How to Resurrect a Rechargeable Battery

Today, there are a various electronic devices powered by rechargeable batteries. With the large number of toys, appliances, electronics and many other devices that require these batteries, it is important to know what to do when the batteries are dead. 

Using cold to bring the batteries back to life:

1. Take the dead battery out and wrap it completely in plastic wrapping (such as Saran Wrap). For more than one battery, the batteries have to be individually wrapped in plastic wrap.


2. With the wrapped battery, wrap it again in aluminum foil. Make sure it is sealed tightly. If recharging more than one battery, they can be bundled together in the aluminum foil once they have been wrapped in plastic.


3. Put the battery into a freezer and let them remain there overnight.


4. Pull the battery out of the freezer and give it time to warm up to room temperature.


5. Use a battery tester to determine the level of the charge and if it charged properly. 

Energize the batteries to return them to life:

1. Get out the battery (or batteries) you want to recharge.


2. Find the positive and negative ends for the battery. The negative end is always the flat end of the battery, whereas the raised end is the positive end.


3. Make sure to put on a safety goggles and gloves.


4. Get out a twelve-volt charger, snapping the black clamp on the battery at the negative end.


5. Keep the black clamp in place at the sight of the node for the negative end of the battery. Using the red clamp, gently touch the positive end of the battery. Beware of flying sparks. 


6. Gently touch the red clamp to the positive end again, but do not leave it in place for more than two seconds. 


7. Take off the clamps and use a battery tester to check the charge.