Lifepo4 cell post bent inward

I just received 16 more "Mexican" cells today

One cell positive post seam to be bent inward. Maybe ~3 millimeters.

Is is safe to use or should I expect it to be more damaged internally?

Edit : It's the most left one of the pack. I added some pictures to help see it.

Most likely there is no way to know for sure, however a bit of observation and analysis may help. Most importantly, is the post bent due to an impact? Perhaps the cell was dropped or was it just a manufacturing issue such that the post is attached as it should be but wasn't held in the proper orientation. The pictures don't show any obvious impact damage. Can you peel back the black cover piece on top and inspect the actual cell case? If that checks out then a load test would be the next step. If you have the ability to load the cell at 1C, check the voltage drop and temperature near the post with the load connected. If the post connection inside the cell is flaky or intermittent you should be able to observe that either as heat, voltage and/or current fluctuations.

I could not use that long term. I’d order a replacement Cell. Until them, I’d work with the single battery in the background.

The entire terminal looks "bent". Would I use it? Yes, I would, but I would keep an eye on it. If a replacement can be made without much hassle, take it.

Put cell that as the last battery in the series that your positive or negative cables attaches to (not a bus bar). The lug won't care if the terminal is at an angle. A bus bar would have a big problem with that angle.

I would"cure" it with a hammer

HRTKD said:

The entire terminal looks "bent". Would I use it? Yes, I would, but I would keep an eye on it. If a replacement can be made without much hassle, take it.

Put cell that as the last battery in the series that your positive or negative cables attaches to (not a bus bar). The lug won't care if the terminal is at an angle. A bus bar would have a big problem with that angle.

Click to expand...

I did exactly that for now.

I try to negotiate a replacement for the cell (without having to return the whole 16 cells it would be not really cost effective.
So far so good, won't test it fully today as it's 3.5A outside, hopefully tomorrow will be sunny.