AA C and D batteroes

[db5]

I still have a couple of things that use C and D batteries which are expensive and might be dead when I need them therefore, in usual SS and USMC manner I improvised.
4 pack of Cs = $2.50 each
4 pack of Ds = $ 2.50 each
18 pack of AAs = $1.00 each
Based on Energizer store prices.

I just insert the AAs with the adapters when I need them.

[JPG]

Ok if you do not need the additional current the c/d cells can supply.

[jsburger]

My thought exactly and the service life. I certainly would not put 3 AA's in my 3 D cell Maglite. However, thanks for the reminder on the Maglite, The batteries needed to be changed. It is only for emergencies so never gets used/checked.

[RFGuy]

Certainly one way to go, but I gotta ask why not just recharge them to begin with? There are special chargers now for alkaline batteries. For most applications, you get at least a few more uses out of an alkaline before you have to discard it. An upgrade to this are rechargeable batteries in NiCD, NiMH or Li Ion chemistries, but up front costs are more. Over the long term though you save money. Just another thought.

[SteveMaryland]

Speaking of flashlights and batteries...

I don't own stock in Thrunite, but they make a great flashlight. O-ring seals and aluminum construction like Maglite, but smaller. 3X brightness options. See photos. Instead of a long stack of D's, they put 4X AAs side-by-side in a drop-in carrier. I have an extra carrier and if I am in the field and need fresh batteries I can just drop in the other carrier. Rechargable AA's very economical. Much easier to carry than a Maglite. And the LED is incredibly bright. Model TN4A.

[db5]

Posted this for those who don't want to spend $30-$40 on a C -D charger that is reliable and uses those C-D things seldom. I thought about those big Maglites but knew anyone who had those wouldn't do this. I had a AA charger (Amazon) which was worthless. Anyone have a recommendation for one that is reliable?

[SteveMaryland]

Energizer model # CHPRO-DE. Charges AA and AAA only. Has worked well for me.

[jsburger]

Speaking of flashlights and batteries...

I don't own stock in Thrunite, but they make a great flashlight. O-ring seals and aluminum construction like Maglite, but smaller. 3X brightness options. See photos. Instead of a long stack of D's, they put 4X AAs side-by-side in a drop-in carrier. I have an extra carrier and if I am in the field and need fresh batteries I can just drop in the other carrier. Rechargable AA's very economical. Much easier to carry than a Maglite. And the LED is incredibly bright. Model TN4A.

Yeh, but you can't club the intruder with that.

[RFGuy]

Posted this for those who don't want to spend $30-$40 on a C -D charger that is reliable and uses those C-D things seldom. I thought about those big Maglites but knew anyone who had those wouldn't do this. I had a AA charger (Amazon) which was worthless. Anyone have a recommendation for one that is reliable?

No, I don't have a recommendation for what's on the market right now. A LOT of garbage electronics and etc. comes out of China and gets put on Amazon unfortunately. Many years ago I bought an alkaline battery charger. I think it was called "Battery Extender" or something like that. Bought it from a catalog because that's where I found it and online shopping was still early days. When my kids were young, I used that alkaline charger A LOT for toys that required batteries. So, I charged AA, C, D and 9V batteries in it. You lose some capacity with each recharge and it works best for batteries that are mildly to moderately discharged. IF a device heavily discharges the alkaline then best to toss it than try to recharge it. Saved us quite a bit of money on batteries back then. I was just pointing out that even though alkaline batteries shouldn't be recharged, they can be recharged with the right charger and keeping an eye on them. I never had a problem with one overheating or exploding but that is a risk with ANY battery to be honest. Keep in mind I am NOT advocating putting an alkaline battery in a charger marked as NiCD, NiMH, or Li Ion batteries. You need a special charger marked for alkaline batteries or I wouldn't trust it. Yes, you can throw an alkaline in a NiCD, NiMH, or Li Ion charger but it would be dangerous to do so. These days I don't use disposable batteries in much except tv remote, etc. I actually pay extra to get Li Ion disposable batteries for my motorized salt & pepper shakers in the kitchen. That kind of application really drains the 6 AAA batteries in it, so I get a much longer usage from lithium ion AAA's compared to alkaline.