Button cell battery packaging

**BradC** · 22nd February 2026, 11:21 PM

I'm not a fan of the new button cell packaging. I can pick brands that don't put "bitterant" on the batteries, increasing their contact resistance and generally making life miserable, but I can't avoid the stupid double clam-shell packaging. We use loads of these things, and it takes me longer to cut them free (and not slice my finger open on the plastic packaging) than it does to open the device, remove the old cell, insert the new cell and do it all up again.

I was contemplating this in a small fit of rage this morning when I wondered if I couldn't just use a punch larger than the cell diameter to slice up both layers of the packaging at once, leaving me a couple of neat circles of plastic and an un-encumbered cell.

I was going to turn something up out of round bar, but having had a look I can buy 22mm punches on Amazon for less than $30.

Before I go and do something that requires a sacrificial backing board and a hammer, does anyone have a neat way of relieving these things from the packaging designed to protect people from themselves?

**Graeme** · 23rd February 2026, 05:35 AM

I use serrated kitchen scissors which don't slip on the plastic.

**sharmy** · 23rd February 2026, 07:59 AM

After struggling with one of those packages recently, I think your hole punch idea is great. I already have a punch to suit, Thanks.

**DoubleChevron** · 23rd February 2026, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by sharmy

After struggling with one of those packages recently, I think your hole punch idea is great. I already have a punch to suit, Thanks.

Tin snips or kitchen scissors is probably the go. I don't htink the packaging is really going to save any kids

Study reveals severe impact of button battery injuries in young children - The University of Sydney

the issue I see is parents of toddlers don't have any awareness of how incredibly dangerous these batteries are. Making the new batteries very difficult to get into isn't going to stop the parents leaving the old battery sitting on the coffee table .........

seeya
Shane L.

**BradC** · 23rd February 2026, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by DoubleChevron

Tin snips or kitchen scissors is probably the go. I don't htink the packaging is really going to save any kids

Study reveals severe impact of button battery injuries in young children - The University of Sydney

the issue I see is parents of toddlers don't have any awareness of how incredibly dangerous these batteries are. Making the new batteries very difficult to get into isn't going to stop the parents leaving the old battery sitting on the coffee table .........

Interesting link. So rather than re-design the packaging, re-designing the parent seems to be the go. That'd save punishing the rest of us for their stupidity.

I'm sure they wouldn't leave rat bait lying around.

**B.S.F.** · 23rd February 2026, 04:26 PM

I' d keep very quiet about it, or they're going to package the hammers and punches in child proof plastic.
.W.

**Tins** · 23rd February 2026, 04:39 PM

Last one I got, I considered using the bandsaw.

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