chemist help please

[x_wrench]

this really is not firearm related, but i do not know where else to ask or post. i have a mag-lite 3-d cell flashlite that i bought specificly for hunting. one of the alkaline batteries leaked, and the inside of the anodized aluminum body is corroded. i would like to at least neutralize this if nothing else. i do not think i would paint it, probably put grease on it to stop further corrosion?? any good help would be apreciated. thanks.

 

[MartinS]

I've used Baking Soda and water and a toothbrush for this. The best way to protect in the future is to change the batteries before they need it.
Mag-Lite may help you with this, check with them.

 

[MrBorland]

If you're sure they're alkaline batteries and the stuff you're concerned about is white and feathery, it's potassium hydroxide and can be neutralized with vinegar or lemon juice.

As to the corroded aluminum, potassium hydroxide can oxidize aluminum. Short of sanding the oxidized layer off, it'd be tough to get rid of the oxidized layer, but neutralizing the potassium hydroxide will prevent further corrosion.

Edit:

I've used Baking Soda and water and a toothbrush for this.

Not for alkaline batteries. Baking soda is alkaline, too. You need an acid to neutralize the basic KOH. Again, though, be sure these really are alkaline batteries.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Not directly firearm related but a good enough topic that might come up with firearm lights, so moving this to the Accessories forum.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

Another tried and true method is: Coka Cola. The acid in it will neutralize the corrosion. Works GREAT on car battery terminals as well.

 

[x_wrench]

Mag-Lite may help you with this, check with them

actually, they will, they will replace the flashlite,
http://www.maglite.com/faq_details.asp?faqProd=D
except that i threw the batteries away in last weeks trash. so there is no proof of who's they were (ray-o-vac).

 

[hso]

From their website -

Batteries normally swell before leaking causing them to get stuck inside the barrel. Mag Instrument does not warrant against battery leakage, however, we do have agreements with Duracell, Eveready and Ray-O-Vac that allow us to replace your flashlight. If one of these brands of batteries is stuck (by leaking in your flashlight), send the flashlight to us and we will repair or replace the entire flashlight at no charge to you. We recommend that you ship the flashlight UPS or Postal Insured for tracking purposes. Please send to; Mag Instrument, Inc., Attn; Warranty Dept., 1721 E. Locust St., Ontario, Ca. 91761-7769. You pay the freight to us and we pay it going back. Please also include a letter with your name, address, phone number and a description of the problem. Don’t forget to indicate what brand of batteries is inside if you know. We will check to verify that it is Duracell, Eveready and Ray-O-Vac; and if it is, we will send you a new flashlight at no charge. Occasionally we open the flashlight and we find it contains leaking batteries that are not Duracell, Eveready and Ray-O-Vac. In cases of "off-brand" battery leakage, we can replace your flashlight for a charge of -- $12.00 plus your state's sales tax for a ‘C’ or ‘D’ Mag-Lite® flashlight, or $8.00 plus tax for a Mini-Maglite® flashlight. If you are not sure, send the flashlight to us, with the batteries inside, and we will check to determine the brand. If we find that they are "off-brand" batteries, we will contact you and arrange for payment before sending you the replacement flashlight.

If you want to do it yourself you'll need to disassemble the flashlight first. Take the head off and rinse with the appropriate neutralizing solution (probably vinegar) and then push the swollen batteries out with a wooden dowel. Remember to rinse well with water after neutralization. This applies to all parts. Allow to dry thoroughly before reassembly.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

I had this happen to me nearly 20 years ago. As post above me mentioned, I was using Duracell batteries. It was covered by Duracell warrenty. I mailed the maglight and they sent me a check. Because of this, I've been using Duracells pretty much ever since on my products. That's what I'd do and send it in. With the money you get back you could buy a much smaller lighter and more powerfull LED flashlight that has longer battery life.