Follow up to my Duracell-destroyed Maglite from Post
#245. I never could get the last battery out.
I contacted
Maglite and asked WTF you don't have a plastic tube or sleeve inside your products, to prevent leaky batteries from bonding along the entire length. Crickets about that. I also noted Maglite dumped Duracell and are using Energizer exclusively for some time now.
They offer a (warranty) Trade In Program where you can exchange for similar or trade up to something new and brighter. USD $15-17 + tax for 2AA LED or 2AA LED PRO.
But I have to ship the old flashlight back to them, and the thought of me paying to ship dead, leaky Duracell carcasses across the border is just further insult. I'm not sure the package would make it through US customs, resembling a bomb lol. It's around 85g but international parcel rates cheapest ends up USD $8. Supposedly I have to pay return shipping as well. Total would be at least USD $25 one way.
Option #2... I contacted Duracell, and after getting the "tips for proper battery care and use" document sent to me several times - HINT: do not look at or think about Duracell batteries, this will cause leaking.
They are sending me a cheque for replacement cost USD $40
I'll let you know when that comes in, Warren Buffet might take a while to approve and sign it.
Last time a Fluke multimeter was damaged from leaking Duracells, I told them replacement cost is CAD $485 and their was a squawk sound from the customer service rep on the phone. They thought I was a scammer. They are used to cheap flashlights, remote controls etc. getting damaged - nothing worth more than $40.
Then they want me to ship the multimeter to Duracell, they will attempt repair. So insured package shipping costs a fair bit with no guarantee of the result. Just ridiculous.
Cheaper to buy replacement chinese battery holder pieces "shrapnel" as they call them, and stuff that in.