Dive Light and Batteries

[scootermcfly]

So, kids and I got new dive lights for the holiday and since the season for diving is still a couple months away. I was wondering how everyone stores their lights, with or without the batteries in them? I am figuring on just removing the batteries for now and put fresh ones in when spring comes.

Scooter McFly

[CompuDude]

I dive year round, so not so much of an issue. If you're packing your lights away for 4+ months, not a bad idea to remove the batteries, as is the case with most battery-powered devices. Also, store with the lids only loosely connected, to keep pressure off the o-rings.

[wheelman]

I don't take the batteries out, but check them out before I start diving.

[texdiveguy]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

I dive year round, so not so much of an issue.

Yep me to I dive year round......though I might remove them for 'months' of storage.

[Goober]

Batteries out if it will go unused for a few months...good practice, just incase of a "meltdown".

[Daved]

Batteries out. Used to store them until I had one "leak". It caused enough corrosion to gum up the spring. Batteries out in a separate Tupperware container.

[ReefHound]

You could put in a piece of cardboard like they sometimes have when new, to block the contacts and ensure the circuit is open.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by ReefHound

You could put in a piece of cardboard like they sometimes have when new, to block the contacts and ensure the circuit is open.

Good idea, although it won't save you from battery leaks, or compressing the springs, or even compressing the o-ring.

I have rechargeable batteries in all of my lights (expect my backups), so I tend to have them out between uses anyway.

[mitchy]

I take my batteries out just in case of a leak. I store them in the freezer as I heard this extends their shelf life. Not sure if this is a myth or not, bt figured it can't hurt.

[whse56]

I take them out as I've ruined to many flashlights and radios to count. Good idea to leave the seals loose so you don't compress the gaskets, remember to clean and grease the seals before reusing them.
I remember a study done years ago that refrigerating batteries didn't do very much for increasing shelf life of standard batteries, but it can't hurt.