This compact analog battery tester was sold under the Cortland-Chase Corporation and Bentley Industries, Inc. brand names during the 1980s and possibly the early '90s. It can test a wide range of batteries.

The accepted types include 9V, 6V, "AAA", "AA", "C", "D", and "N". It can also test coin-style batteries such as the CR2025 and CR2032. Simply insert the battery in the correct slot or jack and the meter shows its current strength.

This unit is fairly accurate; it was quite helpful for testing a large set of coin-style batteries and deciding which ones were acceptable to sell. With larger types of batteries, it tends to err on the side of the battery being stronger.

It successfully tests both Ni-Cd rechargeables and alkalines. If nothing registers on the meter, you can be sure that the battery is very dead. There are some helpful step-by-step instructions on the bottom of the tester.

This tester appeared on an old Bentley order form for $7.50 USD. Both of these brands also used to offer a deluxe Ni-Cad charger, which was once priced at $20 dollars. People can easily find these items on eBay.

Note: The Cortland model was used for this review. It has not been tested with Ni-MH rechargeables or lithium units.