Removing spent batteries from a mini-maglite torch

[cambournepete]

"Drat" I said to myself when I took the torch apart and realised it was flickering because the AA batteries had leaked.

"Double drat" I said when I discovered I could not remove them because they are stuck fast.

I've tried a hammer and freezing the torch but neither helped, so any ideas how to remove expended expanded batteries from an aluminium tube?

 

[Racers]

Hi,

If you can't get the other end off then I sugest a self tapper screwed in the the battery would work, but it will be messy but I supose it is all ready.

Pete

 

[bugbear]

Hi,

If you can't get the other end off then I sugest a self tapper screwed in the the battery would work, but it will be messy but I supose it is all ready.

Pete

Ingenious - I like it.

Although, with the coming of white light LEDs, maglites aren't quite the undisputed "best torch ever" they once were.

BugBear

 

[Racers]

Hi, BB

Ingenious, no just a wine drinker who once was with out a corkscrew :wink:

Pete

 

[xy mosian]

Try dipping/soaking the battery compartment end in boiling water. Should soften the guey? mess. Might be worth waiting until swmbo's not around though.
xy

 

[cambournepete]

The screw method worked, but the inside of the torch is basically wrecked so I've chucked it - and now need an LED replacement.

 

[Eric The Viking]

The screw method worked, but the inside of the torch is basically wrecked so I've chucked it - and now need an LED replacement.

If you've still got it, I sorted one belonging to a daughter (they've all had them, and they've all let batteries go flat and leak in them):

Wash out with copious amounts of soapy water. Dry thoroughly in a warm place (on top of the boiler). Stick some coarse-ish wet & dry to a dowel (80 grit I think) with DS tape and spin it in a drill chuck. You can make it pass the thread (so it doesn't grind it away), and clean up the inside of the tube reasonably well.

The switch/bulbholder will pop out with care, so you can do the contacts. I can't remember how, but I did successfully get it apart and reassembled.

If the thread is manky, a bit of grinding paste on the end cap thread worked to and fro frees it off (don't go crazy). Wash out again, dry and Vaseline on the inside and the threads stops further corrosion.

And I think you can now get substitute LED bulbs for them, that are bi-pin and push straight in. LEDs are not as bright, and don't focus as well (because they're pre-focused usually with a cast lens on the front), but they will fit and the switch function will still work.

Worth salvaging, IMHO. I love the fact they're properly waterproof - I take them caving as spare lights.

 

[misterfish]

- and now need an LED replacement.

The LED Lenser torches seem pretty good.

Misterfish

 

[petermillard]

The LED Lenser torches seem pretty good.
Misterfish

+1; take a look at the P2 or P3 - incredibly bright light from a single battery.

Pete

 

[paulm]

Take a look here, the Fenix and Wolf Eyes brands are well regarded although most are going to be a revelation compared to the maglites which were great many years ago but have long since had their day in terms of performance standard.

Cheers, Paul

 

[Harbo]

Paul - I followed your link then found some Flashlight Forums - there's another slippery slope out there.
Never realised torches were that complicated?

Rod

 

[paulm]

There certainly is Rod, a completely new slope for the unwary :lol:

It's amazing the performance you can get from torches these days even with just a couple of AA batteries or similar.

Go on, you know you need to try some out :lol:

Cheers, Paul

 

[Harbo]

Go on, you know you need to try some out

Yes but which one, there are so many to choose from even from the same manfacturer?

I have a small one that came with my car (1AA type) and a cheapo one ($4) I bought from LV (3xAAA) - both incredibly bright!

Rod

 

[paulm]

Depends on your criteria Rod. Would probably start with application, do you want it for long range lighting up of bunnies in the garden, or out walking the dog, or just for non-specific general use.

That leads to output and size requirements, if it needs to be easily pocketable that narrows down the range a bit. Factor in any battery type preferences, some being more expensive and less available than others, and overall budget, and your half way there and reduced the possibilities down from hundreds of types to just dozens :lol:

Drop me a pm if you want any suggestions or info.

Cheers, Paul

 

[cambournepete]

Hi all,

I've thrown away the really dirty parts of the torch and given the head, with replacement LED bulb to a guy at work who I know has a maglite...

As for a replacement light, well where to start?

I want it for dog walking and maybe for my bike (with an additional mount).
It needs to be pocket-able and I reckon it's easiest to go for AA batteries as they are so easily available.

I know they range in price from not a lot to beyond £100, but which to get?
All suggestions gratefully received, especially from current or previous owners.

 

[paulm]

Have a look here half way down the page there is a section that lets you display the Fenix torches by battery type which helps narrow things down.

There are a number of decent makes but you won't go far wrong with Fenix who are very well regarded, have a good range, and aren't extravagantly priced for the quality. You can get a whole range of cheaper makes and models which might be fine also but the Fenix ones are good design and good quality if that's part of your criteria.

I would think the LD20 would take some beating, being 2 x AA making it as powerful as you are reasonably likely to need while still being pocketable albeit a little bit long because of the two batteries. That shop also have a good accessories deal with the torch at the moment, and Fenix do a couple of bike mounts and stuff as well in the accessories section.

There are some other variations on the theme in that section as well as the LD20 model, the main difference being the number of power levels, which may or may not be important to an individual, basically meaning you can select a lower power level and therefore output and have a much longer battery life accordingly, or switch to higher levels if and when needed but which shortens battery life. Matters less if you use good quality rechargeables I guess.

Hope that's of some help ?

Cheers, Paul

 

[Vormulac]

I, too, am a convert from years of Maglite adoration to the joys of modern LED torches. LED Lensers are good but expensive, I have a tiny little Olight i10 torch that takes either AA or the higher voltage 14500 cells and the light output is simply staggering.

 

[RogerM]

I use a Petzl LED headtorch. Very bright, batteries seem to last for ever, and leaves your hands free for holding the dog's lead, or for climbing around in the loft, or for doing anything where you want your hands free - even reading in bed when camping in the wild. Wouldn't be without one. Petzl seem to be the best, but have also used the cheaper versions at £6.95 from our local market. Not as good but still excellent value for money.

 

[andy king]

Hi Pete,

I'm another fan of the LED Lenser torches. I have a couple, a small button cell one on my keyring and a 2xAA one for everything else.
If you want one for walking and for the bike, this one might be just the job as it comes with the bike bracket as well: http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product ... _id=103255

hope this helps.

cheers,
Andy

 

[grafter]

this happened to my torch, as they were the original batteries, I e-mailed and then sent it back to mag - they replaced it free of charge!

worth a shot?

the best torches I think are fenix
available from: http://www.fenixtorch.co.uk/
around £45 - check out the cycle forums, MBT bikers use these for bike lights, they are really bright and very durable.

headtorch wise, I have a petzl and its excellent -also take a look at alpkit

tesco stocked some cree LED torches for about £12 last year, they are great use one my bike now!