Safe storage of cr2032 batteries

I had an epiphany today and figured I'd share it with you guys.



As I take apart more and more computers, the cr2032 batteries off the motherboards have been starting to pile up. Until now, I've been neatly stacking them on one of my shelves to keep them from short circuiting as they would if just thrown in a coffee can or other container. I started searching Google and amazon and whatnot looking for some kind of plastic or cardboard container. Then it hit me...

I had a bunch of empty coin roll tubes that i held onto a while ago after cashing in the pocket change i used to save and roll. I tried them out and it just so happens the size of the cells is close enough to a penny that they fit perfectly in a coin roll. Nice, cheap, easy storage that will prevent shorting out the cells during storage or shipping. And you don't even have to label them. Just make sure the first battery you drop in has the marking side facing out the open end of the roll tube so you can see what style it is. Li-Ion, etc.

I've just been throwing them in a coffee can and I have another pile in a large plastic vitamin bottle. What is the danger of them shorting out? Is there a fire hazard?

I was thinking that it's not a good practice. You have come up with a great solution.

Originally Posted by HipoGear

What is the danger of them shorting out?

I believe thats why buyers want the ends taped.

I understand that, but what is the danger? Are there buyers for those button batteries? I know the Li-ion batteries from laptops and cell phones can be sold.

I line the batteries up on a piece of cardboard and tape them down . The reason they want them tape and not touching Is the fire hazard. I have not found a market for them . I give mine away to a battery company. That way I know they are properly handled and recycled. I hope this helps. By the way if them short out and burn. Do not put water on them .

Humm ... i was thinking.

You know how like you put two 1.5 volt D size batteries together in a flashlight to make three volts. ( Positive to negative and the voltage carries through ?)

I wonder if it's the same with the coin cells.

Originally Posted by Scrappah

Humm ... i was thinking.

You know how like you put two 1.5 volt D size batteries together in a flashlight to make three volts. ( Positive to negative and the voltage carries through ?)

I wonder if it's the same with the coin cells.

It is, so 3v x ~20 cells would be up to 60V. IF that shorts now you have a much bigger problem. A lot more potential energy ready to be released all at once. I would tape or cap one end for sure.

Even in the tube, I'm still careful with them keeping them away from anything metal. I also store them on a wooden shelf. I was more just looking for a safe way to store them til I can find a buyer or just have enough to be worth the trip to best buy. I remember seeing a post where someone had a coffee can full and said when he opened it up, it had quite the chemical smell to it. I wanted to make sure to avoid that.

I tape them and toss them in a coffee can. I wish there was a buyer for lithium button batteries,

Check your keyfobs. Most use the 2032. Last I checked, a two pack cost like $6. I have been selling them at my swap meet @ .50c for 3. Taped to card stock (old cereal box) and slid in a 2x3 baggie. Even if they have half the life, still a good deal. Iv only sold a few bags, but it adds to my table and beats just tossing them.

The basic idea of a coin roll for the coin cells was kinda kool.

Maybe just add an insulator between the cells ?

This might work.

Amazon.com: EK Tools Circle Punch, 0.75-Inch, New Package