You can always turn the batteries around. Don't know why but it's always stayed fresh for me.
                             Stacy 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 8, 2017, at 11:20 AM, David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> 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
>>> 
>>