On 29 Jul 2005 15:30:00 -0700 in sci.electronics.repair,
wrote,
I bought a low quality LED flashlight. Put in 3 AA Memorex alkaline
batteries. After about an hour later, I picked up the flashlight and
its handle was HOT. The flashlight wasn't on. Took the batteries out, 2
of them are not hot and the last one was.

Excessive clamping force applied to battery end deforms battery case and
causes internal short from case to center electrode.