@@dustinkrebs8229 I agree, I have never had that either on a tool battery and I wouldn't accept it either. Good thing that they have a seemingly good warranty. I'm wondering why they went that route with that specific material, I know they have something to cool their 18v batteries that are encompassing the batteries in a similar way according to their ad but I'm not sure what type of material it is. I'm guessing it's not the same as I would have assumed that the problem would have been seen a long time ago, although I don't use FLEX 18v so I wouldn't know, so perhaps there has been a similar problem there as well.
@@dustinkrebs8229becos other brands don't have a heat conducting pad added to distribute heat from batteries. You remove it, it becomes like other tool batteries without it and it will not leak.
I took my leaking batteries apart, I cleaned the black gasket piece and the plastic area around the opening on the battery itself and then I applied a 2 part automotive seam sealer we use in the bodyshop. I pressed the rubber gasket back down, then brushed more seam seal over top of and around the gasket to ensure its sealed entirely. I left the remaining coolant agent in there. So far so good. I use these tools every day at work in the heat of SWFL. It's worked so far.
They’re warrantied for life so you’re good but what I did was take advantage of sales for the stacked lithium kits . Try lowes when they have a tool on clearance you may be able to ask for an extra discount .
the newer 2.5s look like they have the black stuff in them still but sealed in a plastic wrap idk if thats going to fix this i think they just need to get rid of it altogether maybe they have by now idk
Thanks for the video, but I don’t think this problem is fixable in its entirety. There appears to be another layer of this phase-change material *between* the two rows of cells and likely yet another layer on top of the whole mess. The only way to fix this problem would be to further disassemble the pack to get between and above the two rows. Unfortunately that’s above my pay level as the charging control board seems to be fairly well entrenched. Maybe someone will eventually do a (nondestructive) complete disassembly video. But thanks to your video I was able to access the bottom layer and clean out what I could. I expect the battery will continue to leak as the remaining material migrates downward. I recommend storing your batteries in an upright position so none of it will reach the PCB, then periodically opening and cleaning out. I would charge the batteries in an upright position (or ideally with the charger upside down). Over time all this material will eventually all leak out. Flex really pulled a big one using this material without adequate test trials.
It's very interesting what this material is, It appears to be a desiccant material, whether or not that's it's original purpose I don't think so, I opened a new battery pack to repair battery level meter and that pad material was dry and solid when I first opened it, but the next morning it looked wet and shiny on the surface and starting to become sticky and brittle therfore I assume it absorbs the moisture from the air. I think it may be a good idea to keep these batteries in a very dry place. This material is cleaned to cool the battery cells, (which I would disagree because it stops air flow. Flex claim to have an air flow channel going through the battery especially when charging that's why there is a fan blowing, it is marketing crap talk in my opinion. I have an older flex battery without that padding, first of all I took the case apart then using a small drill bit I opened up the vent slots by removing the plastic mesh. I know that will allow dirt to enter the battery easier than before but I intend to take the battery apart when necessary. I feel cheated by the false claims of a cooling system built in, the battery can't cook very well if there isn't a way for air to flow through it, the only function the cool padding could do is even the heart between cells but that shouldn't be a problem in the first place as the same load is on each cell so they should be equally warm durum use our charging, the thermal padding would only transfer heat of the casing was made from metal like aluminium, copper etc. Trump would say Fake News and that's what I also say. Getting all that junk out from between cells would be difficult and not really a DIY job. I also do not like how cells are spot welded with flat poor conducting metal, (I read it's titanium?) because it inhibits proper moisture sealing at the positive terminal which if I were a battery builder I would silicon seal over so water/moisturiser wouldn't short out cells causing them to corrode or short circuit causing draining of cells etc. Just another example of grossly over exaggerating quality claims made by large companies even like Tesla!, same old junk battery packs.
@@martinmuldoon603 As a technician, almost all of what you say makes sense (I'm planning to do the same). You know what you're talking about, but here's the missing idea... They say it's a "phase change material". Problem is, apparently somebody used the wrong material or it was improperly implemented. Again, I'm not arguing against your plan of action, I might do the same, just trying to clarify what the suspect material is supposed to be.
I called Flex, they registered my tools on the spot even though I was supposed to do that and sent me 2 new batteries (5.0 & 2.5) + T-shirt and a hat!👍
I've taken three of my dead ones apart but they were far too corroded to repair. Wonder how this big of a fuck up made it through the design process at flex and why they have chosen to not recall them. Not a great way for a new brand to build trust.
Well they did put a bulletin out and if you call in they will gladly replace them. I do agree though it’s a bad mistake that has really set back the brand/lineup. A couple of my other batteries had a lot of corrosion but I’ll just use them till they die.
@@GearSpinTools Thank you. These batteries are just not viable. I have five of them. They ALL exhibited melting, with one visibly leaking outside the battery. The worse one was extremely messy (by far), and will not charge (just flashes all four LED’s) even though it was never even used! So, I have to believe that this material will eventually destroy the battery. I’d like to make warranty claims on these batteries but would like to know if they actually did address the issue first so I’ll definitely be looking forward to your update.
@@davidyoung1610it looks like the (claimed!? ) keep cool material is water soluble and corrosive to the metal terminal at the end of each cell, you should take it apart to see if you see rust at end of cells. I intend to do more research on the keep cool padding material which appears to degrade in moist conditions, please don't hold me to that as this is my first impression. I actually think this gunk needs to be removed to allow for air to circulate between cells which would work far better to cool pack, though it would require better ventilation channels on casing.
The old batteries and kits got sent back to Flex and anything on the shelf now should have the fixed batteries. This is a way you can get rid of the goo on the inside so they don’t leak everywhere, although I did have batteries that went on to have flashing lights and become unusable not long after this.
No unfortunately Im not sure how to fix that issue, I’m also experiencing it one of my batteries. This video is just to fix the leaking goo from the early batteries.
You can remove & clean the goo from the inside. That’s what I did with a few of my batteries but then I had the issue of the lights start flashing not long after and I couldn’t use the batteries anymore.
WHY! Buy a faulty product and spend time fixing it.. WTF, do not buy flex, sorry but i don't get it. Are you breaking warranty by thinking you are fixing Flex problem. Dude stop it.
Bro I was thinking the same thing blind loyalty behind faulty products, do they even know the harmful toxic chemicals, do you know if it absorbs in your skin, you not even wearing gloves.. this is a faulty perhaps very dangerous product, I wouldn't touch them with your hands...
![DID WE KILL IT? FLEX Battery and Charger Technology [160W or 280W?]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nCLsT_FTAeI/mqdefault.jpg)
![DID WE KILL IT? FLEX Battery and Charger Technology [160W or 280W?]](/img/tr.png)
Finally someone addressed the flex battery situation. Flex denied that it was a problem and said they were perfectly safe to use. 👏👏👏👏👏
Are they not safe to use?
@AlexKall probably safe to use. Out of all my other tool brands I have never experienced batteries leaking. It is unacceptable in my opinion...
@@dustinkrebs8229 I agree, I have never had that either on a tool battery and I wouldn't accept it either. Good thing that they have a seemingly good warranty.
I'm wondering why they went that route with that specific material, I know they have something to cool their 18v batteries that are encompassing the batteries in a similar way according to their ad but I'm not sure what type of material it is.
I'm guessing it's not the same as I would have assumed that the problem would have been seen a long time ago, although I don't use FLEX 18v so I wouldn't know, so perhaps there has been a similar problem there as well.
@@dustinkrebs8229becos other brands don't have a heat conducting pad added to distribute heat from batteries. You remove it, it becomes like other tool batteries without it and it will not leak.
I took my leaking batteries apart, I cleaned the black gasket piece and the plastic area around the opening on the battery itself and then I applied a 2 part automotive seam sealer we use in the bodyshop. I pressed the rubber gasket back down, then brushed more seam seal over top of and around the gasket to ensure its sealed entirely. I left the remaining coolant agent in there. So far so good. I use these tools every day at work in the heat of SWFL. It's worked so far.
Thank you for taking the time to show a thorough solution.
Wow, wasn't aware of the battery issue... loving my FLEX circular saw, it's a BEAST, but I don't wanna be buying new batteries.
They’re warrantied for life so you’re good but what I did was take advantage of sales for the stacked lithium kits . Try lowes when they have a tool on clearance you may be able to ask for an extra discount .
I sent them in, under warranty, and they sent a stacked lithium one back
the newer 2.5s look like they have the black stuff in them still but sealed in a plastic wrap idk if thats going to fix this i think they just need to get rid of it altogether maybe they have by now idk
Thanks for the video, but I don’t think this problem is fixable in its entirety. There appears to be another layer of this phase-change material *between* the two rows of cells and likely yet another layer on top of the whole mess. The only way to fix this problem would be to further disassemble the pack to get between and above the two rows. Unfortunately that’s above my pay level as the charging control board seems to be fairly well entrenched. Maybe someone will eventually do a (nondestructive) complete disassembly video. But thanks to your video I was able to access the bottom layer and clean out what I could. I expect the battery will continue to leak as the remaining material migrates downward. I recommend storing your batteries in an upright position so none of it will reach the PCB, then periodically opening and cleaning out. I would charge the batteries in an upright position (or ideally with the charger upside down). Over time all this material will eventually all leak out. Flex really pulled a big one using this material without adequate test trials.
It's very interesting what this material is, It appears to be a desiccant material, whether or not that's it's original purpose I don't think so, I opened a new battery pack to repair battery level meter and that pad material was dry and solid when I first opened it, but the next morning it looked wet and shiny on the surface and starting to become sticky and brittle therfore I assume it absorbs the moisture from the air. I think it may be a good idea to keep these batteries in a very dry place. This material is cleaned to cool the battery cells, (which I would disagree because it stops air flow. Flex claim to have an air flow channel going through the battery especially when charging that's why there is a fan blowing, it is marketing crap talk in my opinion. I have an older flex battery without that padding, first of all I took the case apart then using a small drill bit I opened up the vent slots by removing the plastic mesh. I know that will allow dirt to enter the battery easier than before but I intend to take the battery apart when necessary. I feel cheated by the false claims of a cooling system built in, the battery can't cook very well if there isn't a way for air to flow through it, the only function the cool padding could do is even the heart between cells but that shouldn't be a problem in the first place as the same load is on each cell so they should be equally warm durum use our charging, the thermal padding would only transfer heat of the casing was made from metal like aluminium, copper etc. Trump would say Fake News and that's what I also say. Getting all that junk out from between cells would be difficult and not really a DIY job. I also do not like how cells are spot welded with flat poor conducting metal, (I read it's titanium?) because it inhibits proper moisture sealing at the positive terminal which if I were a battery builder I would silicon seal over so water/moisturiser wouldn't short out cells causing them to corrode or short circuit causing draining of cells etc. Just another example of grossly over exaggerating quality claims made by large companies even like Tesla!, same old junk battery packs.
@@martinmuldoon603
As a technician, almost all of what you say makes sense (I'm planning to do the same). You know what you're talking about, but here's the missing idea... They say it's a "phase change material". Problem is, apparently somebody used the wrong material or it was improperly implemented. Again, I'm not arguing against your plan of action, I might do the same, just trying to clarify what the suspect material is supposed to be.
I called Flex, they registered my tools on the spot even though I was supposed to do that and sent me 2 new batteries (5.0 & 2.5) + T-shirt and a hat!👍
That’s awesome!
I've taken three of my dead ones apart but they were far too corroded to repair. Wonder how this big of a fuck up made it through the design process at flex and why they have chosen to not recall them. Not a great way for a new brand to build trust.
Well they did put a bulletin out and if you call in they will gladly replace them. I do agree though it’s a bad mistake that has really set back the brand/lineup. A couple of my other batteries had a lot of corrosion but I’ll just use them till they die.
@@GearSpinTools they have been excellent about replacement.
Have you taken the new batteries apart to see if they corrected the issue and how? Or are replacement batteries also going to have same issue?
I will be checking on this next and will post an update.
@@GearSpinTools Thank you. These batteries are just not viable. I have five of them. They ALL exhibited melting, with one visibly leaking outside the battery. The worse one was extremely messy (by far), and will not charge (just flashes all four LED’s) even though it was never even used! So, I have to believe that this material will eventually destroy the battery. I’d like to make warranty claims on these batteries but would like to know if they actually did address the issue first so I’ll definitely be looking forward to your update.
@@davidyoung1610 I did upload an update on what Flex did to fix the batteries. It’s not a great fix but at least they did something.
@@davidyoung1610it looks like the (claimed!? ) keep cool material is water soluble and corrosive to the metal terminal at the end of each cell, you should take it apart to see if you see rust at end of cells. I intend to do more research on the keep cool padding material which appears to degrade in moist conditions, please don't hold me to that as this is my first impression. I actually think this gunk needs to be removed to allow for air to circulate between cells which would work far better to cool pack, though it would require better ventilation channels on casing.
So has Lowe's or Flex rectify the batteries leaking? is this a fix for the old batteries?
The old batteries and kits got sent back to Flex and anything on the shelf now should have the fixed batteries.
This is a way you can get rid of the goo on the inside so they don’t leak everywhere, although I did have batteries that went on to have flashing lights and become unusable not long after this.
Does this fix the problem with flashing lights and no charge? Mine just flashes and then when on charger it just acts like the battery is full
No unfortunately Im not sure how to fix that issue, I’m also experiencing it one of my batteries. This video is just to fix the leaking goo from the early batteries.
Does Flex have a "Battery return website"?
You can go to Flex’s website and they have a number you can call to get you batteries warrantied.
So what is it actually leaking? Battery acid?
It’s a phase change material that’s suppose to help with keeping the battery cool. Not battery acid.
So if the battery starts flashing and stops working there’s no fix?
@@Original77er Yeah I’m unaware of any fixes if the battery light starts flashing.
How do you stop them from continuing to leak
You can remove & clean the goo from the inside. That’s what I did with a few of my batteries but then I had the issue of the lights start flashing not long after and I couldn’t use the batteries anymore.
You have to clean all of thatgel out and the little rubber pad has nothing to do with the leaking
Is the cooling materiel corrosive? A simple aluminum grill is more effective in the long run. Stupid people bring out stupid ideas.
I believe it is! The contacts on the battery seemed to have corrosion and a couple batteries I had stop working already.
@@GearSpinTools Too bad. Thank you.
No thanks. ✌🏻
Flex battery junk
The 1st gen batteries did have problems. But from what I’ve seen the newer ones and stacked batteries seem to be doing well.
WHY! Buy a faulty product and spend time fixing it.. WTF, do not buy flex, sorry but i don't get it. Are you breaking warranty by thinking you are fixing Flex problem. Dude stop it.
I already got a replacement battery from Flex. Instead of recycling this battery, I am fixing it to keep using it in the meantime.
Bro I was thinking the same thing blind loyalty behind faulty products, do they even know the harmful toxic chemicals, do you know if it absorbs in your skin, you not even wearing gloves.. this is a faulty perhaps very dangerous product, I wouldn't touch them with your hands...
😂😂 never had a issue with mine I USE EM EVERY DAY
I guess you got lucky lol.
It's coming, original design has a 100% fail rate
I have some batteries from the beginning. Live and work in AZ. Haven't had an issue, yet.