My collection of 18650 batteries is growing (just hit 40), and I figure it is a wise idea to get a case that will hold a large number of them rather than leave them rolling around loose in a drawer.
I have 4 of these:
https://www.fasttech.com/p/1572400
But they only hold 4 x 18650 batteries each.
I am hoping to get something that holds 6 or more 18650 batteries. Preferably 8, 12 or 16.
What do people recommend?
There was a nice looking holder resembling the Surefire SC1 that holds 6 unprotected 18650s from amazon but now unavailable:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YPN7H0E?colid=1TNCN94T2H6S8&coliid=I8K8TEYGZUIRR&ref\_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl
I saw the same one somewhere on alibaba but can’t find it now. It comes in different colors too.
I’ll try looking again if it interests you.
EDIT: found it here!
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/18650-battery-storage-pc-box-transparent/330416_32280548950.html
I have a few of these.
Generally, it's hard to store them in larger numbers without the risk of accidental shorts, etc.
Bunnings has similar, no foam though. Tactix Water Resistant Case.
The_day that looks pretty good.
This one is $10 USD
https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10017460/3570100-authentic-solarforce-v2-battery-protective-case
But it doesn’t have any slots/compartments so if you don’t have 6 batteries in it, they will roll around a bit.
https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10017460/3570100-authentic-solarforce-v2-battery-protective-case
I’d prefer something that has slots/holders/whatever so that even when its not full the batteries are secured.
A case that holds a lot would be good
[quote=THE_dAY]
There was a nice looking holder resembling the Surefire SC1 that holds 6 unprotected 18650s from amazon but now unavailable:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YPN7H0E?colid=1TNCN94T2H6S8&coliid=I8K8TEYGZUIRR&ref\_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl
I saw the same one somewhere on alibaba but can’t find it now. It comes in different colors too.
I’ll try looking again if it interests you.
Simon has that and so does FastTech.
Use the Fasttech CNY coupon to get more discount (KUNGHEI -> $8)
Here are other threads on the subject:
satow- How to store rechargeable li-ion batteries
Bullpup12564 - Largest 18650 battery holder
I recently got my hands on one of the MTM Case-Gard cases mentioned in both threads. I don’t remember whether it was on purpose or not, but I’ve got the S-25-12M which is a bit taller than the S25D. In retrospect I suspect that I got confused on Amazon? I’m happy with what I’ve got but I suspect that the S25D is the best fit!
I checked those at at Bunnings.
In the end I bought this instead - holds more. There is a lot of room between the batteries and the top, but that doesn’t worry me.
I ordered one of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000Q06A76?psc=1&redirect=true&ref\_=od_aui_detailpages00 (pic below) which is coming today. They have a well depth including height of 90mm, which is more then enough for lengthier protected batteries. It’s for 10 or 12 guage shells which I’ve researched to be 18.55mm to 19.7mm, which is just a smidgen wider than my Nitecore NL186 18650 that is just shy of 19mm.
I paid £9 for this with next day delivery as I didn’t want to wait for the £5 ones to be shipped. I’m sure in the US such boxes are far more abundant and most probably cheaper too.
it just arrive. It looks nearly perfect for me, other than the fact that there is quite a gap between the top of the cells and the inside of the lid. If you’re leaving it on a table then great, but if you intend on moving it about then the cells will shuffle up and down in the box so I intend on buying some thick foam to pad it out, which I will cut myself. I measured the play to be about 13mm to 16mm for protected and unprotected cells respectively. You can see it in the first picture below.
From what I have seen (and probably should get) is that the shotgun shell cases work well for mass storage. Placing a piece of foam on the top also gently holds the batteries in place.
At the moment, and for carrying spares, I prefer the 2 or 4 pc box. I have both and they work equally as well. The biggest issue is ensuring that the battery does fit as some do not like protected batteries.
for 2 or 3 pieces there is also these holster/pouches that I think look pretty good. But it is form over function where as a plastic case will do it for an 8th of the cost.
Lol, you must’ve quoted me a second before I added the link to aliexpress.
I had written alibaba but meant aliexpress, just got confused.
My link is to the convoy store, is this Simon’s store?
Sigh, I just stopped into Cabelas over lunch to see if they had a 12 gauge shell holder. Plenty of pistol shell holders, lots of rifle boxes. Nothing for shotgun, apparently at all, in the store. Two gentlemen employees helped me look, and they asked if it was for reloading. I made the mistake of telling them it was for storing 18650 cells and whipped one outta my pocket. One of them laughed, the other shut down completely - “We don’t have anything that will work for your application.” The guy with a sense of humor helped me look around for a few more minutes then suggested I try Bass Pro and Gander Mountain.
So, thank you to one of them, and the other dude needs to realize that there are other applications that might benefit from something originally designed for a specific task.
Six-piece case at Simon’s Convoy store:
Unless you need a watertight seal, I think the shotgun shell storage box will be your best option for holding such a large number of cells.