Maglite Mini AA Tail Threads

[scalpel_ninja]

I have a question for the Maglite specialists. Are there variations in the threads for the tail cap? I've tried to install a Nite Ize conversion clicky switch but the threads are wrong. Photos of the Litt Industries version also appear to have the finer threads. My light seems to have a coarser thread.

Now I've read the stock threads can be sloppy, but these appear to be completely different. I've also read Kroll switches can be installed on Mini AAs, but my Kroll does not fit. The Nite Ize switch also does not fit the Arc 2xAA body. The threads appear to be the same size and pitch, but the Nite Ize might be a tad too large in overall diameter. It won't even thread on, just binds (even with lubricant) and I don't dare turn or torque it into the Arc body.

Photo for reference:

 

[ABTOMAT]

Just looking at what I have on hand, mid '80s Mini Mags are tailcap compatible with mid '00s Mini Mags, with slight tolerance differences. I have a 2000s Nite Ize tailcap switch that threads into both. This is also compatible with Streamlights and possibly more clones.

I don't have a Mini Mag with a tailcap that looks like yours. Is it newer? Do you have a photo of the rest of the light?

 

[scalpel_ninja]

Just looking at what I have on hand, mid '80s Mini Mags are tailcap compatible with mid '00s Mini Mags, with slight tolerance differences. I have a 2000s Nite Ize tailcap switch that threads into both. This is also compatible with Streamlights and possibly more clones.

I don't have a Mini Mag with a tailcap that looks like yours. Is it newer? Do you have a photo of the rest of the light?

Thanks for the reply. Here are photos of the Maglite.

 

[ABTOMAT]

Does that have any head markings? I want to say that's not a genuine Mini Mag.

 

[scalpel_ninja]

Does that have any head markings? I want to say that's not a genuine Mini Mag.

No head markings. Now that you mention it, I had a feeling something was missing. Though I didn't realize Mini Mags were copied? Seems too much effort for a relatively low cost item.

This is the part where the bulb sits. I don't have the platform above it as it was destroyed in my failed attempts to tune the Yuji emitter. The reflector also cracked as I think the difference in spacing put too much pressure on it. It now has a Convoy OP reflector that I sanded down to fit.

 

[ABTOMAT]

Looks like a fake to me. Mini Mags are probably the most-copied light. Streamlight and Brinkmann did it and got sued in the '80s, plus dozens of nameless offshore brands Mag always was pushing back against. The heyday was probably the late '80s-early '90s. I remember fairly recently Mag would still publish stuff on their site like "Today we had a shipment of counterfeit Mini-Maglites stopped at San Diego Customs."

If something is selling by the millions and you can get in on that action it's worth it.

 

[scalpel_ninja]

Looks like a fake to me. Mini Mags are probably the most-copied light. Streamlight and Brinkmann did it and got sued in the '80s, plus dozens of nameless offshore brands Mag always was pushing back against. The heyday was probably the late '80s-early '90s. I remember fairly recently Mag would still publish stuff on their site like "Today we had a shipment of counterfeit Mini-Maglites stopped at San Diego Customs."

If something is selling by the millions and you can get in on that action it's worth it.

Thanks for the explanation. I guess I could go after the eBay seller, but probably not worth the time or effort, especially now that I've destroyed some parts. Lesson learned…

 

[ABTOMAT]

That sucks, hope it didn't cost much. Lots of vintage Mini Mags out there selling cheap if you don't mind used. Only NIB ones seem to go for anything.

You definitely do have an interesting piece of history there. Someone out there should collect fake Mini Mags if they're not already. I only have ones more directly related to the police industry. Edit: I suppose there's a chance it's some kind of Mag preproduction sample but given the tailcap incompatibility I'd doubt it.

 

[yellow]

The (original) minimag bulb holder is a 2 part click together "thing", iirc.
That does not look like.
Also a minimag without the markings around the head?
??

As to aftermarket parts:
with the switch to the led model(s), Maglite did change threads and such.
Maybe Your parts are built for the other versions?

 

[scalpel_ninja]

The (original) minimag bulb holder is a 2 part click together "thing", iirc.
That does not look like.
Also a minimag without the markings around the head?
??

As to aftermarket parts:
with the switch to the led model(s), Maglite did change threads and such.
Maybe Your parts are built for the other versions?

As to the differences in bulb holder, I broke the top part that helps plug the bulb into the bottom (part in the photos). It might just all be a fake because the head has no markings.

No idea about the variants of threads, therefore the inquiry in the original post.

Either way, I'm just so close to having a nice Yuji conversion that my kids will be able to use.

 

[yellow]

Jup,
You also typed that
(that it was broken)
Sorry, didnt notice at 1st reading
(and can not edit my posts, strangely)