I don’t remember the source. It’s the idea schematic showing the typical unprotected flat/button top Li-Ion cell (the only difference is the added button).
If you can get in there with a pair of strong tweezers or pliers you should be able to just bend it back into usable shape. The tweezers was recommended to me by Simon from convoy.
Keep in mind, if you damage the insulating ring or wrap in the process then you would want to replace the damaged insulation specially at the positive end of a cell
Keep in mind, if you damage the insulating ring or wrap in the process...
This part is very important.
If you damage the wrap or the insulating ring around the positive terminal, it is possible to short the positive to negative, which can create a fire risk.
The cutaway image at the top of the following link shows this.
The contrast could be better, but in the middle top, we're seeing the positive terminal. It's legs are squeezed against the current interrupt device by a plastic insulator (translucent white-ish in this case), which prevents the positive terminal from contacting the casing for the rest of the battery. The entirety of this casing is effectively the negative terminal. Without the insulating ring around the positive terminal, and the battery wrap surrounding most of the case, there's only 2-3mm of air standing between the positive terminal, and accidentally shorting to negative with your tweezers or pliers.
It can be done, but pay attention to what you're doing.
Thank you for hitting those points, i realize it was irresponsible of me not to elaborate on those details, when there could be people that read this and don’t understand proper safety around Li-ion cells.
I dropped a 26800 light and this happened. That battery was big enough and the damage to the extent that I was willing to risk fixing it. I was able to get a small screwdriver in the largest gap and pry upwards. I only inserted far enough to get barely under there.
I was super nervous and I don’t think I would try it on a small battery such as those. Even taking as many safety precautions as possible.
Buy convoy spacer 21mm and shrink wrap and bind the spacer another benefit of this is you get a thicker tighter fitting battery that won't rattle around as much
I've done it as well. And the vent holes are still intact and not covered. You just have to be careful to not touch + and - with anything metal. I did it to a flat-top cell. It's way more complicated if it's a button top.
I’ve repaired 4-s lipo batteries for rc cars so I’m comfortable with li ion. But yes there is a chance of a short. Always be careful. Not worth it for these cells. They are so cheap anyway.
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u/bunglesnacks solder on the tip 9h ago
It's usable. Fixable is a different story. I wouldn't try unless you use something non-metal.
You can use a magnet or aluminum foil or something to charge it. These things at Convoy are great for this: https://convoylight.com/products/pcb-board-spacer-for-battery-for-series-connection-increase-the-length-to-fill-the-gap