You probably won’t appreciate how precious batteries are until you find yourself needing one. That said, having more than a few in storage is what any responsible adult should do. The problem now is learning how to store them.
Proper storage will make sure your batteries are in good working condition when the time comes that you need them. You can build your own wooden battery organizer for this. At the same time, it will also help if you learn the best storage practices. For that, we’ve got your back.
Battery Storage Tips
Every battery has a set shelf life. Some brands claim they last for three to seven years, while others promise theirs can last a decade. In reality, how long a battery lasts is affected by different factors.
Generally speaking, different kinds of batteries have varying shelf lives. While some say the brand plays a role in its longevity, even Dollar Store batteries are designed to last.
Aside from these factors, the way you store your batteries will affect their shelf life. Generally speaking, you will want to have both disposable and rechargeable batteries. This way, you won’t ever run out of juice.
Another common and essential practice is to rotate the batteries, where you use the oldest ones first. To know which ones are the oldest, you must keep them organized in the first place. Here are things to keep in mind when trying to decide where to store batteries:
1. Take Them Out of the Device
First and foremost, you’ll want to remove the batteries from devices you won’t be using for a while. If you don’t, they might corrode or rust and leak. It probably won’t damage your device, but your batteries will be unsalvageable.
2. Put In a Storage Case Solely for Batteries
It would be best to take brand-new batteries out of their packaging and transfer them into a storage case. This way, it is easier to keep them organized and all in one place.
3. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Lastly, find a spot where your batteries don’t get exposed to sunlight and moisture. If you’d be keeping them in a bag, make sure the bag is at room temperature. For batteries you’ll pack in an emergency go-bag, remember to switch them out every three to six months.
How To Store Batteries
Now that you know where to keep them, here are some precautions to take when storing batteries:
1. Separate the Old From the New
Mixing old and new batteries may cause them to leak or damage your device. You can avoid this from happening by storing them separately. By doing this, you’ll also know which ones have a full charge and which don’t. If you’re unsure, you can use a battery tester to check.
2. Make Sure the Positive and Negative Ends Are Away From Each Other
When storing loose batteries, you must keep an eye out for the anodes and cathodes. The negative and positive ends shouldn’t touch, so make sure you position them correctly. To do this, simply make sure that the positive ends point in the same direction.
3. Keep Them Away From Metal Surfaces
Another way to avoid leaks is to ensure the batteries are kept away from metal. This is where a wooden battery storage box will come in handy, especially for batteries outside of their original packaging.
You will find different sizes available, but you can also build one on your own. This way, you can be sure the box fits all of your extra batteries.
4. Store Them Away From Your Valuables
Sometimes, batteries leak; that’s just the way of the world. If not stored correctly, the leakage can cause damage to whatever is nearby.
That said, it will be for the best if you keep them away from your precious items. This rule is especially important if you’re planning on storing them for a long time.
5. Charge Your Rechargeable Batteries
As mentioned, it would be a good idea to have disposable and rechargeable batteries in your arsenal. Keeping disposable batteries in storage is easy enough. In comparison, you’ll need to be extra careful when it comes to storing rechargeable batteries.
With their composition, you must store rechargeable batteries at a 40 percent charge. This way, they can gradually lose their charge while in storage.
It goes without saying that you should never store discharged batteries.
Storing Batteries the Right Way
Batteries come in a wide variety of price points. Sure, they may not cost you more than a few bucks, but they aren’t exactly cheap either. That’s why you must learn how to store them so that they last for many years. Aside from that, keeping them organized means it will be easy to find them when the need arises.
