Exploded battery...

[Glowgood Jigster]

I was using a 12V automatic charger that was brand new, don't remember the brand. I threw it away thinking it could have been the reason too. I know it was a calm summer night so the gases may have been gathering in the same spot. I should go take a pic of what's left of that battery tomorrow and post it on here, I saved it so someday I could use the lead to pour some jigs and sinkers.

[slabbatical]

I was using a 12V automatic charger that was brand new, don't remember the brand. I threw it away thinking it could have been the reason too. I know it was a calm summer night so the gases may have been gathering in the same spot. I should go take a pic of what's left of that battery tomorrow and post it on here, I saved it so someday I could use the lead to pour some jigs and sinkers.

Now, there's a real crappie fisherman for you...HA!

[cook]

Don't melt battery lead for sinkers,gives off some horrific and dangerous fumes.....much better getting wheel weights from a garage.

[DRPEPPER]

How was the water level? I don't know about newer technology but, back in the day plates would weld themselves together (if the water level was not maintained) and could cause the reverse charging effect, which in turn would cause an explosion. When I was a kid working in a filling station, the first thing we would do is top off the water before charging.
DP

[Glowgood Jigster]

I don't remember checking the water level, as the battery was brand new and this was the first time I used and charged it.

What type of gasses could battery lead give off that wheel weight lead wouldn't? I admit ignorance on this, first time I've ever heard about such a thing. Could I just stay clear upwind of the process and be ok? Sure hate to waste about ten pounds of lead...

[CrappiePappy]

I don't remember checking the water level, as the battery was brand new and this was the first time I used and charged it.

What type of gasses could battery lead give off that wheel weight lead wouldn't? I admit ignorance on this, first time I've ever heard about such a thing. Could I just stay clear upwind of the process and be ok? Sure hate to waste about ten pounds of lead...

When batteries are recycled ... the lead is melted in a closed chamber. Biggest reasons ... to stop lead particles from entering the air, and to stop sulfer particles from entering the air. The lead of the battery will absorb some of the sulfer from the sulfuric acid, or sulfer particles may attach themselves to the lead plates. When melted, the sulfer is detached from the lead.
You may still be able to use the "exploded" battery, as a deposit on the purchase of another battery. Most places usually charge you an extra $7-$8 if you don't have a dead one to turn in, when purchasing a new one. The recycle plants are going to tear the old battery down, anyway, so I doubt they'd care whether it's exploded or whole. Now, the retail store may not like it much :D but, since the acid is gone, anyway ... they may not care, either.

If you still plan on keeping the lead plates (core) ... you might want to "clean" them first, just to insure that you don't get acid burns handling them (or inhale sulfer fumes when melting them). Wash them in a baking soda solution, until the bubbling stops. That should neutralize the acid. And, it would be a real good idea to wear some type of respirator, or filtered mask, when melting lead. No sense in giving yourself a case of lead poisoning, just to make some jigs & sinkers. And be sure and melt lead in a very well ventilated area (fan forced air ventilation, if inside ... or outdoors, which would be even better) ... but wear a mask, in either case !!

I'm not 100% sure about any of this information ... so take it with that thought in mind. You do what you do, at your own risk ... luck2ya ... cp

[shadow]

When I went to charge my battery a few weeks ago, I put my clamps on and then plugged in the charger and had a BIG spark! I immediately unplugged the charger and (then) got a flashlight (it was dark) and noticed I had put the clamps on the wrong poles! So I would doubt that you had it clamped wrong as you should have immediately heard and seen a BIG spark and noise.

I never remove the caps before I charge but my father-in-law ALWAYS removes them from his. I guess I need to start also. I can not tell you how much I have learned from that man!

I do make it a rule that I ALWAYS hook the clamps to the battery first and then plug in the charger when charging the battery and I ALWAYS unplug the charger before removing the clamps.

[Glowgood Jigster]

Thanks for the extra ideas and experiences. I think I'll just proceed with caution. Heck, it might take another 4 years before I get around to pouring some jigheads anyways. Don't have any molds yet...

[Bridges]

Years ago, my father-in-law had a battery hooked to a charger, the battery was finished charging, but still hooked up trickling. I turned the battery charger off, unplugged the charger from the wall and waited for the chargers' capacitor to discharge.
When I went to disconnect the clamps from the battery, it blew, in my face and in my eyes.
I made it to a faucet a few steps away and layed under the faucet with my eyes open for about 15 to 20 minutes. I sure am glad father-in-law was only a few steps away!
That day and the next I couldn't see anything, along about the third day, things began to visualize, but as in a deep fog. It took the better part of a week before I could drive and 2 weeks before I could return to work.
I really now not only respect a battery. but I also keep my face out of the danger zone when connecting or disconnecting a battery.

[handybat]

I'm glad that you and no one else was hurt. Yes I always take my caps off. Don't know if it makes a difference or not but better safe than sorry.