Battery corrosive cure

[Rob Mo.]

I got some mag-lite flashlights & a circuit indicator that has been sitting a for a number of years. The batteries (AA & D batteries) have corroded the terminals & have made the tools unable to work. I have seen in the past that by dumping Coca Cola on automotive batteries, it will break down the corrosives off the the battery & terminal. Is the anything that can clean my small tools & make them work again or am I sol?
 

[Motorcraftman]

I personally use WD-40... But Some don't like it, But works for me, one thing that I've noticed alot lately is, Even DURACELL will leak even before their Exp. Date.. just like in the 50's.. So Idk You really have to keep an eye on then, I sure do. Larry KF4LKU
 

[matthies]

I had problems with some Rayovac and Energizer batteries. Contacted them and they had me send them the bad batteries and what they destroyed. They sent checks for replacing the destroyed items plus extra and new batteries. chris
 

[Ted in NE-OH]

Contact the battery manufacturer, you may get a free replacement.
 

[Stephen Newell]

I've always used a baking soda and water solution to neutralize battery acid. As far as cleaning the corrosion I either use a piece of sandpaper or sandblast. Back in the old days it was common for batteries to leak so anytime you put a flashlight or something away for storage you automatically took the batteries out. I still do this today even though its rare for batteries today to leak.
 

[VernMI]

I have used the Coke trick on a camera with corroded terminals and it surprised me when it actually worked. I use a Q-tip and repeated dipped and wiped the terminals that were corroded. After a while the corrosion began to flake off leaving the bare terminal. Takes patience but it works.
 

[Dusty MI]

For small terminals, a pencil eraser will often work.

Dusty