Generally a decent deal on multi packs is 50¢ each, so 32 of them will typically be about $16.

6-volt lantern batteries run about $6

http://www.hardwarestore.com/media/product/223552_front200.jpg

...and inside of a 6-volt lantern battery is...

32 AA batteries.

Peel off the label, pry the lid off then cut the wire that goes from the lid to the inside of the casing and wa-la, you've got 32 brand new AA batteries.

That's kinda been debunked. It's a long shot to get one of those 6-Volts that contain the AAs. More here: Digg - 6 Volt Battery Hack! You'll Be Amazed! (http://www.digg.com/videos/educational/6_Volt_Battery_Hack_You_ll_Be_Amazed)

Now thats just crafty i have to ask though what made you take the big one apart in the first place???

My kids took a dead one apart just to see what was inside. They came to me with excitement as if they'd discovered something new. Truth is, it was new to me...so I googled it and found that 6-volt battery "hack" video that Need referred to.

What do you mean by "long shot" Need?

And by the way, I did see people on that thread saying that the alkaline 6-volt batteries are $20. Not true. Walmart has em for $7.

Some have 4 "C" cells. Most have heavy duty batteries that only have 1/3 the charge as an alkaline, the 32 in the video would only really equal 10 alkalines.

The ones my kids got out looked very plain jane, but the lantern battery itself said alkaline...so wouldn't the AAs in it be alkaline too?

Maybe one of these days I'll try it on a new lantern battery and if there's AAs inside, try them in something to see how long they last compared to alkaline AAs.

You may be right. The large battery the others bought may have been Heavy Duty. Time for you to get your hands dirty and report back. Sounds like a good experiment for the kids.

okay i don't get it:(

I opened an old 6 volt lantern battery and all that was inside was 4 aluminum battery cells soldered togeater to make contact to all 4,bummer,lol.

6-volt lantern batteries run about $6.

I have never bought a 6v lantern battery for $6, to be honest, though I see them all the time on the shelf for that price. I usually buy the $4 lantern (plastic flashlight) that COMES with the 6v battery -=included=- . When that battery runs out, I don't buy a new battery for $6, I buy ANOTHER 6v flashlight that COMES with a battery for $4. This has always amazed me.

Anyone have a use for a lifetime's supply of 6v flashlights with no batteries? lol.