I received a pair of 30Q and noticed a small dent while charging it for Cap Test. I think it is OK but this is my first purchase of Li-ion cells (the one I have came with flashlight) so I am afraid I misjudge. What do you think about this?
If it were mine, I’d probably restrict its use to single cell flashlights and be wary of it. Having said that, a small dent, especially near the anode or cathode (which your has) can lead to failure. The 30Q was designed as a high discharge cell and could potentially change your life forever if mistreated.
I’ve seen Samsung’s battery defect testing method, and that’s hardly even a dent compared to what they did to them.
If in doubt throw it out, as they say…
I’ve manhandled some pretty badly trying to reclaim a pack, they were fine but I tossed them because I don’t have a way to cleanly remove tabs, they were unusable in some lights because of the tab/solder remnant.