Converting Incandescent MagLite to LED

[308win]

RC - How did you find that and I didn't! When they say "cut off cam or tube portion etc." what exactly is entailed here? Do you take a hacksaw and cut the stock part of the reflector/bulb holder within an 1/8 inch of the reflector cone?

 

[rcmodel]

http://www.malkoffdevices.com/instructions.htm

rc

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

@308win:

It's an easy mod. Or you can buy a precut reflector from them for a few bucks.

I have two 3 cell "C" Maglites...the many, many years old one has started going quirky on me, so I'll probably just cut the reflector down on that one and use it in my new one.

 

[Geddinight]

I have used the Terralux drop in on an SL20 and a stinger. They work great and help the batteries last longer. I see no reason they would not do a good job at improving the 6 cell maglite.

I just haven't gotten around to the six cell maglite that I have. Good luck and let us know if you get it.

 

[308win]

geddinight - Do they drop in or is surgery required?

 

[Geddinight]

No, they just drop in. The SL20 required me to take something out, but the instructions were clear. The maglite type lights should just be a replacement head that just drops in.

Very clear and easy directions. I've dropped the stinger several times on a hard surface and it still performs fine. It is always accidentally.

 

[308win]

geddinight - does it use the same reflector, lens, etc. Mine is probably 30 years old or more and it doesn't have a focusing head and uses the old fashioned bulbs. To be honest, I have about convinced myself to take the money and spend it something else; I have a four7s that works just fine and a $30 surefire knockoff that also works just fine.

 

[rcmodel]

I didn't know they ever mag a Mag-Light without a focusing head??

Mine are older then dirt and they both have them.

rc

 

[308win]

Mine doesn't unless I haven't figured it our after all these years which is entirely possible. I bought mine in the real early 80's so it is probably 30+ years old.

 

[rcmodel]

Take hold of the big part the lens is in and turn the whole thing on the battery barrel.

The o-ring seal is stuck.

You screw it in & out to focus the beam from a flood to a spot.

rc

 

[308win]

Well guess what - it isn't a MagLite it is a Pro Light, made is USA. patented, and serially numbered. So I guess I won't be buying MagLite parts for it.

 

[JColdIron]

I put one of the bulb replacement LEDs in my 3 cell mag light and was pleased with the brightness and battery life until it got knocked from a table top onto a concrete floor.

Popped the LED off of the base and killed it. The spare bulb stowed in the rear of the battery compartment behind the spring survived the same fall and got swapped back in. I think I'll stay with the Old school tech on this one. At least when those bulbs die they are cheap to replace.

 

[Geddinight]

Sorry you don't have the maglite. I would take that money and get a new LED light. Terralux makes a few of their own lights that are relatively inexpensive. I have the two AA high and low model and a single AA high and low model. They work and are bright enough for what I want. Just google them and see what you come up with.

I also have had good luck with Fenix lights.

Good luck with your lights.

 

[308win]

geddinight - I have a 4Sevens Quark X123 I think it is and a Surefire Nitrolon knockoff plus a couple of others and the ProLight so I really don't need another flashlight - on the other hand 'need' has never interferred with my spending my hard earned money in the past.

 

[Wylie1]

http://flashlightreviews.com/reviews/everled.htm
I bought two before they incorporated a scotchy diode for polarity protection over ten years ago and still have one that is doing great. The other, well, there was a good reason for that diode, yeah I loaded the batteries in wrong and reversed polarity, just the one left now.

 

[rodinal220]

The TerraLUX is a worthwhile upgrade:

http://ezine.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=126

 

[JShirley]

Yup. The variable LED most folks haven't been too happy with, but that's natural when it's made to fit a variety of lights.

 

[danez71]

I did get to toss out two pretty ones, a 2 & a 3 cell one, when the cells leaked all inside. Their cells were two years old, or less - one set of Ray-o-vacs and one of Duracell.

FYI - A little known secret....

http://www.maglite.com/faq_details.asp?faqProd=1AAA

I can’t remove the tailcap from my Mag® flashlight. I have even put pliers on it and tried to twist it off, but it's absolutely frozen or stuck. Is this problem covered by my warranty?

When you cannot remove the tailcap to change the batteries, it almost certainly indicates that the batteries have leaked and sealed everything inside the flashlight. Unfortunately, Mag does not warrant against battery leakage, however, we do have agreements with Duracell, Eveready and Ray-O-Vac. If one of these brands of batteries has leaked in your flashlight, send the flashlight to us and we will repair or replace it at no charge to you.

I had the same thing happen to an old 4D cell. It was kind of sentimental but figured I was going to just buy a replacement.

But they dont make the 4D anymore.

After a lot of effort, I got the 4Ds out and cleaned up the inside. The spring was badly corroded and the o-ring was shot.

I got on the Maglite site to see about ordering replacement parts and found the above.

I called them... told them what happened and that I already got the batteries out.

They offered to replace it.

I told them it was kind of sentimental and they didnt offer the 4D anymore and then asked for a free new spring and o-ring. They shipped it for free.


I had also asked they if I did decide to replace it, would they upgrade to an LED type and she said 'Yes' for a small fee.



I

 

[HighExpert]

I have two rechargable mags and have converted both. More light, much longer battery life and they no longer get hot enough to met the seatcovers in my truck. I used to get about 90min of run time with the krypton bulb. Now it will give me more than 4hours. By the the way, the recharable mag will put any other mag to shame for brightness...30,000cp and the LED is brighter.