Get Six 1.5V Cells From One 9V Battery

by Jason Bedard in Workshop > Energy

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Get Six 1.5V Cells From One 9V Battery

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Did you know that the common Alkaline 9 Volt battery is made up of six 1.5 Volt cells? This is very useful if you need small package 1.5 Volt supply for a project.  The independant cells are just slightly smaller than AAA cells. 

Warnings and Stuff
Do not try this on rechargable batteries of any kind as the potential for explosion is higher.  With an Alkaline battery this instructable is quite safe, but still take care when separating the seam of the outer metal package.  Do not use power tools to disassemble. Also, watch your fingers on the metal packaging as this can cut you if care is not taken. 

Hacking the 9 Volt for it's Prize
Check out the photo's to see the disassembly steps.  It goes, pry end crimps at the seam.  Then pry the seam open and remove the shrink wrapped cells. Now cut open the wrapping.  Finally, cut the metal tabs that bind each cell together.

You're done.

Final Notes
Notice that when you disassemble everything you also end up with a 9 Volt battery connector?  This in itself is cool.  Check out member Joshmt2012's instructable https://www.instructables.com/id/Free-9-volt-battery-clip. He provides a great instructable on this.

Check out the last picture.  This is from a cheap 9 Volt battery.  Very different way of arranging the cells. I have never cracked one of these open so I don't know if they can be separated.  My feeling is they are held intact by the outer fused shell. Eventually I'll give it a try and post an update here.  

Further note, the more popular brand name batteries use the six cells as shown in the main photos. These are the ones you want.

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