It is common to keep batteries in a drawer at home, some used and others still in good working order. The problem is knowing which ones are still loaded. To check whether the batteries are full or not, you don’t need to insert them into any device or buy a battery tester. There is a simple method to do this.
Holding a stack – Source: spm
If you have found several different batteries and are wondering if it is possible to use them in your device, try the next method. The test works for all non-rechargeable cylindrical alkaline batteries, especially the common AA and AAA types. Simply hold the stack four to eight inches above a table, work surface, or similar, then release it and watch what happens next. If the stack only bounces once before collapsing, it’s full. If, on the contrary, it bounces several times, it is empty.
The reason for this reaction is a gelatinous mass of zinc inside. This cushions the shock of the battery when it is fully charged. However, as the battery discharges, the gelatinous paste solidifies and can no longer break the fall, so the battery jumps. The higher the battery jumps in this test, the lower its charge. If you want to be absolutely sure, you can also do a comparison test with a full stack and compare jump heights.
Half full batteries should not be disposed of immediately. It’s best to keep using them to the end on a device that can run on weak batteries, such as a watch or remote control.
What if you don’t have the right battery size?
Inserting batteries in the remote control – Source: spm
If you don’t have the correct stack size handy, the following trick may help. Did you know that you can convert a small AAA battery to a larger AA battery with very little effort? Is that how it works. All you need is a piece of aluminum foil.
Insert the AAA battery into the battery compartment. The trick works best when the battery’s positive terminal is in contact with the device’s terminal, leaving only the negative terminal unconnected. Then, fold the aluminum foil over and use it as an electrical conductor to fill in the gap.
Of course, the smaller AAA battery doesn’t offer as much power. So you need to buy the right batteries in time. But this trick always acts as a temporary solution.
Attention, this trick does not work in the case of rechargeable batteries, because they are based on a different operating principle.
- Use a battery tester: these devices can measure the charge of the battery and know if it is still usable or if it needs to be replaced.
- Use a device that uses the battery: If the battery is not powering the device or if it drains quickly, it may indicate that it is dead and needs to be replaced.
- Charge the battery: If the battery does not charge or does not hold a charge, it may indicate that it is dead and needs to be replaced.
- Using a multimeter: if you have a multimeter, you can measure the resistance of the battery. If the resistance is less than a few ohms, it may indicate that the battery is dead and needs to be replaced.
read also How do I know if the batteries are still charged?
