Batteries
At this point I just buy and use Eneloops. Good quality rechargeable batteries. You can by them in kits with a charger to get stared. People say the Amazon Basics rechargeable batteries are rebadged Eneloops too.
Eneloops are nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) rather than alkaline. They have a slightly lower voltage (1.2v), but maintain this longer than alkaline retain their 1.5V. I've never encountered a device that wouldn't run on them, but it can happen.
There are black ones called pros and white regular ones. The pros keep their charge a bit longer, but can be recharged many fewer times. Regular ones are a better value for money, but you might need that longer charge for some use. When I initially researched the differences I remember it was something about one was better for using for long periods and one was better in bursts, but that didn't come up again *shrug*
Testing
There are cheap battery testers online for ~$5. Probably the best way to go, as they do a good test because they put the battery under a bit of load. Simple enough insides you can fix yourself if you need to.
You can also test with a multimeter (mine is a budget $30: Digitech QM1321):
- As usual, have the black lead in 'COM'.
- Put the red lead into the port with 'V'.
- Set the dial to measure DC (⎓) voltage (V). Mine has AC and DC on the same position.
- Touch the black probe to the negative part of the battery.
- Touch the red probe to the positive part.
- AA, AAA etc. cells will show 1.5V when full. 9V batteries will show 9V!
Reclaiming
- More free street-lithium reclamation - Getting lithium cells out of disposable vapes.