Power tool batteries got soaked

[rel406]

Hey everyone- I have 7 odds and ends power tool batteries and chargers that I just store in a small open plastic tote in one of our closets. (If it matters: 2 Worx 56v batteries, 4 Bosch 12v batteries and 1 old Craftsman 12v).
I just went to grab a battery, and the 6x12” tote had about 1 1/2” of water in it!
We just found a new leak just above the batteries (must have just started less than a week ago).
Any suggestions on how to dry out the batteries and chargers, or do I have to just toss them all?
Thanks!

 

[Sumboodie]

There's nothing in those batteries to make that much liquid. That's about 1/2 a gallon.

Dog ******* in the closet?

 

[rel406]

There's nothing in those batteries to make that much liquid. That's about 1/2 a gallon.

Dog ******* in the closet?

Sumboodie:
I just edited my post, and I’m also editing this reply: a family member just took a shower (right above the mentioned closet), and we just discovered that we have a small leak from that shower, and that’s where the water came from!

 

[LigouriRd]

The only thing you can do is let them sit and dry out. If the cases are screwed together, open them up to let more air get air around the cells. Some manufacturers wrap them in cardboard insulators best to get that dried out.

 

[reader2580]

I left a Milwaukee m12 battery attached to a Hatchet chainsaw out in the rain. I brought it inside and everything worked fine after I let it dry out. Now, some rain is different than sitting in water.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I dropped an M18 5.0 into a stream once off a bridge about 7 feet up. Sat in that stream for about a minute til I got to it. Took the case off, let it sit on the truck dash in the sun for a day or two....no problems since.

 

[rel406]

The only thing you can do is let them sit and dry out. If the cases are screwed together, open them up to let more air get air around the cells. Some manufacturers wrap them in cardboard insulators best to get that dried out.

I just took apart one of the Worx 56v. Any suggestions besides tossing it?

 

[boom10ful]

I just took apart one of the Worx 56v. Any suggestions besides tossing it?

You can see if a replacement BMS board is available. Apart from that you're looking at new battery packs

 

[PCustoms]

I dropped an M18 5.0 into a stream once off a bridge about 7 feet up. Sat in that stream for about a minute til I got to it. Took the case off, let it sit on the truck dash in the sun for a day or two....no problems since.

I dunked my whole impact into a trash can filled with rainwater a few weeks ago. I might have grabbed it a bit quicker then you, but there was hesitation as it was definitely not clean water.

Rinsed it out in the sink and let it dry for a week. Time will tell I guess.

I just took apart one of the Worx 56v. Any suggestions besides tossing it?

That looks like it's been wet more then just once. You could try a toothbrush and contact cleaner, IPA if you can disconnect the cells.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I just took apart one of the Worx 56v. Any suggestions besides tossing it?

Electrolysis has taken place, powered by the battery cells.

The board and cells are toast.

It's a goner.

 

[PCustoms]

Electrolysis has taken place, powered by the battery cells.

The board and cells are toast.

It's a goner.

Weird thing is now that I look at it again that board appears to be conformally coated.

In other words, it should be waterproof.

How long was that submerged?

 

[rel406]

Weird thing is now that I look at it again that board appears to be conformally coated.

In other words, it should be waterproof.

How long was that submerged?

Unknown for sure as they were in a closet, and the leak happened right above the container (for good or for bad).
Worst case was 10 days ago, as that was the last I used a battery.