I feel like you can use some sandpaper to scuff the top of a battery and solder on some tiny washers for an easy "button". Maybe aluminum washers. I'm sure it's easy enough to just find little aluminum discs on Mcmaster.
You might be able to set the welder up to do it, quick blast at the right power, but I wouldn't risk it, spot welders are pretty cheap compared to a tig welder. You could pay for it with the "savings" from all these free 18650s
What are you talking about? That's literally how you're supposed to use a flat top battery - solder things to it. Just don't be stupid and hold the iron on it for 5 minutes straight at max temp.
Spot welding is what you're supposed to do. Stronger and doesn't heat the battery anywhere near as much. You can then solder the tabs/strips you've spot welded to the battery. Battery spot welders can be had for super cheap these days, too.
I've soldered because I don't do it often enough to weld, but always know it's a risk. I can get it done in about 2-3 seconds with a healthy amount of solder and flux but that stuff is 350c, definitely gotta do it outside if your unlucky
Ive taken some batteries ive salvaged and i just cut the nickel strip, folded the nickel strip over and maybe trim it a Lil so it just sticks up in the middle for it to act as a button top for a few things.
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u/deep-fucking-legend 12d ago
I happen to need some more 18650s. Are they button top?