Had a 2019 MacBook Pro come in with a swollen battery that was actively smoking

It was in my shop in Denver, and the owner said it just started smelling funny. When I opened the back, the battery pack was bulging and a thin wisp of smoke was coming out. I got it into a metal bin with sand, which is my go-to for this, and let it sit for a full day. The real problem was the adhesive Apple uses; it's a nightmare to remove safely once the cells are compromised. What's your specific protocol for a live thermal event beyond just the fire bag?

2 comments

2 Comments

phoenix_grant1h ago

Get it outside immediately, no exceptions. The metal bin with sand is good, but I keep a small metal ammo can filled with dry sand just for this. Once it's contained, do not try to pry up the battery. Use high percentage isopropyl alcohol and a long, thin plastic spudger to slowly work under the adhesive strips from a safe distance. Let the alcohol do the work. The goal is to cut the pack's connection to the logic board without putting any bending force on the swollen cells. After separation, the whole pack stays in the sand can for at least 48 hours before you even think about disposal.

jake7473h ago

My buddy in Austin had one vent in his shop last year, and his whole protocol is just a big ceramic bowl now.