Reliability of batteries and their damage to equipment

[Ed in Tx]

Originally Posted by Eric H

Interesting coincidence that I removed two sets of leaking Duracell Alkalines today....

Were they as bad as these? Expired in 2009, picture from 2008. I've seen the same destructive leakage from Energizers too.

[Mal Fuller]

I've found that alkaline cells that have been subjected to a high current drain first use cycle, but which have plenty of remaining punch left are highly susceptible to becoming leakers before very long.
What they will leak is a clear liquid that isn't nearly as corrosive as the magunga which used to leak from zinc carbon cells.

[Ed in Tx]

Vast majority I've seen have been in low current remote controls, just sitting too long usually. What' bad is when they leak in a Mag Lite-type flashlight and corrode the threads so you can't get it apart. Trapped gasses will slowly eat away the aluminum coating on the reflector. A slow agonizing death to a flashlight.