Torch Batteries Are Dead-Ish!

[shivvy]

I have a couple of replacement 6V batteries for my torch. But when I went to use them last night, the light from the torch is very dim. I have made the mistake before of storing them in a shed which I was told drains the battery, so this time I have kept them in the house.
I noticed that there is a Best By date on them, but it is Sept 2021.
Is there anything I can do to revive them, or are they a lost cause?
Thanks.

[TheChair]

You haven't said what type of battery they are.
Information about optimal storage and shelf life foe the different types can be found here:
https://www.batteryjunction.com/battery-expiration-guide.html

[gingejbee]

What sort of batteries.....old-style zinc/carbon or alkaline....presumably not lithium? Zinc/carbon will deteriorate in storage quite quickly.
My recommendation is to get a modern LED torch with built-in rechargeable lithium batteries....you'll never look back - and if you do, you'll be able to see a very long way!

[shivvy]

oops - sorry!
It is a 6V 0% Mercury- Cadmium Carbon Zinc battery.

[shivvy]

This is like the one i have at the minute.
https://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/Lighthouse-L-Ht996-5023969249360-Krypton-Spotlight-With-6V-Battery

[shivvy]

gingejbee - would you mind posting a pic or a link to the type of torch you mean please?

[bhg481]

Take ginge's advice - grit your teeth and throw the torch away and buy yourself an LED one, with or without rechargeable batteries. You get a brighter light in a smaller torch, a longer time between battery charge/replace and a more reliable light (no flickering etc). I find it hard work to throw away something which works (an age-thing, I think) but the time comes when it's the best thing to do. It will save you money in the long run.

[Mamyalynne]

Something like this?

Gets good reviews but is smaller overall than your original, shop around a bit.

Amazon.com User Recommendation

[bhg481]

I think the other thing you'll find with an LED torch is the marked improvement in beam-pattern. Torches always used to have a bright rim to the beam whereas LEDs give a flood of light.

[theprof]

The battery in your torch was known as a PJ996 for many years in the UK. Virtually all PJ996 batteries are zinc-carbon and their shelf life is relatively poor. This was the type I had for many years:

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-1950-pifco-red-dome-lantern-305554700

The battery never seemed to last very long.

You can get an alkaline version of the PJ996 from various sellers on the web. A quick look showed me a Duracell version for around £10. This battery in theory should degrade more slowly than the bog-standard zinc-carbon version.

All the same, I'd bite the bullet and purchase a modern rechargeable LED torch if only from the cost aspect, given that a standard PJ996 costs around £4-£5.

[shivvy]

Ok so it looks like the old torch is heading to the charity shop and I am in the market for a more modern one.
I have spent a bit of time online this evening and I'm bamboozled already with the selection and decisions I need to make to pick the right one for me!
Perhaps if I tell you what I would be using it for then some of you knowledgeable folk could point me in the right direction? . . .
Although the torches look fantastically bright, I'm a bit concerned that they are too bright. I know that might sound silly, but I live in the middle of the country and I don't want to be floodlighting neighbouring farmers or sending spotlights into the sky! The main use that I have for my torch is to shine it into a field every evening to make sure both my dogs have done their piddles before bedtime!
I would be using it for approx 15 minutes every night, and it would be great if it only needed charging once per month - or less.
I like the idea of charging the torch by USB, rather than charging batteries to go into the torch.
Does that narrow it down much?
Thanks.

[bhg481]

The one recommended by mamy looks pretty good for you. Adjustable brightness, adjustable beam width and rechargeable. Battery life of 4-6 hours means it will last a fortnight or more between charges. It's even got a money back guarantee - you can't go wrong.

[bhg481]

I should also have said that replacement batteries are available should the ones supplied fail after a few years.

[shivvy]

I forgot to thank you for that link mamyalynne - sorry.
bhg481 - that torch does look interesting but I would rather not have to take out the battery and have a separate charger for it.

[Mamyalynne]

You're welcome, I hope you find one that suits.

[bhg481]

Be careful if you buy one which recharges the batteries in situ as you might find that's it's impossible to remove the batteries at all so, when the batteries won't recharge, the torch becomes a write-off.

[shivvy]

Thanks for all your answers and advice.
I have the old torch ready to go to the charity shop and I bought the below torch. It is a great job! Small enough to go into a pocket, but very strong and charges really easily via a usb.
Thought some of you might be interested.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B074TZXC73?ref_=pe_3187911_248764861_302_E_DDE_dt_1

[jno]

just shine it at your screen and we can tell you if it's bright enough :-)