Battery Dispenser

A while back I mentioned using a syringe to place glue. The intent was to make a battery dispenser - I knew there were already battery holders available - I even bought one. But I thought I could do better. This is how it started out...by gluing plywood guides spaced to accommodate different sized batteries - D, C, 9, AA and AAA sizes.


 I got to thinking that this approach was a little clunky, so I regrouped using doorskin dividers and I'm happy with the results.


If you look closely you can see a lexan sheet that slides down over the batteries. I'd originally thought a hinged cover would be the way to go but after working it up decided to do it this way.




Now, how to 'dispense' them? Pull them out with a magnet? Make a fabric strap for each compartment so I could pull them out? Some kind of lever? I decided on a plunger.

These are 2" #4 machine screws using ball point pen springs (8 pens for $1 @ Walmart) with countersunk nuts on the battery ends to keep them in place.

Now all I have to do is reach under the proper battery and push the plunger to get the one I want.



Not to mention that it's easy to keep track of the inventory.

The unit does stick out from the mounting place, but with proper consideration, that's not a problem.


So, we have proof of concept, but it works so well I'll just use it the way it is.