PREP Buying Batteries

[Tundra Gypsy]

If you haven't already done so, please take the time and stock up on all the batteries you need for flashlights, lanterns and anything else that would require a battery.

In the fall of each year, I put new batteries in all my flashlights. That includes those I keep in the car, next to my bed, in my 'go-bag,' next to computer, in the kitchen drawer and in my purse.

You also need to make sure to have plenty of batteries if you have those little puck lights that are under the cabinets in your kitchen. Everyone should have them; they are great to have! NOW is the time to prepare because we all know it's just a matter of time before there is a possible grid down situation.

 

[Zahowey]

I use the outdoor solar landscape lights. Yes I have a stockpile of batteries but if we gather in a room it’s easier than everyone having a flashlight.

 

[Millwright]

Duracells leak.

 

[K99]

I use the outdoor solar landscape lights. Yes I have a stockpile of batteries but if we gather in a room it’s easier than everyone having a flashlight.

Yes they do! What do you use as an alternative?

Thanks

 

[SmithJ]

Yes they do! What do you use as an alternative?

Thanks

Energizer lithium for AA and AAA

Items with rechargeable lithium battery packs

If I have equipment that's worth anything to me I will not put an alkaline battery in it. You'll get burned sooner or later.

 

[john70]

after many years
of keeping many battery powered tools "ready to go"

i became tired of tools going bad from leaking batteries
so i store batteries separate
NOW, i keep many one dollar flashlights "ready to go"
THE "one dollar flashlights" will get me to
the battery tool i want,
BE IT "flashlights, lanterns, fans, radios and anything else that would require a battery."
and provide light to place batteries in them
i can also give them away

 

[kyrsyan]

I get Energizer for everyday things. Energizer Lithium for the things that require it. And then I have rechargeable batteries as well.

Won't touch Duracell after having to replace multiple packs for leaking within their package. Duracell replaced them. I used the replacements as fast as possible.

For items that do not see frequent use, I got the small battery storage holders and I store the batteries in those, next to the tool they are meant for. Because, like John, in the tools there was too much leakage and damage.

 

[bw]

If I have equipment that's worth anything to me I will not put an alkaline battery in it. You'll get burned sooner or later.

I don't leave batteries in anything.

 

[ShadowMan]

FWIW: Alkaline batteries can be recharged....IF....you have the right kind of recharger specifically made for that job. They don't last as long as new alkaline batteries but they do work. I have a chargers for Alkaline, NiCad and Li batteries. I mark recharged batteries with a permanent marker, one strip for every recharge.

 

[kyrsyan]

FWIW: Alkaline batteries can be recharged....IF....you have the right kind of recharger specifically made for that job. They don't last as long as new alkaline batteries but they do work. I have a chargers for Alkaline, NiCad and Li batteries. I mark recharged batteries with a permanent marker, one strip for every recharge.

Info on that charger, please.

 

[Vegas321]

Harbor Freight has a coupon deal for their Thunderbolt Edge batteries. Regular price $7.49. for a 16 pack. Coupon is for $2.00 off, ($5.49.)
Limit of 4 packs per visit.
A super battery at a great deal!

 

[Josie]

I've switched to AC Delco batteries after being rudely awakened by some of the other name brands...mainly because of corrosion. So far, so good. Supposed to have a 10-year shelf life of the AA and AAA, 7 years on the C and D sizes. I've been using them for over a year and so far, no corrosion issues.

 

[Barry Natchitoches]

I keep both rechargeable and battery powered emergency lanterns and flashlights. (And plenty of extra batteries, of course.)

I like rechargeables for every day use, as I often have outdoor chores to do after dark. They are cheaper for every day use. In case of an emergency power outage, I always go first to my rechargeables.

If it is a short term emergency, the rechargeables ill probably get me through the duration.

If it is a longer term problem, I will need to switch over to my disposable battery powered gear after a couple of days.

i need to find some good quality solar lights to add to this stockpile.

Do any of you have a suggestion for good solar lights that could be used to light a home or a dark pathway?

ETA: I do not want to hijack this thread, so I am going to post this question as its own thread.

 

[SmithJ]

I have been through 4 natural disaster caused power outages (in the last 20 or so years) , each lasting over a week. You really dont need as much artificial light as you think you will.

In my experience you need 3 kinds of light:

1) bright outdoor flood lights that are portable for disaster cleanup (probably powered by some sort of gas generator or vehicle (assuming you can physically work)

2) small, long lasting interior LED lighting that is movable but in numbers enough to light each room as you move. They do not have to be super bright, but LEDs are desirable due to emitting virtually no heat.

and 3) a few high intensity flashlights or gun lights for security, as needed

You will quickly transition back to rising and retiring with the sun, just as people used to.

If it lasts long enough to require a large stockpile of batteries you probably won't survive anyway.

 

[Tundra Gypsy]

After all the batteries are used up and the grid is still down, I still have oil lamps. When the oil is gone, I still have candles that I've been buying at yard sales for years. I also have the outdoor solar lights, set in concrete in small cans, I can easily move them around rooms in my house. When all fails, I'll try and figure out some other alternative or it will be over anyway.....ya can only live so long in harsh conditions....

 

[Doc1]

You should concentrate on acquiring rechargeable batteries for most applications and put in a lesser number of cheaper alkalines for some applications. Look for a battery charger that's designed to recharge different types of batteries with a flip of a switch. All of these things can be lifesavers and will, over time, save you money. Note that any off the shelf battery charger will recharge almost any type of battery, but the results will not be as optimal as having the right charger for your battery type. Also, using the wrong type of charger may cause the batteries to leak prematurely. Some batteries, being charged with the wrong charger may get very hot and (this is an extremely remote possibility) explode. The solution for this is to monitor the batteries while being charged to make sure they don't get too hot.

Another very important system to acquire is semi-permanent interior lighting. I use reconditioned deep cycle and some reconditioned automotive type batteries for this. I recondition these myself, but I will note that if you can't recondition batteries you can use less than optimal 12 volt auto batteries for this application. Batteries which aren't strong enough to start your car or truck will power LEDs perfectly well and for a long time. I use 12 volt LED bulbs with an e27 base - the same type of screw thread used on regular household bulbs - and convert common household fixtures and lamps to use them. This is very, very, inexpensive and the lighting lasts much longer- and produces more light - than portable lanterns using AAA, AA, C or D batteries.

A very minimalist, mains independent, battery charging station can be made with an automotive or deep cycle battery connected to a small inverter, which then powers your battery charger.

Best
Doc

 

[hd5574]

We have lots of small things that use aa and aaa batteries..if we don't use something often I remove the batteries and keep the in a plastic zip lock bags with item...
Extra flashlights have batteries in a plastic bag right by the flashlight. ..burned too many times...

Rural King has some great cheap flashlights

 

[medic38572]

Harbor Freight has a coupon deal for their Thunderbolt Edge batteries. Regular price $7.49. for a 16 pack. Coupon is for $2.00 off, ($5.49.)
Limit of 4 packs per visit.
A super battery at a great deal!

These ARE the only batteries I use. Better batteries than any I have ever used.

 

[Tristan]

These ARE the only batteries I use. Better batteries than any I have ever used.

Really?

Thanks for the heads-up.

I'm sick of the Name-Brand batteries that seem designed to kill small tools.

 

[Tristan]

Look for a battery charger that's designed to recharge different types of batteries with a flip of a switch.

Any makes/models you can recommend?

 

[Jackpine Savage]

For most AA and AAA stuff I use Eneloop rechargeables. For high dollar items like Night Vision, and lights in the get home bag, I use Energizer Lithium.

For CR123s I've had good luck with Battery Junction Titanium.

 

[Shadow]

A good while back I switched entirely to rechargeable batteries to avoid the leaks. DW liked to keep batteries in things so they would be ready and we lost a few expensive items.

Someone writing on prepping a BOB said to put a radio in it in the original wrapping. That way you avoid the temptation to do what everybody does, put in the batteries in and turn it on to be sure it works. He explained that batteries produce power chemically and a used battery has different chemistry than an unused one and is more likely to leak. Once you turn the device on the chemistry changes, a little, and the probability of leakage goes up. I have had no leak damage since I switched to rechargeable (so far).

Early on I worried about how I would see to put batteries in but figured I would braille it. Now there are lots of inexpensive LED keychain lights so that I nearly always have one with me. They certainly provide enough light to put batteries in other lights. I still keep my spare batteries in a zip lock bag with the item.

Shadow

 

[PalmettoGirl]

Good reminder as it’s the beginning of hurricane season. I like to stock up before anything is on the radar so I don’t have to fight the crowds.

 

[Doc1]

Any makes/models you can recommend?

Tristan, unfortunately, no. There are so many different options that I'm hesitant to recommend any single one. Just be aware that the better battery chargers are optimized for specific battery types and some of the better chargers have selector switches allowing you to charge different types of batteries.

Best
Doc