The batteries pile up in a drawer and you no longer know if they are worn out or not. Good news, there is a very simple method to find out, without having to put it in a device, that of the rebound. We explain to you.
We are all faced with this dilemma: is this alkaline battery lying around in a box, a corner or at the bottom of a drawer worn out or still usable? Before throwing it away or keeping it unnecessarily, there is a quick trick to check the condition of your battery without the need for a multimeter or a specialized device. A simple technique is circulating on the internet to find out in just a few seconds. This is the rebound method. How it works ?
- Take your stack and drop it from a height of 15 centimeters onto a hard surface such as a table.
- Result: if the battery bounces, it is worn and probably good to throw away, if it does not bounce, you can still use it.
This phenomenon is explained by the presence or absence of a liquid gel which will solidify as the battery discharges. When the gel is still liquid, when you drop the battery on a hard surface, it won’t bounce (the liquid creates a downward force and stops it from bouncing), whereas when the gel has become solid, it will will no longer be able to move in the stack, which will allow it to bounce.
Is this method really effective? Two clans are clashing over this, especially since a Duracell representative claimed that this method was unreliable. In contrast, experts from Princeton University have shown that it works well, with a clear difference between a full stack and a half-empty or totally empty stack. Enough to make your inventory in a few seconds… Only limit, at 50% charge or less, all the batteries bounce in the same way. We tested at the editorial office with a new battery and an old battery and the bounce method did work. Test, get an idea and do not hesitate to share your observations!