I have a lab scale that uses 8 alkaline AA batteries, and it quit
working a few days ago. Turned out the batteries were dead, a bit too
soon.

But what's worse is that at least one of the cells leaked badly. I had
the 8-cell battery holder in a plastic bag, so the corrosives were not
able to get anywhere vulnerable, but these batteries were installed in
July 2011, and are marked as good until March 2014.

I think I heard on the web of similar experience with Kirkland. In any
event, I've thrown all Kirkland batteries out.

Joe Gwinn