All consumer flashlight type batteries will ultimately leak if left in an
appliance for an extended time.  I don't know if this is characteristic of
the genre, but I have had more trouble with rechargeable batteries in that
regard than with standard, alkaline batteries.  I have been able to clean
up some flashlights and other lighting devices, but anything more
complicated than a light seems to be toast if batteries leak.  But, being
me, and always expecting to use the device sooner rather than later, I am
unfortunately prone to leave them.  But I just went through the process of
removing a bunch of batteries, and had patted myself on the back for doing
so when these posts came through.

Newer lamps, with leds, where the batteries last longer, may pose a greater
risk, but I don't know that.  Batteries degrade over time, regardless of
discharge rate.  I noticed that the battery companies are now advertising
that unopened packages of batteries should retain their original charge for
9 years after purchase.  I also don't know if these batteries last longer
once deployed than older ones did.

On Sun, Jan 8, 2017 at 9:47 AM, Karl Ploessl <karl.ploessl@gmail.com> wrote:

> well I had batteries in my multi meters. Didn't use the meters for a while.
> Next time when I tried to use them: nothing. Opened the battery compartment
> and the batteries were leaking and corroded the inside of the meters. I
> tried to clean up the contacts with sand paper to get clean contacts again
> but the corrosion was deeper in the meter. So: dead multi meters. Now I
> have the habit to take out the batteries and have them outside (next to the
> meters) in a box.
>
> Karl.
>
> On Sun, Jan 8, 2017 at 12:41 PM, OlRivrRat <OlRivrRat@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> > On 8 Jan , 2017, at 10:26 AM, Karl Ploessl wrote:
> >
> > > i ruined two meters when batteries were leaking.
> >
> >                 Karl
> >
> >         Could You expound on this ~ Not getting what that means ~
> >
> >                                                         ORR ~ DeanB
> >
>