->  
->    When I took apart the cells,I found some salts on the plus terminals 
->    of ALL the cells.I pulled off the flat welded strips and saw 3 or 4 
->    pins  sticking out of + and - ends.I made a hole in the case on one 
->    and tossed this.Then flattened the pins(probaly from the welding step.
->  
->    Out of the 12 cells,I salvaged seven.After charging,I let them sit
->    for a while then checked the voltage.Three had lost charge overnight.
->    When recharged again,they were ok.
->    The cardboard cases are esential to insulate the case during charging
->    but they kept slipping off.A dab of rubber cement inside fixed that.
->  
->    I'm begining to wonder if peeling off the welded metal strips was a 
->    good idea.The integrity of the metal case could be compromised and
->    shorten the useful life of the cell.I could have used a sheet metal
->    scissors or tool to trim it to an acceptable size.


 That is a gamble thet MOST loose on. the Salts you saw was a sign the
Cells had been ABUSED by either overheating or Overcharging. It is
typicaly Fatial and most Never have a very usefull life. 
Although if you have lots of time and collect up bad power packs from
garage sales and Friends it may be a usefull venture.
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