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Low tech problem - which was do batteries go in my torch?!

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I know this is probably a stupid question but I've taken batteries out of a large torch and tried to put new ones in but I can't get it working. The bulb appears to be fine. I'm not sure if anyone can advise me via net but here is the description:

The torch unscrews around the rim and the bulb and section comes off. Underneath is the space for four batteries - big Duracell Ultra M3s (not sure of the generic size). The batteries 'stack' two underneath and two on top. At the bottom are a couple of 'prongs' sticking up. I've tried putting them all face down (ie pointy bit down!), face up, left hand both down and right hand up, bottom left down and right up and vice versa. I've even tried them all pointing into the middle (even I know this can't be right!)

Any clues as to the correct way? Or do new batteries lose their power, as these have been in my shed for a few years?

Thanks
somewhere between Heaven and Woolworth's
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Comments

  • pandora205
    pandora205 Posts: 2,939 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    No. Nothing that I can see anyway (I've looked inside).
    somewhere between Heaven and Woolworth's
  • pandora205
    pandora205 Posts: 2,939 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I tried to but the battery has just gone on my camera! As I keep the spares in my shed and there's no light in there (and no torch to find them :)) I'll have to attempt a better description.
    The important bit is the battery compartment, which has space for two batteries over another two.
    And I know the poles shouldn't be put together like that but I was getting desperate!

    I was hoping to use the torch so that I could put some stuff back in the loft tonight. It's a bit of a jumble up there, though there is a light if I can negotiate the junk to reach it.
    somewhere between Heaven and Woolworth's
  • pandora205
    pandora205 Posts: 2,939 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I tried that but still nothing. There don't seem to be springs as such, just little metal pieces (sort of flaps) sticking up on both sides at the bottom of the torch.

    Do batteries go out of date? These are pretty old.
    somewhere between Heaven and Woolworth's
  • bookduck
    bookduck Posts: 1,136 Forumite
    pandora205 wrote: »
    ... As I keep the spares in my shed ...

    An outside shed? Cold? Damp? Moisture? Condensation? Flat batteries? :)

    On duracell batteries that are stored in a cupboard are of some use, even if they are 3 years old.
    GOOGLE it before you ask, you'll often save yourself a lot of time. ;)
  • hardpressed
    hardpressed Posts: 2,099 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Won't help tonight but get yourself a wind up torch for a few pounds in Wilkinsons.
  • pandora205
    pandora205 Posts: 2,939 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    These are probably 10 years old too..... I bet they're no good. I just put my tongue on the end and nothing (just as well!) so I guess they've gone flat.
    somewhere between Heaven and Woolworth's
  • pandora205
    pandora205 Posts: 2,939 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Won't help tonight but get yourself a wind up torch for a few pounds in Wilkinsons.

    It would be much simpler at times like this! This torch usually lives in the boot of my car for emergencies, so I'd better sort it - or get another simpler one - in the next few days.

    Meanwhile I'll stumble around in the loft and see if I can clear some of this junk tonight.
    somewhere between Heaven and Woolworth's
  • bookduck
    bookduck Posts: 1,136 Forumite
    Won't help tonight but get yourself a wind up torch for a few pounds in Wilkinsons.

    Mine is not from Wilkinsons, but they are both the best and worst product ever. You keep having to wind the things up every few mins, however they always work!
    GOOGLE it before you ask, you'll often save yourself a lot of time. ;)
  • Moneymaker
    Moneymaker Posts: 1,984 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I think you need to know how to use a multimeter. ;)
  • chickmug
    chickmug Posts: 3,279 Forumite
    pandora205 wrote: »
    I know this is probably a stupid question but I've taken batteries out of a large torch and tried to put new ones in but I can't get it working. The bulb appears to be fine. I'm not sure if anyone can advise me via net but here is the description

    http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=88787

    I suggest one of these.
    Cheap enough.
    A retired senior partner, in own agency, with 40 years experience in property sales & new build. In latter part of career specialising in commercial - mostly business sales.
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