A multimeter draws almost no current, so the cell is not used up. It gets old.
What actually happens
Alkaline cells degrade over years. The seal fails and potassium hydroxide escapes. It corrodes the springs and contacts first, then wicks along them into the instrument.
The instrument was working when it went in the drawer, and it is scrap when it comes out.
Why measuring instruments are the worst case
Frequency of use. A torch is used often enough that cells are replaced before they age. A moisture meter or an insulation tester might sit for two years between uses, which is exactly the aging window.
The habit
Take the cell out of any instrument going into storage for more than a season. It costs nothing and it prevents the most expensive failure on this site.
What to look for on a pack
Shelf life, which is the relevant figure — one four-pack we compare states three years. Capacity in milliamp-hours is nearly meaningless for this application.
What gets asked here
What about rechargeable instruments?
Lithium packs prefer part-charged storage rather than full or empty, and should not be left flat for months. Follow what the maker states.
Does brand matter?
For capacity, barely. For leak resistance over years inside a warm instrument, it is the main variable — and no maker publishes a figure for it.
Last reviewed 31 August 2026