Nothing to do with modeling

[TarheelRick]

This morning I decided to take my 9mm out of the gun safe and make sure it was alright.  To my surprise when I punched in my code nothing happened, no lights came on, nothing.  I dug out my key, opened it and found this mess.  Anybody have any ideas on how to clean up this mess? 

Edited January 21, 2023 by TarheelRick

[Ace-Garageguy]

Yup.

Dispose of the old batteries, obviously, then use a solution of baking soda and water, with a small "acid brush" (hardware store) to clean and neutralize the leakage goo.

Lightly polish the contacts with a pointed emery board if necessary (always a good idea), then spray it all down with something like LPS or CRC contact cleaner.

I like to use a little "bulb grease" (car parts store) on the contacts prior to putting in fresh batteries.

I've fixed countless things in similar or worse condition, from flashlights to key fobs and cameras. Assuming the corrosion hasn't wicked into anything internal, that ought to do it.

EDIT: In a pinch, brake cleaner spray is a decent residue-free contact cleaner, but it will often attack paint and plastic, so think about what you're doing first.

Edited January 21, 2023 by Ace-Garageguy
CLARITY

[TarheelRick]

Thanks for the info. I have a bunch of acid brushes around here somewhere, just got to find them.

[espo]

In the old days this is how you had to clean your car battery before they went with sealed batteries. 

[LDO]

Also the thing that’s in the safe is taboo. You might get threatened with being banned just for mentioning it. 

[Smoke Wagon]

  On 1/23/2023 at 4:29 AM, LDO said:

Also the thing that’s in the safe is taboo. You might get threatened with being banned just for mentioning it. 

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What about all the threads about the MPC Gangbusters kits and their taboo accessories? Or military builds with guns and cannons in the All the rest WIPs/under glass section? I’d say it’s just as goofy to ban all mention of gas stoves or lightbulbs or silverware, but it’s more serious than that; this particular taboo subject in our hands is what enables us to keep our freedom, so that we may have the right to talk about any of these things in the first place. 

[LDO]

  On 1/23/2023 at 5:40 AM, Smoke Wagon said:

What about all the threads about the MPC Gangbusters kits and their taboo accessories? Or military builds with guns and cannons in the All the rest WIPs/under glass section? I’d say it’s just as goofy to ban all mention of gas stoves or lightbulbs or silverware, but it’s more serious than that; this particular taboo subject in our hands is what enables us to keep our freedom, so that we may have the right to talk about any of these things in the first place. 

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Just telling you what happened when I posted a pic of a taboo subject I bought with a really pretty crest. 

[peteski]

Actually alkaline batteries don't leak acid (but their namesake chemical).  That needs to be neutralized with acid. Vinegar works really well.  But those leaked out quite badly.  If possible I would take the plastic cover off and see if any of the caustic liquid got inside the electronics.

In the future try Lithium AA batteries.  They are more reliable, but I guess if they are left long enough to discharge they might leak too.

[Smoke Wagon]

  On 1/23/2023 at 1:43 PM, LDO said:

Just telling you what happened when I posted a pic of a taboo subject I bought with a really pretty crest. 

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Man that sucks. I didn’t know they were threatening bans over that.

[Bugatti Fan]

I think maybe this thread should come to an end now that good suggestions have been made about cleaning battery contacts and type of battery to use, before it drifts into a discussion about something more contentious.