shitty reused lithium cell failure mode?

[stj]

this is all amusing, but i dont think coppercone has said what type of lithium he has in mind or if they will be charged stand-alone, or in the application-equipment.

i use salvaged lithiums (18650's)
i charge them to 3.7v at 20ma fixed current - yes it's slow.
then leave them 24 hours,
them meter the voltage to check if they are internally leaky.
then charge them fully at 500mAH,
then another 24hours,
then a final meter check.

i always charge them in an occupied room, and the charger sits on an old pc, so i have a big metal plate under the charger if it burns.
not had a problem yet, but i'm ready if it happens.

now if we are talking lipo pouches, that's a different matter - i wont touch those things!

[james_s]

LiPo pouches are fine, I have dozens of them from tiny little gumsticks up to 3S 3300 packs. I've done many hundreds of charge cycles, no issues whatsoever. They're no different than a jug of gasoline/petrol, when used carelessly both can and do cause serious fires. When used properly, both are quite safe.