minor PSA on those cheap flashlights

[Rick in PA]

I have a couple of flashlights simmilar to the one below:

They're inexpensive and you see them around for sale. The first one was OK, nice design for a flashlight, throws a nice beam. The second one (different brand)gave me some difficulty inserting the battery pack. It was tight, it seemed to "scratch" its way in. Then the light didn't work. When I got the battery pack back out, the batteries were suspiciously warm. "Scratching" the battery pack in probably shorted the cells. I know, it's a cheap flashlight, what do you expect? Just thought I'd mention it, something to watch for.

 

[Donald]

I bought some similar awhile ago and I doubt any work anymore.

I have yet to find a flashlight that beats the Pelican zenon SaberLite.

I have tried to shine a LED light down into an engine area on a sunny day and it was just not bright enough. The SaberLite does fine.

 

[Warstud]

Don't feel bad I've had two full sized Maglites that were bad at $20 a piece...done with them. I bought a mini Skil from the auto parts store and like it alot. The lens has some how fogged up a bit but still works good. Maybe inspect it real well before buying it.

 

[antiqueshell]

Originally Posted By: Rick in PA
I have a couple of flashlights simmilar to the one below:

They're inexpensive and you see them around for sale. The first one was OK, nice design for a flashlight, throws a nice beam. The second one (different brand)gave me some difficulty inserting the battery pack. It was tight, it seemed to "scratch" its way in. Then the light didn't work. When I got the battery pack back out, the batteries were suspiciously warm. "Scratching" the battery pack in probably shorted the cells. I know, it's a cheap flashlight, what do you expect? Just thought I'd mention it, something to watch for.



That battery pack is actually 4 standard AAA batteries inside of a simple holder that is shrink wrapped. If you remove the black wrap you will likely be able to simply remove the AAA batteries from their holder (standard spring loaded tabs) and replace them with new batteries, you don't need the wrapper because the spings hold the batts in the holder.

 

[ronbo]

Got at least 10 of the mentioned free from Harbor Freight but the batteries they give you are a low quality. The ones I have need 3 AAA batteries that I replace with a quality brand quickly.

 

[Rand]

Originally Posted By: Donald
I bought some similar awhile ago and I doubt any work anymore.

I have yet to find a flashlight that beats the Pelican zenon SaberLite.

I have tried to shine a LED light down into an engine area on a sunny day and it was just not bright enough. The SaberLite does fine.



if you thought the led light was too dim.. you just didnt buy the right product.. some are hundreds of lumens.

 

[R80RS]

I get the exact same flashlights free as promotional items from manufacturer's reps and sales engineers that call on me at work. They don't last long, usually until the first battery change or the first time they are dropped. I have seen them for a few bucks at the hardware store, but would never buy one at any price because they don't last. It's a shame because the aluminum components are actually nice, and they look like they should be a quality unit.

 

[The_Jeff]

The 9-LED ones I've encountered are nearly universally garbage. LEDs burn out, the switches go kaput, and the light color isn't the same from one to the next.

However, for $4, these are pretty sweet, though not completely perfect: link. They have a great wide focus, pretty good spot focus, and burn through an eneloop AA in about an hour. Which is okay because they're fabulously bright.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I have four 9-LED flashlights, FAR from Pep Boy 5-6 Black Fridays ago, they are working fine. Not as bright as $15-30 flashlights, but I didn't expect they do. The 3 AAA batteries were replaced last year.

 

[Chris142]

I use the snot out of those little lights! They dont give me any trouble unless i drop one.

 

[MrQuackers]

Got a bunch of Utilitechs at Lowes for $3 each. 65 lumens. Plenty bright compared to those Horror Freight junkies. Premium style LED element.

Utilitech

 

[Fleetmon]

A $6 Streamlight Nano has been on my keychain for five years (and two sets of batteries) and works flawlessly. This light has inspected hundreds of vehicles, identified probably one-thousand leaks, and while it looks like he!!, works perfectly.

 

[dailydriver]

I just get the three pack of those single bulb, 250 lumen, Cree lights at Costco for what, $21.00.

I put three Energizer Lithium AAAs in them and you can see them from space, weigh a couple of ounces, fit in the palm of your hand, and last almost forever!!

 

[whizbyu]

I got a Defiant 5 C cell LED flashlight that throws out 650 lumens. Home Depot for about $17. Brighter than any magmight or Streamlight I've seen. 5 Cell though. Might work well as self defense tool.

 

[KenO]

Originally Posted By: ronbo
Got at least 10 of the mentioned free from Harbor Freight but the batteries they give you are a low quality. The ones I have need 3 AAA batteries that I replace with a quality brand quickly.



Ya, I have a ton of the cheap/free black ones, and even more of the blue & red ones from HF. If you want a really high quality, MIL spec flashlight - look at www.foursevens.com. They're a local Atlanta company, and I know the owner personally. He's a car guy thru and thru

 

[Shannow]

My previous employer gave us one of those torches for Christmas last year...

 

[Warstud]

These look like they may be good lights. Free Shipping

http://dx.com/new-arrivals?utm_source=bu...er&cate=901