Needed to remove 3 stuck AAA batteries from a laser level. All metal body and access only to one end (where the battery cap goes). Battery #1 came out after a lot of prying. Battery #2 was stuck. I tried a long narrow pick, WD-40, baking soda solution. Nothing.
I finally found a long decking screw and drill bit long enough and drilled a hole into the top of battery #2. Was able to drive the screw in far enough that I could pull the stuck battery out. #3 was also stuck, but I was able to loosen it with a long, narrow flat head screwdriver. Ugghh…. not pretty, but it worked.