8881 PF Battery Box Issue

[Technix]

I just completed my 42009, and noticed a potential problem with the battery box. One side of the box has the batteries tucked all the way into the corner. and while you can pry it out with a pen or something that could slip on the spaces on the terminal end, here is what i've done which is simpler and more neat than prying it out every time.

PROBLEM:

You see, the battery is inserted all the way into corner which could give you a hard time pulling it out without prying tool.

SOLUTION:

I inserted a piece of plastic with the battery. So if I need to get the batteries out, i have something to hold to without prying it out. A better material is a fabric ribbon, so there would be no chance of tearing it in half when you pull out the batteries.

[PhyBuilder]

Idea is good, I also hate the way they're stacked in that deep edge. But... You can use one of the lits of the box to pull all batteries out, including the last one. It's strong enough, perhaps Lego even designed it to be used like that.

[Rockbrick]

I use the lid or the orange brick separator - but I have to say the strip of plastic is an excellent Idea I don't know why I never thought of it even though this method is used in many other devices...

Also Depends on the batteries - my current set of unbranded rechargeable 2350maH 1.2 volts seem thinner and easier to takeout than say duracell ones...

[Technix]

These were old batteries that i found lying around the house last night. I'll compare them with my Eneloops when i get to charge them :)

[andythenorth]

It would be neat if Lego would include a fabric strip for battery removal.

I use NiMH which seem a little thicker and are hard to remove. The sleeves are torn from prying them out with the battery box lid.

[Lakop]

a small flat blade screw drive will do it. However, your idea is good. i've said this before, why don't they create a 9V battery box that takes a single 9V battery? It would be more compact and plenty lighter.

H

[zux]

a small flat blade screw drive will do it. However, your idea is good. i've said this before, why don't they create a 9V battery box that takes a single 9V battery? It would be more compact and plenty lighter.

H

That would be less power capacity.

[syy89]

Sounds like a great idea. I'll try that next time I replace the batteries in my 8110, 9398, and 42009 (they all use the same battery box, and thus have the same problem). I hate how TLG designed it with one side like this.

[Technix]

yeah, they could at least move it further down by another stud as there is still some space at the bottom.

is lego not moving to using lipos for its model? it's lighter, and its power/capacity-size ratio is even greater. prices are not that expensive imo.

[Paul B Technic]

That is a really good solution to a problem anybody who uses this battery box would have come across in the past. I use the lid of the battery box and this seems to work fairly well.

[NXT45]

I usually use the battery cover to pry it out.

[dr_spock]

Good idea. My old AM/FM radio had a ribbon built in the battery compartment for that purpose. I usually use the new brick separator or fingernails if I haven't trimmed them.