Removing Corroded Batteries

Hey Guys,
I have a five cell Maglite torch with badly corroded batteries.
I've tried baking soda, bi-carb soda, vinegar, meths & acetone all to no avail - drilling the batteries out is not an option due to the length of the torch.
I don't mind sacrificing the switch or the lamp assembly as they're both available as parts (I wouldn't mind upgrading the lamp anyway) but I've had the torch a long time so I'd like to salvage at least the barrel.
Has anyone got any idea's as to what I can use to get the batteries out?
I'm thinking diluted hydrochloric acid, maybe 20% or 30% but I don't know how that will react with the batteries.
The switch and lamp assembly come out the same end as the batteries so unless I get distructive I can't push the batteries out from one end.
Cheers
Smidsy

Lots of advice on this site, especially further down re self tapper and chain. Also advice on the site to send the torch to the company that made the batteries for warranty re no leakage policy.
They are alkaline batteries so an acid would be required to neutralise the leaked material.

BTW I have a 300mm drill extension for a spade drill bit which I am sure you can fit a 1/4” drill bit to.

Not correct the switch block and lamp are removed from the lamp end, remove the head release the the switch block, hammer the entire assembly with batteries out of the barrel with a suitable sized dowel, if the batteries have leaked the 99% the switchblock will be destroyed, wash the barrel out neutralize with bi-carb purchase new switch block insert and fasten add new batteries and bobs your uncle

How To Clean Battery Acid | Energizer

Are these alkaline batteries or rechargeable?

Thanks guys,
The batteries are just cheap D cells, sending the torch back to the maker is not really an option - it's a US made Maglite and the warranty would be long gone as I've had the torch 23 years.
China I'll take another look, I thought the switch had to come out the back end but I'll suss it out.
I'm thinking that if I can get the batteries out I can use a brake cylinder hone or something like that to clean the torch.

I bought this torch back in 1996, having been expelled from high school in year ten eleven years earlier I was doing a uni degree.
I got this torch partly because I had night classes and the lighting at uni was crap, and partly because a five cell torch makes a very legal but very useful deterrant to people who want to be nasty to me or my female class mates - in a class of thirty I was one of only two guys. Myself and the other guy made a point of getting the ladies to their cars safely.
So I have a lot of history in this torch.

To be more specific to remove the switch block, remove the rubber switch button an insert a allen key there is a small grub screw loosen this and the switch block will come out, as I said it will 99% damaged beyond repair spare parts (Sheldon and Hammond) wash the the barrel with a bottle brush or similar as said above then flush with lemon juice wash it all out with some bicarb rinse and dry the inside will no longer be anodized but bit will not matter I have done this with two maglites one at least 10 years ago and it is going, also in my experience battery manufacturers warranties are not worth the paper they are written on

If it's your intention to try to drill out a starting caving to chisel out the batteries,
these is a drill bit of 20 cm length referred to as an "aircraft bit." Why I don't know.
Also, I have a "telephone installer's bit" of at least 45 cm length. I guess that's nearing extinction, yes?
Each is 3/8" diameter ( 9 or 10 mm?)