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truly alarmed by tales of exploding batteries, is there a way, using some sort of clip i presume, to make a safer and better performing battery pack yourself with minimal soldering - if any?
hoping for a cheaper alternative to a smudge/torchy type ting as i can't afford that route (otherwise i would) so links to suitable ingredients appreciated.
I'd be interested in this as I have a fair few 18650 cells from various laptop batteries that I could use in a battery pack for a light.
have a look on the DIY lights forum on MTBR. There are holders available...
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=18650+battery+holder
Search 18650 holder on ebay - there's a uk seller doing them in a variety of sizes.
Or you can buy 18650 cells with solder tabs attached, but it's more fiddly than just popping the into a holder.
You need to get either protected cells, or fit a protection pcb in the battery pack (too avoid the explosions).
Torchy was doing 4x18650 4400mAh packs for £25 - you won't build one cheaper than that yourself, unless you have a supply of surplus cells which you know are good.
I've made aspare couple of packs up by using the batt. Holders with a plug from Maplin and cells from a broken cordless drill. Inside the Li-on packs i found 5 Samsung 18650 cells, in each pack so I can just change them over when I'm out as I charge them with a 2cell charger from Torchy. Cells are only 1500mah but hey, I've got 10 of them!