Batteries for HF Braun LED worklite
- Thread starter Steve_P
- Start date
nafterclifen
Well-known member
I take them out of old laptop batteries. I probably have about 50 of them.
rlitman
Well-known member
I've found plenty on Amazon. Just make sure you get protected cells.
techieman33
Well-known member
Don't buy batteries on Amazon, there are tons of knockoffs on there. One local option will be vape shops. Those lights aren't very high draw so pretty much anything should work fine.
If you want to buy online check out illumn.com and https://liionwholesale.com/ anything you buy from either of those sites will be legit.
First question to ask is what does the current battery look like? Does it have a flat top or a button top? That may or may not matter with the light in question. Try to match that to whichever the current battery has. The other question is do you want a protected battery? It will be more expensive, but they're safer for someone that's new to those batteries since it will be a lot harder to get it to short out and vent. Modern batteries shouldn't catch on fire themselves unless you really try. But they will get extremely hot when they vent and may catch something else on fire.
As far as brands go keep power for protected batteries. And for unprotected any name you recognize will be fine. Panasonic, Sayno, LG, Sony, etc.
Since power draw won't be a big issue for your current light just get whatever has the highest mAh rating. Don't buy anything over 3600mAh as it will a fake for sure.
If you want some specific reccomendations I can post some links when I get home later tonight.
jgromada
Well-known member
What exactly is a protected cell?
Yes, Amazon has some 18650 but nothing legit IMO. Compare a search for AAA battery and 18650 battery. I was surprised they dont have them in Amazon basic.
The OE battery is a generic 2200 maH with a button top
Techieman - I'll check for links later, thanks!
The OE battery is a generic 2200 maH with a button top
Techieman - I'll check for links later, thanks!
ex-x-fire
Well-known member
Batteries Plus.
Last I looked (2-3 weeks ago) every search I tried on amazon ("18650 rechargeable, etc" returned everything BUT an 18650 
I finally did a search on Google, apparently the Amazon drones didn't think it necessary to mention the shipping/fire/********, instead just redirected all my searches to AAA, NiMh, Leyden jars
Ended up ordering 4 from these guys
https://liionwholesale.com/
They claim they ship batteries nearly completely discharged for safety; appears to be true, they showed up and my Nitecore charger took two DAYS to get 'em full (normally it's maybe 10-12 hours if my lights are dim.
What they sent is pink, with a sticker on the side "18650 3000mAh 3.7V", no brand name - were supposedly Samsung IIRC. haven't tried 'em in my 3 cell light yet, so can't say if I got screwed yet - they DID toss in a "freebie", cute little 4" personal fan with 3 speeds and a flashlite, ALSO takes an 18650
Oh, a "protected" cell has an electronic board that limits charge rate... Steve
I finally did a search on Google, apparently the Amazon drones didn't think it necessary to mention the shipping/fire/********, instead just redirected all my searches to AAA, NiMh, Leyden jars
Ended up ordering 4 from these guys
https://liionwholesale.com/
They claim they ship batteries nearly completely discharged for safety; appears to be true, they showed up and my Nitecore charger took two DAYS to get 'em full (normally it's maybe 10-12 hours if my lights are dim.
What they sent is pink, with a sticker on the side "18650 3000mAh 3.7V", no brand name - were supposedly Samsung IIRC. haven't tried 'em in my 3 cell light yet, so can't say if I got screwed yet - they DID toss in a "freebie", cute little 4" personal fan with 3 speeds and a flashlite, ALSO takes an 18650
Oh, a "protected" cell has an electronic board that limits charge rate... Steve
jasonphelps
Well-known member
I use free old laptop batteries here too
Ok, so I dont have a stash of laptops lying around to harvest batteries from - so can we stop that suggestion? I will be clear:
I want to actually buy new batteries.
I thought I was clear when I said "purchase" in the OP but I guess not
I want to actually buy new batteries.
I thought I was clear when I said "purchase" in the OP but I guess not
techieman33
Well-known member
Here are some batteries from Illumn.com they're all the same exact battery, with different features.
Here's the bare cell. It's the cheapest, and will give you the most power output. The extra power isn't really needed for the light in question though. Downside is it's not protected.
https://www.illumn.com/batteries-ch...8650ga-3500mah-high-discharge-button-top.html
Here's the protected version. Less power output, but if you create a short between the positive and negative then the protection will trip and keep bad things from happening. Should that occur you just need to put the battery on charge for a couple seconds and you'll be good to go again.
https://www.illumn.com/batteries-ch...ah-sanyo-ncr18650ga-protected-button-top.html
And finally, the protected version with built in USB charging. It's currently on sale for the same price as the regular protected cell.
https://www.illumn.com/batteries-ch...ah-sanyo-ncr18650ga-protected-button-top.html
And finally here's a charger if you want to charge cells outside of the light.
https://www.illumn.com/batteries-ch...r-mc2-plus-li-ion-usb-charger-simple-kit.html
Here's the same battery from Liionwholesale
unprotected
https://liionwholesale.com/collecti...sanyo-ncr18650ga-flat-top?variant=12534220036
protected
https://liionwholesale.com/collecti...nyo-ncr18650ga-button-top?variant=12534255236
They don't have one with USB charging.
And a charger
https://liionwholesale.com/collecti.../xtar-mc2-plus-charger?variant=12431926984798
I would have no worries purchasing from either of these sites. So figure out what you want, and see who's cheapest, make sure to account for shipping as it can be a big variable.
Here's the bare cell. It's the cheapest, and will give you the most power output. The extra power isn't really needed for the light in question though. Downside is it's not protected.
https://www.illumn.com/batteries-ch...8650ga-3500mah-high-discharge-button-top.html
Here's the protected version. Less power output, but if you create a short between the positive and negative then the protection will trip and keep bad things from happening. Should that occur you just need to put the battery on charge for a couple seconds and you'll be good to go again.
https://www.illumn.com/batteries-ch...ah-sanyo-ncr18650ga-protected-button-top.html
And finally, the protected version with built in USB charging. It's currently on sale for the same price as the regular protected cell.
https://www.illumn.com/batteries-ch...ah-sanyo-ncr18650ga-protected-button-top.html
And finally here's a charger if you want to charge cells outside of the light.
https://www.illumn.com/batteries-ch...r-mc2-plus-li-ion-usb-charger-simple-kit.html
Here's the same battery from Liionwholesale
unprotected
https://liionwholesale.com/collecti...sanyo-ncr18650ga-flat-top?variant=12534220036
protected
https://liionwholesale.com/collecti...nyo-ncr18650ga-button-top?variant=12534255236
They don't have one with USB charging.
And a charger
https://liionwholesale.com/collecti.../xtar-mc2-plus-charger?variant=12431926984798
I would have no worries purchasing from either of these sites. So figure out what you want, and see who's cheapest, make sure to account for shipping as it can be a big variable.
boostin20v
Member
I bought a few extra batteries and a charger from https://www.18650batterystore.com. Found the info on Reddit for the site. Shipping was quick, batteries fit my Braun light and they're a bit higher mAh to boot.
nafterclifen
Well-known member
To be fair, you asked two questions...
1. What is everyone using for backup batteries?
2. Where do you purchase them?
I answered the 1st. And have never purchased any 18650's so I didn't answer the 2nd.
techieman33
Well-known member
The other thing is this thread isn't only for OP, but for everyone else that may have similar questions. Both now and in the future. And honestly laptops with removable batteries are become more scare everyday. The most reliable source these days it tool battery packs. Some people have had good luck pulling batteries out of recycling bins at the big box stores.
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bwringer
Well-known member
I had some 18650 cells with solder tabs left over from a failed power tool resurrection project. I just broke off the tabs and they work fine; they're a wee bit shorter than the button top cell that comes with the light, but the spring takes up the slack with no issues.
To find good cells, I poked around the vaping websites and looked for recommendations for solid deals on middle of the road batteries. Vapers get WAAAAYYYYYYY too far into their batteries, and spend an unhealthy amount of time testing and authenticating.
You know how some people here get damn near suicidal if they buy a new wrench and there's a microscopic flaw in the chrome? Same thing.
Anyway, there are some vaper websites with good info, and several that are trusted sources for validated, reliable cells.
Counterfeits are a huge problem in this area -- as noted above, you can't really trust anything on Amazon, so go to other sources.
I think the "stock" battery is 2,200MAh, and the batteries I have are 2,700. They do last noticeably longer in these lights.
To find good cells, I poked around the vaping websites and looked for recommendations for solid deals on middle of the road batteries. Vapers get WAAAAYYYYYYY too far into their batteries, and spend an unhealthy amount of time testing and authenticating.
You know how some people here get damn near suicidal if they buy a new wrench and there's a microscopic flaw in the chrome? Same thing.
Anyway, there are some vaper websites with good info, and several that are trusted sources for validated, reliable cells.
Counterfeits are a huge problem in this area -- as noted above, you can't really trust anything on Amazon, so go to other sources.
I think the "stock" battery is 2,200MAh, and the batteries I have are 2,700. They do last noticeably longer in these lights.
Fresh, tested, top quality, good prices. https://liionwholesale.com/
I bought a 2-pack of batteries with charger off Amazon, not sure why the OP is not finding them. the charger on my HF light died, eventually the whole board did so I have 3 batts with nothing to use them in.
I will say, the ones I bought worked, but were slightly shorter than the original. someone mentioned "button top", not sure what that means but I am guessing some batteries don't have that on top so are a tad shorter, but they still fit and worked fine.
i'll try and find a link.
edit: looks like they don't carry them anymore; link is ded from my order history:
Order detailsOrdered on June 5, 2018 (2 items)
2 Samsung INR18650-25R 18650 2500mAh 3.6v Rechargeable Flat Top Batteries (Green)
Samsung
Sold by:GMT™
I will say, the ones I bought worked, but were slightly shorter than the original. someone mentioned "button top", not sure what that means but I am guessing some batteries don't have that on top so are a tad shorter, but they still fit and worked fine.
i'll try and find a link.
edit: looks like they don't carry them anymore; link is ded from my order history:
Order detailsOrdered on June 5, 2018 (2 items)
2 Samsung INR18650-25R 18650 2500mAh 3.6v Rechargeable Flat Top Batteries (Green)
Samsung
Sold by:GMT™
search for INR18650-25R
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=inr18650...NL&sprefix=INR1865,aps,151&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_7
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=inr18650...NL&sprefix=INR1865,aps,151&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_7
rlitman
Well-known member
Button top means that the cell has the familiar raised "button" on the positive electrode, while the negative is still flat.
If you pull cells from battery packs, they will be flat on both sides.
Your taller batteries are protected cells. They have a board inside that protects you from running the cell outside of safe charge ranges, and that increases the length. The shorter batteries are unprotected.
Willie Makeit
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2013
- Messages
- 910
no need to be a douche, folks are only trying to help.
The original battery is a button top. I dont know if a protected cell will fit as its 2.3 mm longer. Anyone? I'll measure the original when I can. The cost difference is minor so it only makes sense to buy unprotected if that's all that will fit.
Thanks, I noticed what I bought said "flat top", so it makes sense.
so are all button tops "protected" cells? and what's in laptop battery packs? Last ones I opened were just AA battery size, but those were from old Dell's. I have a few from newer laptops in my e-scrap but haven't opened one. I may do that tonight just for fun.
rlitman
Well-known member
The factory cells in the HF Braun LED light are protected, but the cap spring is long enough to work with unprotected cells as well.
No. Flat tops are generally unprotected. Button tops come both ways.
basically means there is an electronic circuit in the battery to protect it...
A protected cell is just that it have a circuit build into the cell to protect the battery from over charging/ over discharging.. it used to be a very apparent circuit outside of the battery, now a days it's just a very tiny circuit inside the casing of the battery... it's just a mm longer than the normal 18650s...
I've been using Olight protected cell batteries in my HF light for a while now. I believe they're supposed to be made by Panasonic, but I'm not positive on that. They have to be a slightly higher capacity than the original HF battery because they give a bit longer run time. The original HF battery in mine is still fine after almost two years(2yrs in Nov.) by the way.
Traditional 18650 cells have a flat top and no protection circuits. These cells are sold to be built into battery packs, traditionally computer batteries.
Thanks to things like flashlights a market developed for 18650 cells that could be treated more like a traditional AA battery, hence the wish for button top cells to protect from reverse installation in a flashlight it other device. The problem is, unlike a AA battery, Li-ion chemistry is typically reactive and not well suited for use outside of battery packs. This is why people talk about protection circuits. If a Li-ion cell is over charged or over discharged then charged their is a risk that it will, as the industry called it, "vent with flame". For this reason I strongly recommend against just pulling cells out of used batteries. They won't have the protection circuits. I got one set of protected but lower capacity cells from Walmart. They are Westinghouse banded and used in battery powered landscape lights. I've also purchased from Amazon but I don't know if they have restricted sales of these batteries.
Thanks to things like flashlights a market developed for 18650 cells that could be treated more like a traditional AA battery, hence the wish for button top cells to protect from reverse installation in a flashlight it other device. The problem is, unlike a AA battery, Li-ion chemistry is typically reactive and not well suited for use outside of battery packs. This is why people talk about protection circuits. If a Li-ion cell is over charged or over discharged then charged their is a risk that it will, as the industry called it, "vent with flame". For this reason I strongly recommend against just pulling cells out of used batteries. They won't have the protection circuits. I got one set of protected but lower capacity cells from Walmart. They are Westinghouse banded and used in battery powered landscape lights. I've also purchased from Amazon but I don't know if they have restricted sales of these batteries.
kctyphoon
Banned
For shits and giggles - go watch so youtube videos of people cracking open some of those cheap 18650's from eBay..
From the liion site, protected is 69.1 mm length and unprotected is 66.8. The body of the OE HF battery is 68.3. With the button its 69.7. So the dimensions suggests its protected. As said. Dimensionally, a protected battery will work, so I'll go with that.
Interesting learning experience and thanks to all who posted.
Interesting learning experience and thanks to all who posted.
jasonphelps
Well-known member
Try and avoid Chinese 18650s.
I like Panasonic, Samsung, Sanyo, and LG in that order.
Companies like EagleTac rebrand them for their cells like the 3500 mAh 18650.
I like Panasonic, Samsung, Sanyo, and LG in that order.
Companies like EagleTac rebrand them for their cells like the 3500 mAh 18650.
bubinga
Well-known member
Do the batteries with a built in charge port have a LED light to indicate full charge?
Professional Tool User
Well-known member
The batteries in the Braun light are just your standard rechargeable 3.7V lithium ion batteries. The one that comes in the Braun light isn't even the best option available.
bubinga
Well-known member
Only 2200 MAH I think.
bubinga
Well-known member
Protected from over charging, and from discharging too low.
Also protected from shorting the + and- together.
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bubinga
Well-known member
Those built in micro USB ports are nice.
bubinga
Well-known member
techieman33
Well-known member
I'm not a big fan of the built in ports myself. A lot of the lights I use won't work with anything other than standard non protected batteries. And have a nice 4 bank charger for them. But I can see the appeal for someone who isn't a borderline collector like me with lots of lights and batteries.
He sounds like he`s a real ********