I have an extra Beo4 and Beolink 1000 and both get leaking batteries on a regular basis, usually after a couple years. I only use the highest quality batteries but they leak anyway. On the Beo4, its the bottom battery that leaks, on the BL1000, it's the center battery. Any way to prevent this? Is there a rule of thumb for this, like if the remote won't be used for X months, take out the batteries? 

McRib:

I have an extra Beo4 and Beolink 1000 and both get leaking batteries on a regular basis, usually after a couple years. I only use the highest quality batteries but they leak anyway. On the Beo4, its the bottom battery that leaks, on the BL1000, it's the center battery. Any way to prevent this? Is there a rule of thumb for this, like if the remote won't be used for X months, take out the batteries? 

 

Yup, there's a rule of thumb. Of sorts. If you have your battery operated things lying unsused for "a longer period", remove the batteries.

Personally, I'd even take them out if the item wasnt' used for a single month. Especially if the batteries weren't completely fresh and unused (i.e. if they are low on voltage).

Edit: Btw, I use Eneloop batteries in all my things these days. They're socalled "hybrid" batteries and other companies sell them under other names Eneloop is Panasonic's marketing name). They're rechargeable, but has very low self-discharge unlike normal rechargeable  batteries, so they can be used for remotes and small pocket radios etc. They seem to have less tendency to leak, unlike alkaline batteries.

Perhaps that might be a solution to try?

Agreed on all of the above - even the best alkaline batteries can leak, although nowhere near as destructively or quickly as cheap regular batteries (can you still get them somewhere?).

I have converted to Energizer Lithium in all my remotes that use AA and AAA size cells. Dunno how long they last, as I have yet to replace a single one... I wouldn't expect them to leak either, as the chemistry is completely different and they have an enormous shelf life. Excellent for emergency flash lights too.