Repair battery compartment latch?

[Anniedog]

The flat metal piece has come off the cylinder in a battery compartment door. Unit is '88 Excella 1000. Piece that comes off is apparently force fit over some square studs. I cannot get it to stay on, even tapping it with a small hammer. Is there a better way? How about using some Marine Tex or a similar "liquid steel" type repair material.
As a side note: First, let me award the Annoyance Of The Century to the madman who designed the battery compartments. Every time I have to pull my batteries to check them I ruin a couple fingers trying to get them in and out!! I have about 1/4" clearence around my batteries! My tired and arthritic old hands just can't deal with this much longer!!

[richinny]

you can buy a new lock or file the old solder off and have it re-soldered. check with a local locksmith. they can also key a new lock to the old key. i like the locks with screws holding that tab.

build up the battery height with a sheet of plastic (or something that battery acid won't corrode) then get a flat rubber bungee and wrap it around the sides of the battery with the ends up front by the door.

use the bungee to slide the battery out. just make sure you keep the battery posts covered to keep from shorting them on the opening. my cables have plastic covers but can easily slide off.

[macofpei]

I too have the same problem. Some --- (I really cant call the person what I want to call him) decided that he just had to look inside the left door-- He must have used a pry bar and forced open the lock. The hatch was empty so all that he did was break the lock.I think I can repair but I wouldn't really trust it.
As to the battery itself, the previous owner had placed 3/4 foam in there for the battery to set on and keep it from moving. It worked great.
Mac

[Gene]

Anniedog, There are straps that kinda hook onto the battery terminals to lift them. Check an auto parts store. That should save your fingers as you can't afford to ruin all of them.

Gene