18650 Batteries. Different sizes?

roccles · 23 Dec 2022 at 21:20

In 2015 I bought an LED torch that required button top 18650 batteries. At the time I bought 4 "Ultrafires 18650s" (the gold and black batteries in pic) which now hold very little charge so yesterday I decided to buy 5 new ones from https://www.18650.uk/ at £9.49 quid each (the green batteries in pic). When they arrive today I find that they do not fit in my charger?

The batteries feel like they have a thick plastic film around them but this does not fully cover the top or bottom so not sure if this should be removed or not?

I am confused, I assumed 18650 would be a standard size should fit my charger (Nitecore i4)?

The new green ones just feel bigger and chunky

The pink efest batteries are 18650 flattop ones I use in my vape.

roccles · 23 Dec 2022 at 22:04

mickyflinn said:
I just googled the battery and get the same battery but not protected its a diffrent size . Not sure what the protection thing is .

Take a look at length.

LG MJ1 - 18650 Battery - 3500mAh - 10A

3500mAh - 10A Continuous Discharge - Flat Top/Button Top/TabsOrder by 3pm (Monday to Friday) for same day dispatch!This battery now displays the warning: “Risk of disfiguring fire/explosion injury. Battery is NOT for consumer use. OEM only! If you can see this label do NOT use this battery.”...

www.nubattery.co.uk

Not sure what "protected" mines either. That is actually the site i got mine from, seems 18650.uk redirects to nubattery

This is the item I purchased https://www.nubattery.co.uk/lg-mj1---18650-battery-protected-button-top

roccles · 23 Dec 2022 at 22:07

Eddie99 said:
Looks like you might be able to squeeze it in if you use less of an angle.

Unfortunately not, that's as far as it will go.

The other 4 are still sealed, but would assume they are the same.

roccles · 23 Dec 2022 at 22:10

lnoton said:
Protected ones have electronics in to prevent over charge, and I think under charge.

As long as you have a decent charger you trust you're fine with unprotected ones.

Same goes for if the device youre putting them in has a charge capability (think vaping mod etc)

I use flat top ones in my vape (eFest, pink in image) and never had an issue with them. The new ones are for a torch

roccles · 23 Dec 2022 at 22:16

Eddie99 said:
Looks like you might be able to squeeze it in if you use less of an angle.

Ok it seems your right! managed to squeeze the little sod in!

Be interesting to see if I can get 4 in at a go

Thank you