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Do you rotate your batteries often enough?

This Is More Important Than You Might Think

If you are a serious prepper, chances are your bug out bag or survival kit contains a few small electronic devices powered by batteries. How often do you change the batteries to keep them fresh and prevent corrosion? Probably not often enough!

Don’t Risk Your Equipment

While batteries aren’t cheap, destroying your best flashlight or $250 GPS to save a few dollars on batteries is not only silly it can be downright dangerous in a survival situation.

You can have all the best survival “goodies” neatly packed away supposedly ready for use, only to find out that when the SHTF not only did some batteries leak and destroy an important piece of electronics, it may also leak onto and destroy other critical items.

Battery replacement is something that must be scheduled and followed. It’s much easier to be diligent about this when you understand why batteries leak.

Alkaline Batteries

Alkaline batteries are highly prone to leakage, there is no way around it. More expensive lithium ion type batteries are less leakage prone, but they are not totally immune.

If you have the funds choose lithium batteries, they won’t need to be replaced as often and have a much longer shelf life (10-15 years when stored properly). For the rest of us here are the reasons why alkaline batteries leak and a few ways you can minimize the risk:

  • If an alkaline battery has been partially discharged is it more likely to leak.
  • All alkaline batteries “self-discharge” whether or not they are installed in a device, even if they are fresh and unused.

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Leakage Is Unavoidable

So the first lesson is that leakage happens, it’s unavoidable, even if you put brand new batteries into a device that is “turned off” and has never once been turned on.

  • Many devices draw some small amount of “juice” from batteries even in the “off” position. This is called “parasitic drain.” The more complex the device the more likely it will have this problem.

Complex Devices Are More Likely To Cause Leakage

Lesson two, complex electronic devises are even more likely to continuously draw small amount “juice” and increase the likelihood of leakage. I’m sure this is wonderful news to you. The more expensive the item is the more likely it is to be destroyed by the very batteries that make it work. That’s just the way it is…

  • Alkaline batteries are even more prone to leakage if they are used in series with other batteries inside of a device. In other words if there are multiple batteries in the battery compartment of a device they are more likely to leak. Why?
    • Batteries even of the same brand and age will drain at a slightly different rate. The batteries connected to it in series will attempt to “charge” the low one. That’s just the way electricity works.
    • This problem is even more likely to occur if you mix brands and ages of batteries in a device that takes more than one battery.

Don’t Mix and Match Batteries

Lesson three, never mix brand and battery ages unless you are in extreme circumstances and NEVER store a device that contains batteries of different ages or brands.

(Note: most alkaline batteries have an expiration date on them, it should only be used as a guide for unused batteries.)

And if a device contains multiple batteries (like most expensive electronics) you will need to be doubly cautious and diligent about changing out the batteries regularly.

How often should you change batteries? There is no perfect answer, it depends on the device, the weather, and other stuff that’s damn near impossible to totally pin down. My recommendation is no less than once every six months for alkaline batteries.

Keep This In Mind

If that sounds like way too much money spent on batteries here are two things to keep in mind.

  • First, you don’t need to keep batteries installed in all of your devices (especially if you have a supply cache buried or hidden long term). Batteries that are stored un-installed and unused will last for a few years under reasonable storage conditions. This only works if the batteries are not able to touch the contact points on other batteries. So don’t just toss a handful of AA batteries in a duffle bag. If the original packaging is too large trim it down with scissors or store them in another container that isolates them from the rest of your stuff, and keeps them from touching the contact points on other batteries.
  • Second, there are items that may be in your kit that don’t need to be ready at a moment’s notice. For example, a small radio could be stored without batteries. No big deal to take a moment and install them before use. On the other hand, a gun mounted light or laser should always be stored ready to use. If you really need the light on your gun chances are you don’t have 1 or 2 minutes to fumble around installing fresh batteries!

You be the judge of what devices should always be ready to go. And if you have the funds keep everything fresh all the time. The slightly used batteries you swap out from a device can always be used in other household items like the remote control for your TV etc.

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44 thoughts on “Do you rotate your batteries often enough?”

  2. I have had the flashlights in my car/truck for over three years, and they are fine. What I do….is on my TWO BATTERY flashlights, is to turn ONE BATTERY around. This makes an opposing mag-field and they do not discharge for a much longer time. You just have to REMEMBER to “turn the opposing battery back around. [Usually, in the dark.]”

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  5. Finally somebody that agrees with me that you never mix battery types or ages! The current GEDite grade of service people are stone deaf when you but multiple batteries and ask that they check the ages of these batteries on the shelf and match them all closely for my purchase and they always reply it makes no difference as they also think that different brands can be matched with no detrimental consequences! thank you, RCV

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  6. You also might point out that when charging four AA/AAA batteries in a four hole charger that once you get to fully charged across the board I always rotate the outside pair and recharge which usually goes down to 2 or 1 on the readout and then when fully charged again rotate the inner two batteries and recharge and the readings will again go down to 2 or1 and when fully charged you can bet your bottom dollar that all of your four batteries are a precisely matched set no matter how you might arrange them in your device and they will always give you a maximum of output over their precisely charged life and then you repeat again and again and you find that your four batteries as a closely matched set will last a lot longer also! thanks, RCV

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  7. Excellent advice, Bob!

    A solar powered battery charger is also an excellent investment.

    And, NOT a cheap-sale ChiCom model. You get what you pay for, after all.

    A man-powered generator is also a good idea in my book. Why is that, you may well ask?

    The sun don’t always shine, and ya never know. Ya Know?

    Semper Fi!

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  9. Good advice. Personally, I try hard NOT to keep batteries installed in anything unless I use it regularly, like remotes, the camera, and one or two critical flashlights. Most everything else has the batteries rubber-banded or taped to it, or otherwise close by.

    I am also suspicious that alkaline batteries (perhaps others) tend to corrode more, or self-discharge, when the device is almost never turned on. I base this on my experience with two identical small flashlights — one kept in the truck, the other on my nightstand. I put identical batteries, from the same package, in them about 3 or 4 years ago, and the one in the truck — never turned on as far as I remember — is now dead as a hammer. Haven’t taken it apart to check for corrosion yet, though. However, the one in the bedroom that is used regularly (probably three times a week for 30 seconds while I look for something I dropped, or read fine print) is still going strong with a very bright light.

    I realize that the one in the truck is exposed to more temperature extremes and humidity, which could account for the difference, but I wonder whether or not the occasional use of the bedroom flashlight, though negligible in total hours used, has kept corrosion from happening at the pole ends.

    When I fix the flashlight in the truck (actually a spare, not my regular Mag-lite), I am going to put the new batteries in a small plastic bag with an oxygen absorber, and rubber-band it to the handle. If I actually need it, I can stick in the batteries in a few seconds, even in the dark.

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  11. Very good advice that everyone should heed. I have been guilty in the past of not checking batteries often enough. I now put a date tag on all my battery powered devices to avoid disaster. When you need the device you need it and don’t need a damn it moment. With things going as bad as they are right now in our political arena and the world in general when the SHTF moment comes it’s already too late to worry about being prepared.

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  12. I always wondered about why batteries drain now it makes sense if you have a batteries in a series or row other batteries will try to charge the other ones which causes the leak it makes perfect sense thank you for your post

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  14. Great tips about batteries. In an EMP attack, I understand that all electronics will be fried and unusable, so even if we have batteries nothing will work and if by a miracle it does work will anyone be broadcasting (radio) or even able to broadcast?

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  16. I concur. Batteries left too long in any device can not only destroy the device, but at the minimum will cause you to have to tediously and carefully remove the corrosion from contact points within the device. Batteries have always been an issue with us, and any tip is well worth taking to heart. Thanks for the tips.

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  17. Most all batteries, large or small will lose some of their charge if mishandled; specifically rough handling such as dropping them on a hard surface.
    Treat your batteries with care.

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  18. I knew not to mix batteries of either mfg or dates however your explanation of reasons why will help others to remember and help them to “educate” others. Keep up the good information

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  20. One batterie I would definetly stay away from is the Alkaline Energizers AAA,AA, C & D. These use to be good batteries but have come down in quality probably so the company could push you on to a more expensive battery. These batteries have destroyed 2 or 3 mag lights and mutiple electronics. They leak badly and in several cases I found that they changed POLARITY. I have seen this in a brand new pack. When my buddy bought some I told him to check them first and he found a few in his brand new pack.
    I would suggest that you buy the Copper top Duracells just a little more expensive. I have never had one leak or destroy anything. I am currently trying the Duracell Quantum battery (AA). The guarantee is 10 Years in storage.

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  22. This is very good information if you use metal detectors that cost hundreds of dollars remove the batteries before storing your equipment ! Always keep fresh batteries in original packaging or keep them in plastic pill bottles so they will not short out.

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  23. I have 5 Surefire flashlights with CR 123 Lithium Batteries. They don’t leak and always ready. I do rotate batteries out of the rarely used lights to the ones used more often. Don’t like to be without a working flashlight nearby. Thank you Viet Nam.

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  24. For myself I get LIONs that are rechargable and a charger. Now you ask where are you going to charge them from? If you are any kind of a prepper you will have already thought of that and you know the drill… get yourself a solar battery charger set up or use chemical devices to make your own charger unit.

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  25. I always put a light coating of pure white petroleum jelly on the contacts in case of a battery leaking. I also mark the date installed as almost no one can remember when they last changed their batteries. That also gives a fair indication on how long they last. Sincerely.

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  26. Morning. It’s refreshing to hear from you each day. You are like a friend who always has news to share. Yes in paying attention. You are helping USA. ET

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  27. I don’t rotate batteries enough I’m also prone to mixing ages and brands trying to save a little bit of scratch and have ruined a few of my flashlights and transistor radios when younger never knowing why now that I know, because you just told me and I checked it out on other sites I will rectify this problem as soon as I get off the phone thank you

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  28. I lost night vision goggles. During a move. They were relatively new but 6 months at storage facility did them in.
    Costly lesson.

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  29. Again thanks for all your information. I didn’t know some of this about the alkaline battery. Love this website

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  31. Great information to know and implement in one’s everyday life. Thanks for all the great tips from other replies!

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  32. Great info…. If you have to clean the acid from a leaked battery, in your electronic device,
    use a little baking soda disolved in water and a cue tip. The soda nutralizes the acid. Let the
    device dry completely before turning on again. The dried soda will not harm the device.

    Reply

  33. Great tips! Trying to assemble all the necessary items is frustrating enough without worrying about what you have already put together. This is an excellent eye opener, thanks.

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  34. Is there a preferred temperature to store alkaline or lithium batteries at? I am sure that too hot or too cold could affect them both either way, but I have never heard of a best temperature. Any idea which is best for each type?

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  35. Very smart advice, Bob, you are people don’t pay enough attention. It’s like keep. Your powder Dry !! Same for batteries !

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  39. I know exactly what you’re saying about alkaline batteries leaking. Just the other day, I was in a store to buy AA batteries. I pulled a set of four off the display and went to pay for them. What I hadn’t noticed until the cashier quickly saw was leakage…of all four batteries. Obviously, I didn’t buy those, thanks to the clerk’s alertness. However, there was only one more pack left. We then both noticed that that last pack had leakage as well. So I ended up getting them elsewhere. I’ve also had some that I had in storage that showed leakage. So you are absolutely correct. Thanks for the suggested use of lithium batteries along with other suggestions. All the best! God bless!

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  40. In this modern age most devices are rechargeable through a USB cord. Why would I want to go through the expense of batteries not to mention the hassle of leakage. That battery powered PlayStation site for my weapon has been replaced with iron sights . Technology is good if it’s useful most of the time it’s just a nuisance. Maybe it’s just because I’m old but old technologys main purpose was to be usable for years to come

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  42. Once again a very informative piece of information. I never would of thought to simply remove the batteries from a device and store them in a separate container that you can quickly get to when needed. I Love this site and will continue to be a loyal reader and consumer of Fight Fast…

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  44. I do my best to keep my batteries fresh and ready to go and if I’m not using something for a while I remove the batteries but I’m not perfect I sometimes forget about a device with batteries in it and they’re dead and maybe one or two have leaked. There is a secret to save the device. You clean out your device the best you can do and then take white vinegar with a Q-tip and clean out the battery compartment and the contacts really well and dry out the compartment, wait a few minutes and put fresh batteries in and it should be go to go. I haven’t thrown anything away since I learned this secret.

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