for the case, which is less corrosion resistant, but which forms the dame in the dies. then you use a cheaper set of seals, instead of the expensive PTFE and polypropylene seals you use a cheaper nylon and PVC seal, and then use a fancy label, which is customer specific. that way the manufacturer has no name on the cells aside from a lot number, and the customer got the cheaper lower quality cells they wanted, with their own branding.I see Johnson and Johnson has their own spec of AA cells, in a plain white sleeve. They are pretty good cells, but are totally unbranded, only coming as the supplied cells in products, but easily outlast the regular crop of cells from other brands.

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 02:19:57 pm
content: Quote from: g.lewarne on September 18, 2016, 11:10:02 amGP?

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 02:58:56 pm
content: GP, the OEM for pretty much every house branded cell out there. If it is branded No Name, Walmart brand, store brand or Ever Ready it was likely made by GP.

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 03:15:27 pm
content: Quote from: SeanB on September 18, 2016, 02:58:56 pmThis company?http://gp-batteries.com/I never heard of them, till now.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 03:23:42 pm
content: Gold Peak is a very common brand in Asia.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 03:36:48 pm
content: For instance, these are the batteries that come pre-installed in Dave's BM235 multimeter:

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 04:35:33 pm
content: Quote from: Jwalling on September 18, 2016, 10:55:22 amJay, I think you are mistaken about that. The good through 2016 implies production in 2006, and in fact by 4 years ago, Duracell had already started printing "guaranteed for 10 years" on the package. So, unless they were sitting at the store for ~6 years, you must have bought them before that.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 05:01:29 pm
content: Quote from: edavid on September 18, 2016, 04:35:33 pmOr they could have been old stock, gathering dust on a shelf or in a warehouse for a long time before purchase?

author: ciccio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 05:44:56 pm
content: I've seen many Duracell leak, too many...They were installed in customer's devices (wireless microphones, guitar pedals) that I repaired.In the last 20 years I've used only VARTA PROFESSIONAL, 9 and 1,5 V, all sizes.Never had one leak, out of a total of about 500 pieces.My Sound Level Meter will discharge 4 AA every 7-8 hours of use. It can accept rechergeables, but I had some problems with them.I cannot waste a day's work for a failed battery, and if a battery leaks, I cannot repair the damage without opening the instrument and voiding the calibration, that in my case is a legal requirement. A new calibration will cost 300 Euros.It's simple: never buy Duracell.Best regards

author: woodchips
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 06:14:45 pm
content: I can't but agree, in the last 2 or 3 years just about every Duracell or Procell battery I have has leaked. I refuse to buy or use them any more. These are all batteries well within their use by date, years sometimes. They weld torches closed, but also in digital meters, thermometers etc you pick them up and wonder what the sticky residue is on the case. Strange that the device actually still works, the cells measure 1.5V or a little more, but they are dribbling something or the other.I discovered the Lithium something (iron?) batteries that are 1.5V so are direct replacement for alkaline. They are 3 times the price but worth it.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 06:22:32 pm
content: Quote from: woodchips on September 18, 2016, 06:14:45 pmYup, lithium iron disulphide. The usual brand is Energizer Advanced Lithium or Energizer Ultimate Lithium. Pro-tip: the Advanced has the same capacity as the Ultimate but is 2/3 the price.

author: KeepItSimpleStupid
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2016, 04:09:00 am
content: A thread elsewherehttp://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/threads/can-you-explain-this-17-year-old-batteries.127549/confirming that new Duracell's are not the same as old ones. The TS/OP is claiming 17 years and no leaks.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2016, 04:15:57 am
content: Quote from: KeepItSimpleStupid on September 19, 2016, 04:09:00 amIt doesn't confirm anything... just more of the same anecdotes we are seeing here.

author: Gary350z
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 06:14:56 am
content: Quote from: IanB on September 18, 2016, 06:22:32 pmI can't find Energizer Advanced Lithium anymore. The Energizer spec sheet says it's obsolete. Now I have to buy the much more expensive Ultimate version.From my experience, and from what I've read, most all alkaline AA & AAA leak. C & D seem OK.Duracell, Energizer, Rayovac are bad. I don't know about no name brands.I've lost over $500 worth of gear to leaking Duracell and Energizer AA and AAA.Example: I've had 2 regular wall clocks, powered by one AA. I go to adjust the clock for daylight savings time, battery is leaking, battery is well within expiration date,the clock is still running.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 07:23:25 am
content: Quote from: Fraser on September 16, 2016, 07:16:00 pmMy totally unscientific warm fuzzy feeling tell me the same in recent times. Seems worse now than a decade+ ago?

author: plazma
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 08:47:12 am
content: IIRC Ikea batteries were cheap and good in some tests.

author: Srbel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 09:39:03 am
content: So, which ones of the consumer grade brands are the best?SanyoPanasonicRenataSonyToshibaFujitsuVartaKodakGP...?

author: ruffy91
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 09:55:09 am
content: Look at the bottom of the page:"Duracell Battery GuaranteeIf not completely satisfied with your Duracell battery product, call 1-800-551-2355 (9:00AM – 5:00PM EST). Duracell guarantees its batteries against defects in materials and workmanship. Should any device be damaged due to a battery defect, we will repair or replace it at our option. Leaking battery and damaged device must be provided as proof of claim. Duracell may deny claims of damage caused by misuse or modification of the batteries or device"

author: StuUK
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 09:58:48 am
content: Quote from: ruffy91 on September 20, 2016, 09:55:09 amMeaningless Guarantee

author: ruffy91
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 10:02:28 am
content: Quote from: StuUK on September 20, 2016, 09:58:48 amThey replaced my Logitech R700 Wireless Presenter.

author: StuUK
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 10:07:45 am
content: Quote from: ruffy91 on September 20, 2016, 10:02:28 amBet it would be a different story for more expensive equipment.... they probably have a set threshold...

author: g.lewarne
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 10:54:11 am
content: Quote from: Srbel on September 20, 2016, 09:39:03 amEver Ready Blue Seal

author: Srbel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 11:31:08 am
content: Quote from: g.lewarne on September 20, 2016, 10:54:11 amNot avelable in my country.

author: StuUK
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 11:50:07 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on September 20, 2016, 11:19:35 amYou'll have to excuse my scepticism here but my experience of such guarantees in the past leads me to the conclusion that if the cost of replacing is containable within a set threshold/good will gesture scenario then they may come good, but when it gets beyond that threshold the stops are pulled out to avoid the costs. But as you say i've not tried Duracell so fair comment as maybe they are the exception to the norm....

author: Gary350z
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 11:56:35 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on September 20, 2016, 10:02:22 amSince these batteries leak on a regular basis, I would have to be constantly sending them all my damaged gear. Who wants all that hassle? Using lithiums or NiMH or eneloops is much less hassle.

author: Sbampato12
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 12:32:06 pm
content: I don't use Duracell anymore, not even come close to see the price.All equipment I've got recently, that had duracell in it, the batterie leaked.I've already seen they leak in unopenned package as well.One thing I noticed, many others brand, were getting manufactured on Germany (some Rayovac), USA, Mexico, or even local manufactured (Brazil), basically anything except China, were far better in looking quality and less prone to leak.Some years ago, was easy to find easy on market here (brazil) these. Now I only find Rayovac made in China, that look pretty terrible quality material instead (the ones yellow, not the black/gray as in past).The brans I buy are Panasonic (that I prefer), and Energizer or when I find the better looking Rayovac. I've found only one time some Fujitsu ones, that did great (but the body says 'For Europe')One thing to keep in mind, keep away from the batteries that came with agilent DMMs also.

author: Zbig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 12:36:09 pm
content: Quote from: StuUK on September 20, 2016, 11:50:07 amI'm sorry for nitpicking but being both a bit of a grammar nazi and a pipe organ afficionado, I couldn't help myself. Pulling out all the stops is an exact opposite of refraining from doing something. It's giving all you've got, playing all the pipe ranks your organ has. You push the stop in to silence the relevant rankNow I'll leave

author: StuUK
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 12:41:44 pm
content: Quote from: Zbig on September 20, 2016, 12:36:09 pmI can see you've missed the point entirely.....

author: TheBay
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 02:32:53 pm
content: Might be worth posting the country of origin on the leaky batteries.Just looked at my latest batch of "Industrial" Duracell 9v batteries, these say made in Malaysia - Will report back one day if these leak.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 04:18:59 pm
content: Quote from: Fraser on September 16, 2016, 10:59:41 pmFraser, in several occasions for the past ten years I have alternated between Duracell, Energizer and Ray-o-vac D-type batteries on the flashlight below and its spring mechanism almost obliterates the positive tip. I have never had a leak...Quote from: Jwalling on September 18, 2016, 10:55:22 amFrom my experience batteries stored in my house (20~22°C and 40~60% RH all year round) last a lot in storage. In my dad's house (no HVAC, thus temperature can vary between 20~35°C and 80~90% RH all year round) the batteries leak like crazy if left alone anywhere (inside equipment, in storage, etc.). One detail that may contribute to that is the salt content in the air, as he lives at about 50m away from the sea.Quote from: wilfred on September 20, 2016, 09:46:57 amThat is why all my "spare" DMMs have no batteries installed on them. Same for my calculators...

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 07:05:19 pm
content: Quote from: Gary350z on September 20, 2016, 11:56:35 amThe guarantee is legitimate. I've used it and had devices replaced as promised. They even gave me...wait for it...coupons for...you guessed it...more Duracell batteries.As Gary said, having to repeatedly go through the replacement/repair process is not worth the hassle, and they know it. I refuse to reward these companies by purchasing their poor products.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 10:44:30 pm
content: Quote from: wilfred on September 20, 2016, 10:29:52 pmThe topic title is incorrect, since the OP meant to ask if they had a "bad rep".On the other hand, you are claiming it's a "bad rap"http://grammarist.com/usage/bad-rap/