Dielectric grease, for small batteries?

[supermanotorious]

I actually love the free LED flashlights one receives from Harbor Freight. Their batteries almost always leak and ruin the flashlights. I replaced a few with name brand batteries but noticed recently they leaked too. I have personally never bought dielectric grease but the boy at Auto Zone always try to sell it to me when I buy light bulbs. Think it helps with smaller batteries like AAA, AA, C, D?

 

[itsid]

I can't answer that..
since "Depends" or "Yes and NO" would be my answer of choice

The thing is, dielectric grease might prevent (or at least retard) corrosion if that is due to
humidity or moisture applied to the batteries.
But most cheap batteries corrode from the inside as well.. and you cannot stop that in any way.
And with that it's all open for leakage again.

Now leakage on the other hand can not only be caused by corrosion, but by temperature cracks, shocks and even overvolting (temp cracking again) the cell.
So, drop a battery and you have a good chance of a leak, leave it in the car on a hot arizonian summer day and it'll most likely leak soon too..

The grease might actually help to keep control over the mess the leakage might cause inside the flashlight,
but not for long the acid will dissolve the grease and leave your battery compartement filled with a sticky, gooey, and maybe even stinky mess of 'not even grease anymore'

So I wouldn't even try.

heatshrink is a much cleaner alternative to improve the outer lining and catch possible leakage.
But be careful with the applied heat of course
Also make sure the wrapped battery still fits your flashlight.
having a non removable battery isn't fun at all

'sid

 

[fowler]

What sort of batteries are you using
Never had a normal battery leak

Exept for when u leave a torch in the cuboard for 4 yrs and they degrade

 

[KartFab]

I only put that stuff on the electrical fittings for car brake lights etc, and around the battery terminals on my car. Maybe those free flashlights are just junk?

 

[supermanotorious]

I put brand new Duracell batteries in one flashlight and the batteries are leaking