On Wed, 17 Dec 2003 08:52:01 +0900, "Brenda Ann"
wrote:

"Gary S." Idontwantspam@net wrote in message
.. .

A paste of baking soda may help, as it will neutralize the acid and is
mildly abrasive. Rinse or swab well.

An eraser will help in buffing the contacts.

Aren't most portable batteries made from metal salts (alkaline,
nickel/cadmium, nickel/metal hydride), and therefor bases, instead of acids?
(please correct if I'm wrong)

In which case, vinegar or a mild boric acid solution would neutralize the
alkali.

I thought of that as I pressed the send key. In any case, the baking
soda is only mildly alkaline. White vinegar would be somewhat stronger
an acid.

Happy trails,
Gary (net.yogi.bear)
------------------------------------------------
at the 51st percentile of ursine intelligence

Gary D. Schwartz, Needham, MA, USA
Please reply to: garyDOTschwartzATpoboxDOTcom