Renovating rechargeable batteries?

[alistairedw]

Some of my older rechargeable AA (NiMH) batteries have corrosion on the terminals (presumably due to weather exposure). This is particularly bad on the + terminal.

The corrosion appears to be affecting charging and performance. Can I simply clean up the terminals with some fine grade sandpaper? On some of the = terminals the shiny surface of the metal seems to be wearing away.

Any ideas?

 

[wotayottie]

why would you not be able to do this?