I had to remove the battery from my chromebook because it swelled up.

I’d like to get a new battery. I only need enough juice to survive being unplugged for a few minutes without shutting down abruptly.

The chromebook was about $60 to buy. With shipping and tax, a new battery is priced $40-80.

I like the device, I have put the time in to getting linux functioning how I like, so I’d rather not start fresh with a new chromebook. And I have no money.

Is there some kind of vendor that sells old batteries that don’t have much power in them? I was hoping to spend about $20. Maybe some sort of recycler.

location: Canada

part #: gm02xl

Secondary questions:

  • Is it possible to bypass the battery as a power source when plugged in so that they don’t get swollen in the future? I would rather just leave devices plugged in all the time.

  • Is there a way to make the USB power more securely attached so it doesn’t disconnect at the slightest movement? Super glue?

  • poweruser@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
    42·
    11 days ago

    I have heard of people disassembling laptop battery packs which are apparently made of multiple 18650 cells, which are a super common standardized part that can be sourced very affordably. Then they simply replace the cells and keep the original battery enclosure and charging circuitry.

    However, Chromebooks tend to be built for planned obsolescence, so it may very well be a one of a kind part

    • JohnnyCanuck@lemmy.ca
      12·
      11 days ago

      which are apparently made of multiple 18650 cells

      That would totally depend on the model. 18650’s would only be used in a laptop with a thick base. It could be another you’re off feel cell type or it could easily be a lithium polymer pouch and disassembling it could result in a fire.

      I wouldn’t recommend doing this without knowing what you’re doing.

    • kkj@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
      5·
      11 days ago

      Laptops haven’t routinely used cylindrical cells in some time. I’m fairly confident that no Chromebook has ever done so.

    • reboot@lemmy.worldOP
      2·
      11 days ago

      The battery is actually only half swollen. It looks like its made of two pieces (left and right) which are taped together in the middle. You can fold it a little bit and it feels like if the plastic tape was cut there would be two separate pieces connected with wire. I bet with the right knowledge it could be salvaged somewhat.

      It might be a fun project for someone else but I’m not brave enough to make this my introduction to electronics.

      • JohnnyCanuck@lemmy.ca
        8·
        11 days ago

        Don’t mess with the swollen battery!

        I’m pretty sure the battery is 2 lithium polymer cells and one of the 2 cells has gone bad - it’s a serious fire hazard! That advice to disassemble it is completely wrong! If the pouch gets punctured and exposed to oxygen it will go up in flames as well as spewing toxic smoke. You also shouldn’t dispose of it in the regular garbage.

        You need to figure out how to get rid of hazardous waste in your area.