Torn 18650 wrapper: repair or replace?

[Cavediver]

One of my 18650s has a small hole in the wrapper on the side, up near the positive pole. Can I get away with painting over the torn spot to provide some measure of insulation, or do I need to get a new wrapper and replace it?

 

[Hobby Kid]

I use heat shrink wrap. Sometimes electrical tape as a quick fix. Paint? I think it might chip. Nail varnish anyone?

 

[retrox]

http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10004244/1140200-29mm-heat-shrink-wrap-1-meter

Just add a few of these to your cart next time you buy something that you don't actually need.

 

[Hobby Kid]

http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10004244/1140200-29mm-heat-shrink-wrap-1-meter

Just add a few of these to your cart next time you buy something that you don't actually need.

My policy exactly lol. I've bought those wrappers from fasttech and they are just as good as anywhere else - just a whole lot cheaper

 

[Cavediver]

OK. I'll put a dab of nail polish on it for now and get one of those on order.
Thanks!

 

[Hobby Kid]

You'll need a hair dryer or heat gun but I guess that's obvious. I use a hair dryer to shrink the wrap. I've seen people use lighters, but that's just silly

 

[jae]

Personally, i would toss 'em. That factory wrap surely has to meet certain safety specifications.

Having said that, i have to bow before mighty heat shrink wrap. I used heat shrink tubing it to hold an old pair of ancient eyeglasses once. They turned out to be incredibly sturdy and i actually continued using them for like another year or two without bothering to have them for-real repaired.

 

[Galaxyrider]

Considering that they spend so much time next to my face, I think I'd opt to replace. A few cents more on safety beats th hell outa thousands of dollars given to "Ol' Saw Bones" IMHO.
I don't see me ever reaching so close to a batteries limits, but, Id still want to have the most kick ass batteries, with respect to power, and safety that I can get.
As long as I know the limitations, I'm good.

 

[retrox]

I'm fortunate to work at a place with an industrial shrink-wrapper. I just toss them on the conveyor belt and they come out the other side good as new (better than new if they're Efests)!

 

[aussie]

Heat shrink from FT works like a charm and is at least as good as what they come with