RE: Battery pack safe to use?
It depends on what you are going to have connected to it. If it's going to be a high amperage motor then the smaller wire may cause a problem. However, it's going to power a receiver then it should be ok. Either way, I agree with Redback and the insulation needs to be fixed. A proper solder job on the wires with good heat shrink to insulate the wires.
Ken</p>