I've had Duracells leak
I've always used Duracells, but they also leak. Supposedly Energizer has a “No Leaks Guarantee”. Lithiums also won't leak, but they are more money.
I've recovered many devices after the batteries leaked. Since the batteries are alkaline and not an acid (like in the car) you need to neutralize by using a weak acid. I just sparingly use some q-tips and white vinegar. Hold the device so gravity keeps the mess from flowing deeper into the electronics and dab on some vinegar. After a few seconds use another q-tip and wipe out the mess. Repeat a few times and hopefully you can save the device.
My thoughts:
Less is more. Just dab the vinegar from the q-tip, you do not have to get things too wet for it to work.
Almost every battery that leaked was a Costco Kirkland AA or AAA so I will never use those anymore. I just buy the Duracells from Costco for a dollar more.
You might have to carefully disassemble the part to do a better cleaning. Just be careful and don't break any solder joints.
These were Duracells. I used a Dremel wheel to clean the contacts, water and q-tips to clean up the liquid, and finished with a hair dryer. With new batteries, I was able to extend the jack I was working on. When done, the jack would not retract even after resetting things several times. Synced up a new control, and things work again.
