We all rely on batteries for everyday essentials, from remote controls to flashlights. But what happens when you’re faced with a battery that doesn’t fit or cannot tell if it’s new or used? Here are two simple hacks to make battery life a little easier.
How to Check If a Battery Is Used
It’s easy to accidentally mix old batteries with new ones when storing them. If you’re unsure which ones are used, there’s a quick way to tell without testing each one in a device.
Drop the battery with the negative terminal facing down from about 1 to 2 inches (3 to 5 centimeters) above a flat surface. If the battery is still good, it will land with a solid thud and stand upright or fall over gently.
But if it’s used, you’ll notice it bounces around or tips over easily. This happens because the zinc inside oxidizes over time, causing the battery to lose its stability and bounce.
Tip: Always store your new and used batteries separately. If they’re mixed together, the new ones may lose power more quickly as energy flows between the batteries.
How to Use Smaller Batteries in a Pinch
Have you ever needed an AA battery but only had AAA ones lying around? Here’s a trick to make it work temporarily.
Grab a small piece of aluminum foil, roll it into a ball, and insert the AAA battery into the device where the AA battery would go.
To complete the circuit, place the aluminum foil in the gap where the battery doesn’t reach. Your device should start working again!
But be careful! This is a quick fix and should only be used in emergencies and for short periods since it can be a fire hazard. Keep an eye on the device and replace it with the correct size battery as soon as possible.
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