Removing Battery Corrosion

[cooltouch]

I have obtained a motor drive with a battery pack that had batteries left in it too long. I think they were NiCads that leaked, but don't hold me to that. The corrosion sure looks the same as if it were done by regular batteries.

I vaguely recall recipes for removing corrosion -- like vinegar or baking soda? Using an old toothbrush?

So, just wondering if you might know a tried-and-true method for getting rid of it. It's pretty heavy in a couple of spots. Out of four electrical contacts, only one has any corrosion on it. I don't think I'll have to dismantle the pack to see if corrosion has wicked up the contact's wire -- at least I hope I won't.

[ludoo]

I use sanding paper on the contacts

[RioRico]

[iangreenhalgh1]

Isopropyl alcohol to clean it up then a quick rub with fine emery paper to ensure electrical contact.

[Attila]

First vinegar it will be remove green stuff second step is very fine sand paper if vinegar wasn't enough.

[cooltouch]

Thanks, guys. I posted this same message at a local forum, and one fellow suggested Coke or Pepsi. Well that got me intrigued, and I figured any carbonated soda-type beverage would work, so I used some Mountain Dew. Wow, it worked great! Poured a little on the corrosion and it foamed and bubbled and I was able to just wipe away most of it. There was some heavier scale that I was able to remove easily with a knife. So, all taken care of. Sort of.

After putting the battery holders back into the pack, I checked for voltage across its contacts where it hooks up to the drive. No voltage. Grrr... So, I guess there was some corrosion that wicked up that one contact's wire. I'll probably have to open it up and replace that wire before I'll be able to get it to work. Oh well, I can't complain. I didn't pay anything for it.

[OM]