How to Remove battery corrosion from vintage toys - Toy Polloi

A guide on how to remove battery corrosion from vintage toys. This time on a Star Wars Kenner Tie Fighter.
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[@OIFEagle]

I usually leave the battery compartments empty, but when I do decide to keep batteries in them, I replace any batteries with AAA size batteries in AA adapters. That way any corrosion stays within the enclosed battery adapter.
I also clean off the de-rusted metal parts with very hot water, dry them thoroughly, then lightly oil them to prevent any future rusting. I use clear nail polish on the heads of the screws and wax on the threads.

[@freakbiker]

Wow, I searched Getting Corrosion off toy and this video showed up. I have the exact ship with the exact looking corrosion. Awesome, thanks.

[@toypolloi]

Glad I could help!

[@nigelcarren]

Fun fact from a geek: Here in France, I just found a pair of still-sealed Radio Shack AAA batteries in a box of Tandy condenser microphones. I am guessing these were the original factory batteries. They are dated 1986 and showed no leaks, so I tested them and they are still at 1.5v. Not bad after 35 years!! 🏆

[@briansmith2125]

For some reason, I LOVE finds like that. That's kind of cool.

[@kjamison5951]

Dave, it’s possible to buy a small brass brush for a Dremel. It’s not like the wire wheel, it’s more like a toilet brush. Very handy for getting into awkward corners and can leave a nice feint brass coating on the electrical contacts.

[@mtoval1722]

Your advice was perfect. There was corrosion in the battery packs of two Star Wars light sabers. The batteries had been inside for years. Followed your instructions and it’s working again like new! Thank you so much!!

[@TreadwellJay]

A quick pass with an emery board (or small piece of sandpaper) will shine up those contact points. :)

[@blackhawk69100]

A wire head Dremel is good to use after this process I've found. Top video;-)

[@toypolloi]

+Tristan Howden Good tip thanks. I need to get more bits for my dremel, I only seem to have files and sanders.

[@kjamison5951]

Specifically a wire head with brass wires not steel wires. Brass is a softer metal that will not be as harsh but it will still remove the corrosion.

[@kaystarigenericlastname5274]

I have an ATAT where I used a Dremel wire brush and it took off the copper coating and the battery won't make a connection any more. How do I fix this??? It looks like metal, no corrosion, but the battery won't make a connection.

[@fader2701]

i use apple cider vinegat with small amount of salt for rust and corrosion removal. but dont forget to neutralize the acidity with some baking soda and water.

[@MrBrad777c]

Just don’t forget to neutralize the vinager by applying baking soda mixed in water. Otherwise it’s literally going to return at breakneck speed and be worse than before. Basically it will make it rust.

[@johnclavis]

Thanks, I have this exact issue with this exact old toy!

[@kjamison5951]

“Ugh! I detest being Lord Vader’s valet park attendant. It smells like he’s been out for fish and chips again!”
Nice video, Dave. White vinegar is very useful. U.K. viewers, Tesco white vinegar is inexpensive but effective.

[@rego023]

Thanks very much! I have the same toy with the same problem.

[@MisterJ.J.]

I use CRC brand QD electrical connector cleaner. QD stands for quick drying. I find it at automotive parts stores and Walmart's automotive department.
Edit;
Also I use automotive battery acid cleaner and automotive dielectric grease. Be careful when using the automotive battery acid cleaner because it can stain things yellow.

[@ilj1259]

I had a trendmaster Battlestar Galactica viper that I left some batteries in 10 years ago. Wasnt working with leaked battery acid but when I used your suggestion of cleaning with white distilled vinegar it removed the rust just as you showed in your video . I tested it with new batteries and I got it to make sound again... but the lights are no longer working. Any suggestions?

[@PedroGonzalez-yf6pg]

Another method to clean off the corrosion is Tarnex. It's works.

[@kaystarigenericlastname5274]

I've fond just soaking it over night will completely dissolve all corrosion.
My question is, what happens when the copper coating has been worn off by too much scraping? Some battery contacts seem to have just a coating. What do I do if that is gone? (Not from the vinegar)

[@tikvision]

You are a saver...

[@Hanni.iphone1]

does this work on Ag13 toys or the 1x3.5V cell battery operated toys?

[@toypolloi]

Are they alkaline batteries?

[@demonweber666]

And remember friends, never leave batteries in ANYTHING for extended periods.

[@Zan_Jayna]

Where have you been all my life..?

[@toypolloi]

Mainly on youtube, but no one finds me :D