That's another question, how NEW are your batteries?
Besides the bad batch factor, you should only use NEW batteries that you purchase on the day you intend to install them.
Here's a classic scenario....
You bought a bulk pack of Duracell batts last year, the expiry date says "2017" so you think they're gonna be fine.
A year later you pull a few batts out to install in your pin and they dont last....and we're nowhere near 2017 yet...
This happens all to often.
NEVER store packs of batteries at home, they flatten in 1-3 years depending on brand/type.
You can't guarantee the batteries will be stored in a STABLE temperature environment.
Even storing them in a "cool dry cupboard" isn't safe, HOT summer days where the house is stinkin' hot still warms up the so-called 'cool dry cupboard'.
Temperature changes thru the year, cooking steam, smoke, oils & vapours in the kitchen (bananas are lethal to batteries) all degrade the batteries.
Beware of cheap/bulk packs, they're ALL crap and are simply a clearance item for a reason....even Duracell & Energizer, these are failed batteries that did not meet longevity tests, also the reason those bulk packs often dont have a use-by date ;-)
Nothing wrong with buying a 24-pack of batteries *IF* all 24 batteries are gonna be installed fairly soon, e.g. xmas morning in kids toys.
Otherwise, don't even think about trying to stockpile a few (bargain priced) packs in the cupboard, they WILL be crap when you need them.
Personally, everyone should move away from batteries and use Non-Volatile RAM instead, but i realise far too many pinheads are a bit too precious about their pins & originality etc.....
Plug in an NV-Ram while you own it, and *IF* you come to sell it, then put the original ram chip back in to maintain it's 'original' appeal.
MM.
