Help: Coast PX45 batteries stuck

Just “found” forgotten PX45 which obviously hasn’t been used in awhile. Went to replace batteries and cartidge that holds them is stuck inside barrel. Appears there was some leakage from batteries that crystallized on one side and has jammed cartridge inside barrel. Any suggestions on how to get that cartridge out?

Vinegar should dissolve it, but be careful not to get vinegar into the electronics. In the future, I recommend avoiding alkaline batteries. They have about a 100% chance of leaking eventually.

Thanks for response - getting vinegar to only dissolve crystals and not touch electronics seems impossible. The cartridge is wedged tight against the barrel, off center, due to the crystal growth. Any other ideas? Can one access the battery cartridge from the light end - even if just to “push” it out?

This will fix it for $14. :smiley:

According to the seller’s description, it won’t fix it for long …

“We have had some difficulty with battery corrosion, due to this, each flashlight purchased will be removed from original packaging to check for corrosion to ensure acceptability, and placed back in original packaging before shipping.”

Jeez, didn’t read down that far. That’s a shame. I really wish people were more informed and companies would stop putting them damn Alky’s in their products. I got most of my family and friends off of Alky’s. My mom was the last hold out. But when a set of Alky’s destroyed my step dads $200 game camera, she changed her mind right quick.

ajolder, if you really like the zoomies. The Wowtac is a great zoomie with a great price. You can pick one up HERE with a rechargeable battery for $16.