When I first started gigging, I often had a few spare 9v batteries stored in my guitar case, along with other odds-and-ends. Sometimes those odd-and-ends included a pad of fine #000 steel wool; guitarists sometimes use this for quick fret polishing and/or fretboard and neck maintenance. Until a more experienced player alerted me to the fact that a 9-volt battery plus steel wool equals a dangerous combination, I simply had no idea.
My guess is a lot of other musicians don’t even think twice about fire safety when it comes to the familiar 9v batteries they use everyday in stompboxes and fx pedals.
With that in mind, we want to make sure all guitarists are aware of the danger that improperly storing old batteries can pose. The risk of fire, loss of property and even death are nothing to take lightly, as evidenced in the video above.
PLEASE SHARE this with all the guitarists you know so that we can all sleep a little safer.