Small batteries?

[1Admin]

What's your plan for small battery usage? I.e, AA, 9v, D, maybe some old C stuff floating around or some of the newer stuff that takes AAA's.

Have you standardized? Do you consider battery usage, time and type in purchasing new electronics?

[jimmycthemd]

99.9% of the electronics in my home wouldn't be used in PAW. Lights/radios are about the only thing we'd be using and we have a few wind-up ones for that. Most alkaline type batteries have a limited shelf life so we don't plan on their being around. Candles (store bought/home made) and such would be the light source. Won't need remote controls, etc., as there'd probably be limited or no electricity to run most of that stuff.

Now, in a short-term emergency, storm, tornado, flood, etc., we usually keep a couple of 'bulk' packages (20 or more) of the types of batteries we use for lights and the like.

[Grand58742]

I've tried to standardize in batteries especially in flashlights, however, each time I think I've got it, I have just "one more" that still has life left.

For the most part though, my go to flashlights are all 123 standardized. But I still have other emergency flashlights that are other types. Economically, the lithium-ion 123s are expensive to bulk up on, but last a long time (although newer standard batteries last a long time as well). I try to take the battery type into account, but sometimes I have to bite the bullet and go with a type I don't have like C cell for my emergency weather radio.

Currently stocking for preps: AA, C, D and 123 types. Need a few more Lithium DL1/3N and regular CR2023 for my Aimpoint and Burris scope respectively. All the EOTechs run off AA and 123, so I'm set there. Weapon lights run off 123s.

Have a bunch of AAA on hand for other minor items around the house, but nothing I cannot live without. 9V are for the smoke detector that's about it. Pack or two of each on hand.

[rockriver]

great post..
mixed sizes and amounts
we haven't standardized.
there is a thread in campfire about solar chargers..
we have a small one... but disappeared since our move.

something i need to search for. thanks \
i've now had 2 reminders.
rr

[610Alpha]

I am going to try and go with D's for the big flashlights...i will have some AA's for the small EDC flashlights. but let me find some new wiz bang and I will change my mind. :)

[EX121]

I tried to settle onAAA for flashlights & headlamps but now I find I have several cr123 flashlights. I have one solar charger, but I'm looking to buy a GoalO system.

[protus]

aa or aaa is the route i went for stuff we'd use shtf and even before. all my lights and head lamps are AAA....cameras all use AA and remotes, and gadgets use the same. Easier that way imho

[Irish-Tech]

I try to make a point of not buying items with weird batteries in them just so i don't have to buy them. I try to stick with aaa to d batteries. the multifunction wind up radio/flashlight is my emergency uh oh.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Try and standardrize as much as possible but its a difficult task. I stockpile them here and there in different spots like house, camper and storm shelter. CR2032 for watches and headlamps etc, AA, AAA are the main ones. Try and avoid alot with C-Ds but some older things take them.
I have extra solar lights because they are a buck at the dollar store and can use them for the rechargable AAs but they dont last as long in flashlights etc as regular batteries.
The 123s I buy straight from surefire because they are much cheaper.

[Patriotic Sheepdog]

Low Self Discharge (LSD) batteries in AA, AAA, C, D and 9v as well as CR123. Most are from Tenergy. I also have an AccuManager 20 charger which can use 12v or AC. This is a great device as it monitors the batteries and will not overcharge them. You can (if you want) charge different sizes at the same time. I have >12 in AA and AAA and >6 in C and D. Have about 4 rechargeable CR123's but also have about 6 regular CR123's and have a couple 9v rechargeables as well.

[VIPER]

For cr123 batteries check out bulk purchases on ebay. Prices range from a little over $1 to around $2

[Matt In Oklahoma]

For cr123 batteries check out bulk purchases on ebay. Prices range from a little over $1 to around $2

some folks have had some issues with the cheap chinese 123s where their flashlights caught on fire and some even lost their vehicles to the fire so be careful

[EX121]

Thanks matt that's good to know.

[VIPER]

I purchased 100 eveready for $150 last year and they are very good batteries with a very long shelf life.

[Grand58742]

Like Matt, I tend to stick to the known brands of 123 batteries. Surefire, Duracell and Energizer are the mainstays. Can't say I've ever tried the Ray-o-vac 123s, but I've had decent luck with that brand in other sizes.

For other AAA, AA, C and D cell my experience has been hit and miss with the store brands and off brands. I've had good experience with the Bass Pro Shop and Lowes bulk packs, not so great with the Home Depot, Dollar Store and another I can't think of the name now types. I tend to use those in my high use electronics since they don't last as long and stock away the "good ones" for a rainy day.

And since we are on the subject, we are getting into the season to buy batteries. During the Holiday season most of your big box stores tend to put batteries on sale for the toys and gadgets. If you look around, you can find decent deals on non-rechargeable types and even the rechargeable types from time to time.