Remote Control Batteries..

[198x]

Why does removing the batteries and putting them back in or rolling them around actually give my TV remote extra life?

It's almost as if my remote is dying so I just roll the batteries and hey presto my remote works again.

I know Peter Kay has done this as a joke but there's no logic in it to actually work.

[Ethel]

I don't know - but it works with all batteries in all gizmos.

Could it be that it removes any dust/dirt from the contacts?

[BillyNoMates]

It cleans off any gunge and oxidation from the metal - to - metal contacts between the batteries and the metal in the remote.

[heathfield]

BNM is right. The metal used on most batteries isn't the best in the world for conducting electricity, it's just the cheap option. When you move the batteries, you're scraping the surfaces and making for better contact. For best results, don't touch the ends of a battery when unpacking and installing them. Note that watchmakers use cotton gloves (or they should!) when replacing quartz watch batteries - the sweat from your hands can reduce the effectiveness of the contact.

[RAS]

perhaps a smigin of petroleum jelly on + & - contacts might help, or more likely the batteries are on the last legs.