Ever need something to hold some small batteries for a project you're working on? Here's how I modified an N type battery holder to accommodate a few of those coin cell batteries.

Ingredients:
N type battery holder
coin cell batteries

Tools:
sharp wire cutters
super glue
clamp

Step 1: With a Little Help From My Friends

Having picked up some 12v batteries and performed a little surgery a la Kipkay, I needed something to hold a few of the cells for a project I'm working on. In case you haven't seen it, check out his "12 Volt Battery Hack!" Instructable for more information.

The A23 battery fits very well in an N type battery holder (keep that in mind for the future), but I only need 4.5v. Just three of the cells inside the battery will work well. But three cells definitely will not fit in this holder. Let's cut it down a bit.

Step 2: We Can Work It Out

Slicing out a bit of the N type battery holder will create a lovely holder for my small stack of coin cell batteries. Decide how many cells you need for your project and put them in the holder against the spring. Put a little pressure on them and note the length from the cells to the other end of the holder. This will give you an idea of how much you need to cut out of the middle. This design is a bit forgiving, though with the spring, and mine can hold 3 or 4 cells with no problem either way.

You can use a small fine toothed saw to cut out the bit of battery holder. If your saw is in a storage unit somewhere like mine is, a set of sharp wire cutters will work as well. Just cut down the sides, fold the base back and cut through that as well. I used a Dremel tool with a sanding band on it to clean up the edges and make them straight. Leave a bit extra with each cut to allow for this sanding.

Step 3: Come Together

After the two sides are squared and cleaned up, put them together and set the clamp. I clamped them together first and then applied the glue. This allowed me to adjust the positioning of the two ends without them getting stuck prematurely. As well, super glue is not incredibly viscous at first and will flow into and around the seam with no problem. Let this sit overnight to cure.

Step 4: Dig It

Once your modified battery holder is dry, admire your work and build a circuit. By cutting out the middle and gluing the ends back together we have kept the terminals intact, making circuit building easier. If your batteries are a smaller diameter than the ones I'm using you can wrap tape around them to make them a bit more stable in the holder.

For those in need of something to hold coin cells or just looking for inspiration, I hope this helps. Enjoy!

-pdub

p.s. A vote for me in the Pocket-Sized Contest would be much appreciated. Thanks. =)

[This Instructable is but one piece of a whole. Together with [https://www.instructables.com/id/Modify-an-Energizer-Energi-To-Go-Adapter-to-Charge/ Modify an Energizer Energi To Go Adapter to Charge Your Motorola Phone], they combine like Voltron to form one really cool CHDK remote. Check it out: Pocket-Sized CHDK USB Camera Shutter Remote]