(ET) Bad luck? bad lot? bad owner?

[tbamc <tbamc gbta net>]

I bought the pack 300 miles away from me.  Just happens I'll be there 
this weekend and will ask the vendor about this.  I'd be VERY  surprised 
if he admits this could in any way be related to defects in his 
batteries.  :-)   (But it just occurs to me--I ought to try to call US 
Battery.)

<So you may be suffering from
chronic undercharging on this particular brand of battery. >

I've been mildly concerned about this from time to time but would THINK 
even if this were the case, all the batteries would gradually loose 
oooph  rather than a single battery failing?

<Did you clean the tops of the batteries thoroughly before you stored 
them? 
Dirt and acid mist, even if invisible, can cause high self discharge.  >

I don't usually clean them.  They typically look quite dry, in this dry 
climate, and appear fairly clean.  That said, the most recent failed 
battery was in the front compartment and was quite dirty/damp.  Mea 
culpa.  Still, to go from 6.25v to 4.1v in 2 months just from self 
discharge?  Possible?  The other battery in the front was just as dirty 
and tests good.

<But OTOH I'm used to getting at least ten good years out of a set>

That HAD been my plan.  :-(

I make at least my share of stupid mistakes, but not using 
distilled7¢S$ater hasn't been one of them----yet.  ;-)

Thanks.

Thon