Battery Checkers? Harley Tools Discuss Battery Checkers? in the Harley Products & Services forums; I had a look into a buddy's toolbox the other day and saw a small device that he says measures the life of a battery. It looks sort of like ...

[BaggerDad]

I had a look into a buddy's toolbox the other day and saw a small device that he says measures the life of a battery. It looks sort of like a small plastic syringe with small balls in it.

You dip the end into the battery cell and suck up some of the acid. The number of floating balls indicates the condition or charge of the acid.

Is this worthwhile, and what's the value of it vs. simply keeping a smart charger on the battery when the bike is parked in the garage?

[Buzz Kanter]

Originally Posted by SteelRider

These are antique devices used back in the day when people used acid cell batteries...like the ones where you could remove little caps and pour distilled water in to top off the levels.

Now I still have my hydrometer because I am a friggin antique and I still have a wet cell battery.

Modern batteries that everyone else in the world uses but me have sealed tops and you can't check.

On a modern sealed battery your best battery checker is the start button.

Well said. But I am still not totally sold on the value of sealed batterys. But I do like the fact you can mount them sideways or upside down.

[JCourneyaP]

I test mine like the 9 volts that I put in my old transitor radio.

Touch Positive and Negative terminal with my tongue. If it sizzles the battery is fine

[superchicken]

I did not know you could still get open cell batterys,
can vou find me a rockola, i have a box of tubes i just cant part with.

Originally Posted by JCourneyaP

I test mine like the 9 volts that I put in my old transitor radio.

Touch Positive and Negative terminal with my tongue. If it sizzles the battery is fine

JC
I thought I was the only one. Battery checker deluxe.