# What kind of batteries does this lantern take? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 27, 2014, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822 "2014-06-27T23:01:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![RememberMe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/5fc32e/32.png) [@RememberMe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RememberMe)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2014, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822/1 "2014-06-27T23:01:15Z")
See above, attached is a pic. [http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/28/2a4utyja.jpg](http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/28/2a4utyja.jpg) [http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/28/ymuhagyj.jpg](http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/28/ymuhagyj.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2014, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822/2 "2014-06-27T23:15:36Z")
Hard to tell from the photos, but maybe two 6v “lantern” batteries? ---
**Author:** ![AndrewL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@AndrewL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AndrewL)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2014, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822/3 "2014-06-27T23:15:43Z")
It looks like it takes a pair of 6V lantern batteries. These are somewhat rare these days, but you can still get them: > **[Amazon.com: Eveready 6V Battery, Super Heavy Duty 6 Volt Battery, 1 Count :...](https://www.amazon.com/Eveready-Volt-Lantern-Battery-1209/dp/B0043CHX38)** > > Amazon.com: Eveready 6V Battery, Super Heavy Duty 6 Volt Battery, 1 Count : Sports & Outdoors ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Straight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dec6dc/32.png) [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2014, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822/4 "2014-06-28T00:12:23Z")
It _may_ be this kind of battery. > **[Amstar AMS2000OBD 400 Amp 900 Peak Amp Jump Starter Battery Replacement](https://www.replaceupsbattery.com/jump-starter-batteries/Amstar-AMS2000OBD-400-Amp-900-Peak-Amp-Jump-Starter-Battery/?gclid=CjkKEQjwrLSdBRDYvIL0soO4vo0BEiQABALkqSapR0DBNkpNdQmqsO_Os0nLGpCSaHUnRZEgSv3nNQLw_wcB)** > > Get a 12V 18AH Jump Starter replacement battery for your Amstar AMS2000OBD 400 Amp 900 Peak Amp Jump Starter. We Offer Free Shipping and Bulk Discounts! ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2014, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822/5 "2014-06-28T00:19:10Z")
> [@Enola\_Straight](#): > > It _may_ be this kind of battery. > [http://www.replaceupsbattery.com/jump-starter-batteries/Amstar-AMS2000OBD-400-Amp-900-Peak-Amp-Jump-Starter-Battery/?gclid=CjkKEQjwrLSdBRDYvIL0soO4vo0BEiQABALkqSapR0DBNkpNdQmqsO\_Os0nLGpCSaHUnRZEgSv3nNQLw\_wcB](http://www.replaceupsbattery.com/jump-starter-batteries/Amstar-AMS2000OBD-400-Amp-900-Peak-Amp-Jump-Starter-Battery/?gclid=CjkKEQjwrLSdBRDYvIL0soO4vo0BEiQABALkqSapR0DBNkpNdQmqsO_Os0nLGpCSaHUnRZEgSv3nNQLw_wcB) No way. 1. Look at the terminals - the SLA battery you referenced uses bolt-on terminals. The lantern takes a battery that connects to the body of the battery holder by touching. 2. Look at the pattern of the metal contacts in the lantern photo - there are two distinct locations for battery connections, connected together with an L-shaped piece of metal. This fits with the lantern battery’s diagonal contact position. ---
**Author:** ![RememberMe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/5fc32e/32.png) [@RememberMe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RememberMe)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2014, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822/6 "2014-06-28T00:42:11Z")
The battery compartment is very shallow, the whole thing measures about 5.5"x4"x1.5". Also, there is two sets of terminals in the picture, so it looks like it might take two batteries. [http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/28/behusady.jpg](http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/28/behusady.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2014, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822/7 "2014-06-28T00:46:00Z")
> [@RememberMe](#): > > The battery compartment is very shallow, the whole thing measures about 5.5"x4"x1.5". Also, there is two sets of terminals in the picture, so it looks like it might take two batteries. > > [http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/28/behusady.jpg](http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/28/behusady.jpg) Some measurements would help. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2014, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822/8 "2014-06-28T00:49:06Z")
some time ago i had a rechargeable lantern battery. i also had a lantern battery holder package that you filled with D cells. i don’t know of vendors for either. ---
**Author:** ![Thin\_Ice](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/aeb1de/32.png) [@Thin\_Ice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thin_Ice)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2014, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822/9 "2014-06-28T01:11:55Z")
I don’t know if there’s a Home Depot in your area but they have those Eveready 6v batteries (exactly like the one in AndrewL’s link). I just bought one for my flashlight less than two weeks ago for about five or six bucks. Any big home improvement or hardware store should have them. No matter which side is down, the center contact (–) will stay in the same spot. The corner contact (+) will change position depending which side is down. ---
**Author:** ![RememberMe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/5fc32e/32.png) [@RememberMe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RememberMe)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2014, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822/10 "2014-06-28T01:55:45Z")
A standard 6v lantern battery will definitely not fit, you would almost need to cut a standard 6v lantern battery down its long axis to fit, then put another next to it. ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2014, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822/11 "2014-06-28T02:17:02Z")
> [@johnpost](#): > > i also had a lantern battery holder package that you filled with D cells. This is a good guess for that 1.5" height. Could have been a pack with rechargeable cells or disposable primary D cells. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2014, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822/12 "2014-06-28T02:22:56Z")
I remember a battery like that from childhood. I’d swear they were called pancake batteries. flat, square battery about three inches thick. Google is useless. too many hits for pancake batter. I haven’t seen a battery like that in decades. Standard lantern batteries are easily bought at home depot. I have three lanterns for power failures. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2014, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822/13 "2014-06-28T05:27:40Z")
OP, I suppose it’s too much to hope that you have the manufacturer and model number of the lantern? ---
**Author:** ![Fortyfold](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7c8e57/32.png) [@Fortyfold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fortyfold)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2014, 11:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822/14 "2014-06-29T11:32:05Z")
A 4.5v battery maybe. Seems about the right shape. > **[Lantern battery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lantern_battery)** > > A lantern battery is a rectangular battery, typically an alkaline or zinc-carbon primary battery, used primarily in flashlights or lanterns. Lantern batteries are physically larger and consequently offer higher capacity than the more common torch batteries. Lantern batteries comprise multiple cells inside a housing. > The most common variant in the US is the 6-volt square-base battery with spring terminals. In Europe the most common one is the 4.5-volt flat pack. > The 6-volt variety typically has... ---
**Author:** ![FluffyBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecb155/32.png) [@FluffyBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FluffyBob)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2014, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822/15 "2014-06-29T14:14:33Z")
This was answered in posts 2 and 3. Two 6v Lantern batteries. Not the 4.5v - as pointed out it is obvious from the conductors that it takes **two** batteries in series with diagonally arranged posts. The compartment is maybe about two inches deep, so the top half inch of the batteries protrude into the body of the latern, for which there is plenty of room. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2014, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822/16 "2014-06-29T15:15:07Z")
What is the brand and model of the lantern? ---
**Author:** ![yabob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yabob/32/2821_2.png) [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2014, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822/17 "2014-06-29T17:31:41Z")
> [@FluffyBob](#): > > This was answered in posts 2 and 3. Two 6v Lantern batteries. Not the 4.5v - as pointed out it is obvious from the conductors that it takes **two** batteries in series with diagonally arranged posts. The compartment is maybe about two inches deep, so the top half inch of the batteries protrude into the body of the latern, for which there is plenty of room. To confirm, the two posts of a 6v lantern battery are an inch apart, and one is very close to a corner of the battery. I wouldn’t call 6V lantern cells at all rare. Hardware stores and many drug stores should be well stocked with them, as well as plastic lanterns that take them, some in LED now. Don’t most people have 1 or 2 of these things in their car or closet? > **[Amazon.com: Eveready 5109WB Utility Lantern with Battery : Sports & Outdoors](https://www.amazon.com/Eveready-Utility-Lantern-Battery-Assorted/dp/B00004WGWN)** > > Amazon.com: Eveready 5109WB Utility Lantern with Battery : Sports & Outdoors ---
**Author:** ![njtt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ecd19e/32.png) [@njtt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/njtt)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2014, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-batteries-does-this-lantern-take/691822/18 "2014-06-29T20:15:07Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I remember a battery like that from childhood. I’d swear they were called pancake batteries. flat, square battery about three inches thick. > > Google is useless. too many hits for pancake batter. I haven’t seen a battery like that in decades. [Like this?](http://www.maxokc.com/products/products/details/50682/milwaukee-18v-lithium-pancake-battery) (Probably not what the OP wants, though.)