Batteries

[Russ from MN]

I recently bought some AA batteries at Dollar Tree, 4 for $1. They are carbon-zinc, not alkaline, are they any good? Thanks!
 

[David G]

Generation 1 carbon batteries
 

[Ted in NE-OH]

They are the bottom of the barrel batteries. Don't last.
 

[amfarms]

Never heard of it
 

[Jon Hagen]

Carbon /zinc is what flashlight batterys were before alkaline batterys became so cheap and popular. Nothing wrong with them except they have less capacity than alkaline and have only 1-2 years shelf life compared to alkaline with 10+ years shelf life.

There are a few applications where carbon /zinc batteries are still recommended. A carbon / zinc battery can be totally discharged and will not leak for atleast a few weeks. An alkaline battery totally discharged can build pressure that must be relieved at the safety blow out plug When this plug pops, it relieves the pressure, but also spills the corrosive electrolyte into the device, so carbon / zinc is often recommended for emergency power supplys..
 

[Mike (WA)]

Do you have a Staples office supply store in your area? If so, get on their email list. A couple of times a year, they run a deal where you buy Duracell AA and AAA batteries, and get all of your money back in Staples "rewards", which is a coupon you can use like money at Staples. I haven't actually paid anything for those sizes in several years.

Of course, you won't want to deal with Staples if you're an 0bama supporter- its one of those evil Bain Capital outfits, dontcha know. . .