Select a Battery Holder
The first step in creating a battery pack is to select the holder that will enclose the batteries. Battery holders are readily available at electronics shops such as Radio Shack, and provide a convenient vehicle for enclosing batteries and extracting their charge. The type of battery holder required will depend largely on the intended purpose. A battery pack for small electronics such as remote controls and toys will generally work with two or four "AA" size batteries. Larger utilities, like flashlights and portable electronics, may require "C" size batteries or larger. After determining the voltage and amperage requirements of the project, select the corresponding battery holder from your favorite electronics shop.
Connect the Battery Holder to the Project
The battery holder selected in Section 1 above should have two protruding wires: a red wire carrying a positive charge and a black wire carrying a negative charge. These wires are designed to be easily connected to a direct current (DC) project, and can be secured to the project using either solder or electrical tape. Use caution to ensure no bare wires are exposed or touching one another, as this condition may create a fire hazard or significantly reduce battery life. For a more portable battery pack, wire terminals may be used instead. This type of connection is intended to be temporary, though, and should not be used for permanent installations.
Install the Batteries
When all connections are in place and secure, place the appropriate batteries into the battery holder. The battery holder should offer a convenient slot for inserting batteries, and many holders also offer an enclosure or other method of keeping the batteries in place. When the battery pack is securely connected and the batteries are installed, the battery pack should be fully functional.
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