[EHCRain10]

I went to replace the batteries in my 4D cell maglite today and the first two batteries came out fine but the last 2 are stuck tight. I dont want to replace the entire body so how do I go about getting the last two batteries out of the body?

If this is in the wrong location, please move it.

[Darthbauer]

This is from Mag Lights website

I can’t get the batteries out of my flashlight. They're stuck inside. How do I change them? Is this covered by my warranty?
When this happens, it almost certainly means that the batteries have leaked and are stuck inside the barrel. Note: Batteries normally swell before leaking causing them to get stuck inside the barrel. Mag Instrument does not warrant against battery leakage, however, we do have agreements with Duracell, Eveready and Ray-O-Vac that allow us to replace your flashlight. If one of these brands of batteries is stuck (by leaking in your flashlight), send the flashlight to us and we will repair or replace the entire flashlight at no charge to you. We recommend that you ship the flashlight UPS or Postal Insured for tracking purposes. Please send to; Mag Instrument, Inc., Attn; Warranty Dept., 1721 E. Locust St., Ontario, Ca. 91761-7769. You pay the freight to us and we pay it going back. Please also include a letter with your name, address, phone number and a description of the problem. Don’t forget to indicate what brand of batteries is inside if you know. We will check to verify that it is Duracell, Eveready and Ray-O-Vac; and if it is, we will send you a new flashlight at no charge. Occasionally we open the flashlight and we find it contains leaking batteries that are not Duracell, Eveready and Ray-O-Vac. In cases of "off-brand" battery leakage, we can replace your flashlight for a charge of -- $12.00 plus your state's sales tax for a ‘C’ or ‘D’ Mag-Lite® flashlight, or $8.00 plus tax for a Mini-Maglite® flashlight. If you are not sure, send the flashlight to us, with the batteries inside, and we will check to determine the brand. If we find that they are "off-brand" batteries, we will contact you and arrange for payment before sending you the replacement flashlight.

[EHCRain10]

thanks for your quick and helpful response

[Darthbauer]

My suggestion is to just get a Surefire. A lot brighter and more durable.

[rugerfreak]

The LED Mag-lights are pretty good---the old style--not so much.

[Leadhead]

That's good to know about mag lights policy regarding stuck batteries.
Have you tried flushing it out with hot water and baking soda?
It might help break the bond and then some centerifical arm swings in a safe environment might do the trick....

[rcmodel]

I'd screw the end cap back on with the two battery's left out.

Then, smack the butt-cap end on a soft carpet floor, or something that won't damage the light.

Might get enough inertia going to make them slide back to the butt end.

From there you should be able to dig them on out with an ice pick or awl.

If you can get them out, wash the interior throughly with a bottle brush & soap & water.

But if they have already corroded & leaked, you will probably have to send it back to the mother-ship for repair.

BTW: Pay them to do the LED conversion bulb while it's there.
Well worth the money!

[trickshot]

I have been using the old style (not LED) maglights for over 25 years and really like them because of their reliability. I use them a lot. The first one I bought all those years ago still works just as good as new. I have dropped them many times, stepped on them, left them laying out in the rain and snow for days, used them in all kinds of weather from real hot to really cold, and never had one fail to work when I push the button.

I know nothing about the SureFire lights. Why do you think they are better? Are they as durable and reliable?

Also I have never used an LED flashlight, why do you think they are better?

[highorder]

To say that a Surefire light is better than a Maglite is an understatement of major proportion.

Even a 2 cell E2e is better than anything Mag makes by a large margin. Brightness, beam quality, size, weight, etc... it wins in every catagory that matters.

The "at least its a club" Maglite crowd have never used the much smaller Surefire as a kuboton and likely had never tried to swing a maglite at anyone.


Buy a Surefire G2 for $36.00 and never look back. For LED lights, look into the Fenix P3d. Its a great, bright multi-function light.

[mmaddox]

When all the other suggestions fail, drill a hole in the center of the battery, and screw a slide hammer's screw in to the battery. Pull it, and repeat as needed for additional batteries.

[Upriver]

You can take the whole thing apart, and knock out the batteries with a wooden dowel, or similar rod. Just be careful not to damage the switch assembly (where the bulb plugs in).

Written instructions via candle power forums:

Remove the head of the Maglite.

Remove the tailcap.

Remove the rubber switch cover. (Wash and dry your hands to help get a grip on the switch cover. Pinch and rotate the cover while pulling on it. It comes out fairly easy and also is not difficult to reinstall).

Insert a 5/64" or 2mm hex wrench into the center of the switch plunger. Loosen the set screw that holds the switch assembly in place. (Trust me, it's there, but you never see it). Once the switch is loose, let it drop through the bottom of the tube.

An illustrated disassembly thread link:

http://www.takeitapart.net/archives/mag-lite-2d/

Regards,

U

[WardenWolf]

I retired my Maglites to house duty, and replaced them in the field with INOVA's. The INOVA's are smaller and brighter.

[EHCRain10]

Say what you might about the maglites use as a club but i have used it to dispatch a deer that run into my vehicle. That is why there will always be a maglite in my truck