Is it time to trash my old rechargable batteries?

Batteries and Chargers Rechargeable Batteries
1

Hello
I recently purchased Convoy T4(2AA Light). I put my old rechargele batteries(I think I bought them at least 15 years ago.).
It wasn’t hot, but the rubber switch in back started to expand . And the rubber ring was sticking out after 5 minutes.
Actually, this isn’t my first time.
In 2013, I had the same experience with Nitecore EA4.

I wonder why this is happening.
Does anyone know the answer?

There is no problem with akaline AA batteries.
I am gonna buy new AA batteries (I am considering to buy eneloop black or E-keep black)

2

I have never seen a NiMH outgassing. But if I had, I wouldn’t use them a second time. Hence my unelaborated answer to your question is ‘yes’.

Check your charger. Does it overcharge?

3

I charged the batteries with Xtar Vc4sl and miboxer C4.
I guess they are realible chargers.
I’ll measure the voltage just in case.

4

I am not familiar with the entrails of a Convoy T4, but something happened to one of my AAA lights that could have an identical cause. The Glotoob AAA can be roughly described as a plastic container with a tailcap in the shape of a big metal screw. That screw is essentially just closing up the light and fixating the battery. In the center of this screw there is a smaller screw that acts as a “twisty switch”. Screw that in, and the light goes on.

So far, so good. Now here’s what happened. With alkalines, the big screw is pressing on the casing, while the smaller screw is touching the negative pole. An Eneloop has a bottom that is wall-to-wall, so in my case the bigger screw was (also) making contact with the negative pole. The light went on the moment I put the bigger screw in. Still wanting to use an Eneloop, I put an O-ring on the bottom of the battery, thus preventing the big screw touching the negative pole.

Your problem might have the same cause: maybe there is a part of the light, other than the tail spring, touching the negative pole of the Eneloop(s). That could be an oversized retaining ring or another part.

5

Which two batteries were in it when this happened??

Are the 5 in the picture the only AA rechargeables you have?

6

I Tested with eneloop and E-keep and got same result.
They are all AA rechargeable which I have.
According to xtar charger, their battery capacity are below 1000.
I haven’t used the batteries more than 5 years as I had too many aklaine batteries.

7

ya it may be shorting out inside the light somehow

8

> the rubber switch in back started to expand

that looks dangerous

> In 2013, I had the same experience

it still looks dangerous, even though it is a different light, so, it HAS to be the batteries… STOP using them

> I Tested with eneloop and E-keep

tested how? Are you running the light at high output for a long time, without holding it in your hand for cooling?

anyway, yes, I would buy new batteries… if the problem goes away, great

If the problem continues with new batteries, you are doing something wrong in your Testing protocols

9

They’re ’consumables’ and even Eneloops don’t last forever.

Ditch them and start over.

Chris

10

Just an FYI - it looks like the head isn’t screwed on properly. In the first picture it looks like a piece of the O ring that seals the head is sticking out. It should be in a groove between the head and the body of the light.

11

Good eye jch10400, you’re right.