Hi Marc,
If the batteries are corroded & leaking, then they may be dead already.
If the laser end is sealed then try a little water keeping it level if/as possible, a little brushing around to soften the "corrosive gunk" & try the suggested "thin sliver" trick to loosen them up.
If that fails, then your drilling method may be the other option.
I doubt whether there will be any kind of fiery explosion resulting from this.
(Do what "bigclive" does on YT & have a old metal pie dish handy.....JIC.)
God luck.
Stay safe.
ps. If they are badly corroded, it may be time for a new laser collimator.
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