Battery compartment shrunk/ new battery stuck in unit?

[redfreak]

Five months ago, I got a Smok Alien 220W and a pair of LG 18650s. I had no issues with inserting/removing the batteries and closing the cover. This week, I dropped one of the batteries and the wrapper ripped, prompting me to go out and purchase a replacement set. The shop only carried Mxjo's and I was pretty desperate, so I put my reservations about purchasing rewraps aside. When I tried to put them in the Alien, I immediately noticed that one of the chambers was suddenly "too snug" to hold the battery and made it difficult to close the cover without a little pushing and fidgeting. It essentially gets stuck in the chamber, I spent a half hour trying to get it out gently. Both batteries fit in fine to the other chamber, so I didn't think it was explicitly an issue with the Mxjo's, but at the same time, both of the LGs had slid out fine, I go to insert these ones, and suddenly one of the chambers is too small. I shine a flashlight into the chamber and see a little "ding" in the compartment wall, with no idea how that could have happened because I am very careful with where I keep my vape and how I handle it.

Today I went back to the shop to show them the issue and get their opinion on what to do. The man takes my vape from me, inserts the battery, and sees that it is stuck in there. He then proceeds to whack my vape in order to dislodge it, but tells me that continuing to vape with a stuck battery isn't a safety issue. But after seeing how he handled my vape, I'm not so inclined to take his word for it.

I guess I have two concerns here: one being if it is safe to use a mod with a small nick in the compartment and if I should be looking at a new unit, and two being how serious of an issue is a tight-fitting battery? I'm just so lost and confused over this whole situation, especially because I had zero problems with the LGs.

Your input is appreciated!
-red

 

[KingPin!]

The guy at the shop is a fucking idiot that’s my thoughts on this topic ....mind you you are out of warranty now so don’t really have a leg to stand on in the return front

Is it a plastic tray inside if so are you able to file it back with a round file

If it’s metal you’ll need to be careful with the shavings you dont want them getting into places they shouldn’t be, and definitely don’t leave them inside after your done .....you might have to strip it to sort the problem out or use some tissue to cover the contact or any opening inside. Either way wipe with rubbing alcohol afterwards and let that dry first

Either way using a mod with batteries that get stuck in there or where the casing is causing them to get damaged is a bad idea

Best bet would be to ask a mod builder like @Sonar505 hoping he can provide some guidance on this one

 

[redfreak]

The guy at the shop is a fucking idiot that’s my thoughts on this topic ....mind you you are out of warranty now so don’t really have a leg to stand on in the return front

Is it a plastic tray inside if so are you able to file it back with a round file

If it’s metal you’ll need to be careful with the shavings you dont want them getting into places they shouldn’t be, and definitely don’t leave them inside after your done .....you might have to strip it to sort the problem out or use some tissue to cover the contact or any opening inside. Either way wipe with rubbing alcohol afterwards and let that dry first

Either way using a mod with batteries that get stuck in there or where the casing is causing them to get damaged is a bad idea

Best bet would be to ask a mod builder like @Sonar505 hoping he can provide some guidance on this one

Thanks for the advice! Took some time out of my day to stop by a different shop with far more intelligent staff- turns out the Mxjo's really were just a tad too fat. Got new LGs which, like the old ones, fit with plenty of room. He looked at the location of the dent in the (plastic) chamber and ruled it to be a non-issue, since it is very tiny, doesn't protrude, and sits on the side where there's nothing but the fire bar- which makes me wonder if that specific chamber is a bit smaller by design, perhaps to allow the fire bar room to depress? This is an all around weird situation. At least it's somewhat resolved now.

-red

 

[KingPin!]

Thanks for the advice! Took some time out of my day to stop by a different shop with far more intelligent staff- turns out the Mxjo's really were just a tad too fat. Got new LGs which, like the old ones, fit with plenty of room. He looked at the location of the dent in the (plastic) chamber and ruled it to be a non-issue, since it is very tiny, doesn't protrude, and sits on the side where there's nothing but the fire bar- which makes me wonder if that specific chamber is a bit smaller by design, perhaps to allow the fire bar room to depress? This is an all around weird situation. At least it's somewhat resolved now.

-red

Glad it’s sorted sorry I misread your OP in that the LG’s were tight as well

keep an eye on this nick if it’s damaging the wraps on the LGs and the sled is plastic can smooth it off without too much bother

 

[redfreak]

Glad it’s sorted sorry I misread your OP in that the LG’s were tight as well

keep an eye on this nick if it’s damaging the wraps on the LGs and the sled is plastic can smooth it off without too much bother

Thank you, I will! It's an inward dent (as in it doesn't protrude) and didn't damage the wrappers of my old batteries, but of course I will keep an eye out!
-red