I've lurked on this forum for a little bit but finally decided to join and post since I have a potential project. I see that MagLite is not held in very high esteem around here but I have two 2D MagLites and I'm looking to merge them into 1 functional light, possibly with upgrades.
MagLite #1
MagLite #2
I've read in a couple places that Duracell (I think that is what is in there) may replace the flashlight, but AFTER I mail it to them. I might be time and money ahead to just see if I can cannibalize parts from light #1 for light #2, and buy a different, better light. I could buy LED upgrades for light #2, but I have parts sitting in front of me and it will just involve time to "harvest" them.
My idea was to take a pipe cutter (or hacksaw) and cut the body of the flashlight just behind the switch assembly, just enough to separate the batteries from the top section of the light. Then I should be able to remove the LED switch assembly and swap it over. Does anyone see any flaws with this plan?
Then the question becomes, does it go to live at my workbench or go back in the van? If it goes in the van, I may consider adding one of those pointed end caps (eg, Bust-a-Cap) for breaking glass. Does anyone have experience with those? I see that they sell the tactical bezels for D-cells MagLites but is there any other benefits/use cases for those other than bashing someone in the face? Any other mods to a LED MagLite that are considered worthwhile?
I have a 3rd 2D cell MagLite that is my emergency light in the bedroom but it may go to backfill whatever location (workbench or van) gets vacated, and I buy a nicer flashlight for in the house (torn between a nicer headlamp or something like a Fenix LD41).
I would love to hear others thoughts!
Thanks!
MagLite #1
- LED model from MagLite
- grey
- currently has a battery in it that leaked and seized into the flashlight; my fault, should have changed the batteries more religiously
- tried drilling a screw into it and using a chain, then a stout wire, to pull it out; I destroyed the chain and the wire....battery never budged
- lived in my van for emergencies
MagLite #2
- Incan model
- black
- works perfectly but old light technology is dim
- lives at my workbench in the garage
I've read in a couple places that Duracell (I think that is what is in there) may replace the flashlight, but AFTER I mail it to them. I might be time and money ahead to just see if I can cannibalize parts from light #1 for light #2, and buy a different, better light. I could buy LED upgrades for light #2, but I have parts sitting in front of me and it will just involve time to "harvest" them.
My idea was to take a pipe cutter (or hacksaw) and cut the body of the flashlight just behind the switch assembly, just enough to separate the batteries from the top section of the light. Then I should be able to remove the LED switch assembly and swap it over. Does anyone see any flaws with this plan?
Then the question becomes, does it go to live at my workbench or go back in the van? If it goes in the van, I may consider adding one of those pointed end caps (eg, Bust-a-Cap) for breaking glass. Does anyone have experience with those? I see that they sell the tactical bezels for D-cells MagLites but is there any other benefits/use cases for those other than bashing someone in the face? Any other mods to a LED MagLite that are considered worthwhile?
I have a 3rd 2D cell MagLite that is my emergency light in the bedroom but it may go to backfill whatever location (workbench or van) gets vacated, and I buy a nicer flashlight for in the house (torn between a nicer headlamp or something like a Fenix LD41).
I would love to hear others thoughts!
Thanks!