Subpack question

[Eli]

So I've acquired a couple of "dead" Insight subpacks, and I would like to play with them. My plan was (is?) to take the subpacks apart and test each cell, discarding the bad ones and using the good ones for various projects I have.

My question is.. How do the subpacks come apart? LOL

For some reason, I assumed that they just screwed together. But after taking the PVC wrap off one, and not being able to get anything to budge, I'm beginning to think they're welded.

Insight appreciated.

[MN Driver]

They are welded together, a dremel worked for me but getting them back together securely enough to trust them in a shaky automotive environment and without damaging the cells isn't an easy task unless you've got an appropriate spot welder with the right discharge characteristics. If you are talking about projects on the bench or around the house, they shouldn't be too difficult to work with. Using a fuse for your projects is important as these cells pack a fair amount of amperage.

[Hybrid-Battery-Repair]

They are welded. You need to drill out the 56 welds and then after you test, use a spot welder to reweld them. Mike Dabrowski is working on one such welder. Commercial versions of what he's doing run about $12,000. His should be less than $3,000 when finished.

You don't need to take them apart to test them. The negative outer case of one cell is electrically connected to the positive end of the next cell.

Originally Posted by Eli

So I've acquired a couple of "dead" Insight subpacks, and I would like to play with them. My plan was (is?) to take the subpacks apart and test each cell, discarding the bad ones and using the good ones for various projects I have.

My question is.. How do the subpacks come apart? LOL

For some reason, I assumed that they just screwed together. But after taking the PVC wrap off one, and not being able to get anything to budge, I'm beginning to think they're welded.

Insight appreciated.