Nice video. Just got a Maglite 3 D-Cell passed down from my father. He bought it while on tour in Albania in 1999. Gonna be nice to have it light bright with LED. Thanks for the help.
I do not suggest storing Maglites with alkaline or zinc-carbon batteries inside for any substantial length of time. You are asking for trouble. The question is not "if" they will leak but "when", and then you are boned as they will swell, leak corrosives, and weld themselves inside the barrel of the flashlight. Even premium brands will do this. Rechargeables are much less prone to this.
Love your reviews but to carry a light that size should be a minimum 5000 lumens in my humble opinion. I remember in the old days carring my old maglite that was 40 lumens. Thank God lights hav changed 😊😊😊
I built a Seoul Semiconductor P7 quad emitter Maglite (900lm) back in around 2010 and have found it exceptionally useful as an "entry/search light" and still acceptable, effective and useful in this era of 2000lm+ lights, the D cells provide decent capacity/runtime compared to 18650 lights for example, whilst direct drive is brighter a multimode driver circuit adds flexibility 👍
Did that years ago, maglites are built very well and to waste a good light because its incandescent... this bulbs swap just does the trick. Yes more modern lights have much higher outputs (see runtimes) and gimmicks build in. But in the end, for in and around the house, it's sufficient and the batteries also last. Glad I did this
It does work for AA, just received mine. Just to bad it's a little pricey. I am glad that they have that for larger lights. I would like to know where to get replacement bulbs for the larger lights.
I have been experimenting with similar thoughts. However I am looking at 7.2 volts or more using A123 26650 batteries. If you can get 2 in. Three will give more than 10 volts. Longer run time also. I am using a 3 C cell Maglite and getting 7.2volts. Using 22 gauge brass wire soldered to a bright led. This is probably the last word on the 3 C cell Maglite modification. The switch is unusable. The battery cap works well as a switch. The standard drop in led bulb for 2-11 D cell had it's collar ground down and reflector was reamed out to accommodate the large bulb which had 22gage brass wire soldered on for pins. Since the focus point was beyond the thread limit a 1.75 inch inner tube was used to hold the focus point and keep the reflector assembly from falling off. Very functional and attractive modification. I would take bulb pictures but I don't wanna push my luck. Bulb is 4-18 volts. Cost less than $3 including shipping, for the bulb. Total cost $23. Two A123 26650 cells, from an electric bike project, used as a power source. 2 cells at a little more than 7 volts. Casts useable light 100 yards. www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/modifying-a-3-c-cell-maglite-using-lithium-at-6-8vdc.482476/post-5535163
Wrong , LEDs puyll less watts.I have great batteries and LEDs pull much less. Im looking to see how many watts I can get. the old incandescent are what15W? I see on Amazon 3 watt LEDs
how does the beam focus work with this, when you turn the reflector. I turn the reflector to focus a wide or narrow beam, depending if I walk, or want to look at things at a distance.
I have a 2D cell magnlite with an incandescent bulb. I just went to follow your steps along with you and hit a huge snag. The first step, removing the top part, doesn't work. The Maglite company told me these are not able to be updated. Could it be that they've sealed this part so they can't be updated? I'm so frustrated. Your steps look so simple and I bought this incandescent flashlight without realizing what it was. I have another one with an LED and LOVE it. Can you advise? Thank You, Joy
You have to be able to get to the bulb to replace it if it was to go out. I have a 30ish year old maglite I am currently upgrading and everything comes apart with the exception of the "blue" reflector separating from the lens, I'm not going to force it since it doesn't need to be separated for the up grade. My maglite even came with spare bulb wrapped in foam inside the spring on the battery cover. Good Luck.
@@Chris-sf7ug In the video he's holding a 2 cell. There are specific bulbs "chips" for different volt (number of batteries) lights. Just make sure to get one for a 2 cell.
LED Torch Shop: FWIW, it should be noted that all batteries _are NOT created equally._ A number of batteries manufactured by so-called reputable makers will, in fact, _leak and corrode_ the inside of your MagLite aluminum barrel. In the process of doing so, said batteries will become *_stuck_* inside the barrel, causing you, the owner, of the _unfortunate_ Maglite much *_consternation, hair-pulling and gnashing of teeth_* in the process of getting these corroded batteries out and the damaged barrel cleaned up. Note that this removal process often causes the air around said 'torch' to turn bright blue... As you *_curse_* the battery manufacturer to a *_fair-thee-well_* for having caused the situation in the first place! 🤬🤬🤬 Corroded battery removal is a *time consuming/difficult-in-the-extreme* process, to say the least. It often results in broken pieces/parts for which there usually are _simply no replacements, what-ever/where-ever._ Of course, you would rightly think Maglite, the 'torch' manufacturer, would sell such parts, but *NO,* they do not! 🤦♂🤦♂🤦♂ So now the air turns a darker shade of blue, as many a *_pejorative_* is hurled in anger in at least two directions, if not more. And... You find yourself getting quite bald, as well! *_AARGH!_* In extreme frustration, you now find it _easier,_ and, in the longer term, much _cheaper_ to just break down and purchase an entirely new replacement Maglite! You may note that your new 'torch', fresh from Maglite, is sold to you containing batteries manufactured by *Energizer,* the _Drumming Bunny_ people. Apparently, Maglite has determined these to be the power source/battery-of-choice, as these generally last longer, while their use less seldom results in leaking/corroding conditions within the _"aluminium"_ 'torch' barrel. You will be well advised to use them yourself in future. FWIW, you will find it advisable to remove these, and any battery of different/other manufacture (such as Duracell , Rayovac, or similar w/ at least 10-year shelf-life warranty), from your 'torch' at least once per month/bi-monthly allowing them to "breathe" for several hours before reinstalling them for further use. Said 'removal/breathing period' will generally avoid the leak/corroded battery condition in the exceptionally cramped barrel quarters. At the least, you'll catch the occasional/rare _offending battery_ before it can corrode, swelling against the aluminum, thus causing the dreaded *_stuck battery_* condition. Hope this *_rant_* is of some use/help to those who take the time to read it! 😜😜😜
Throw that dinosaur in the trash. Harbor freight sells led flashlights for cheap that are smaller and better than an old maglite with half led kit that doesn'teven serve as a good night stand light. Streamlights are my pick.
Great comment. I have heaps of 🔦 for around the house/car. However a cheap $25 second hand 4 -D maglite is great to have by the side of the bed for things that go bump in the night. Going to upgrade to LED globe in the near future.
Nice video. Just got a Maglite 3 D-Cell passed down from my father. He bought it while on tour in Albania in 1999. Gonna be nice to have it light bright with LED. Thanks for the help.
I do not suggest storing Maglites with alkaline or zinc-carbon batteries inside for any substantial length of time. You are asking for trouble. The question is not "if" they will leak but "when", and then you are boned as they will swell, leak corrosives, and weld themselves inside the barrel of the flashlight. Even premium brands will do this. Rechargeables are much less prone to this.
Going to take mine out of my four Dcell and keep them separate
I have had 4 d cell Rayovacs in my maglite for 3 years. Lucky
Lot of those issues with the AA size Maglights. All this tech & they still can't make a battery that doesn't leak!
I got lucky, just crammed my mag solitaire out after 8 years in a drawer, battery did leak, but barely noticeable :D
Happen to 3 of mine already, and it was pain to get out.
Love your reviews but to carry a light that size should be a minimum 5000 lumens in my humble opinion. I remember in the old days carring my old maglite that was 40 lumens.
Thank God lights hav changed 😊😊😊
I built a Seoul Semiconductor P7 quad emitter Maglite (900lm) back in around 2010 and have found it exceptionally useful as an "entry/search light" and still acceptable, effective and useful in this era of 2000lm+ lights, the D cells provide decent capacity/runtime compared to 18650 lights for example, whilst direct drive is brighter a multimode driver circuit adds flexibility 👍
Did that years ago, maglites are built very well and to waste a good light because its incandescent... this bulbs swap just does the trick. Yes more modern lights have much higher outputs (see runtimes) and gimmicks build in. But in the end, for in and around the house, it's sufficient and the batteries also last. Glad I did this
The kits @ Home Depot/Lowes are around $20, I found one on clearance for $7 (which I thought was worth it, but $20 is a rip).
It does work for AA, just received mine. Just to bad it's a little pricey. I am glad that they have that for larger lights. I would like to know where to get replacement bulbs for the larger lights.
So where do you get this bulb? Familiar with un-srewing a filament but where is the new unscrewed LED bulb available? for my 7- C cell mag-lite .
I have been experimenting with similar thoughts. However I am looking at 7.2 volts or more using A123 26650 batteries. If you can get 2 in. Three will give more than 10 volts. Longer run time also.
I am using a 3 C cell Maglite and getting 7.2volts. Using 22 gauge brass wire soldered to a bright led. This is probably the last word on the 3 C cell Maglite modification. The switch is unusable. The battery cap works well as a switch. The standard drop in led bulb for 2-11 D cell had it's collar ground down and reflector was reamed out to accommodate the large bulb which had 22gage brass wire soldered on for pins. Since the focus point was beyond the thread limit a 1.75 inch inner tube was used to hold the focus point and keep the reflector assembly from falling off. Very functional and attractive modification. I would take bulb pictures but I don't wanna push my luck. Bulb is 4-18 volts. Cost less than $3 including shipping, for the bulb. Total cost $23. Two A123 26650 cells, from an electric bike project, used as a power source. 2 cells at a little more than 7 volts. Casts useable light 100 yards. www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/modifying-a-3-c-cell-maglite-using-lithium-at-6-8vdc.482476/post-5535163
Wrong , LEDs puyll less watts.I have great batteries and LEDs pull much less. Im looking to see how many watts I can get. the old incandescent are what15W? I see on Amazon 3 watt LEDs
how does the beam focus work with this, when you turn the reflector.
I turn the reflector to focus a wide or narrow beam, depending if I walk, or want to look at things at a distance.
Yes it does
I have a 2D cell magnlite with an incandescent bulb. I just went to follow your steps along with you and hit a huge snag. The first step, removing the top part, doesn't work. The Maglite company told me these are not able to be updated. Could it be that they've sealed this part so they can't be updated? I'm so frustrated. Your steps look so simple and I bought this incandescent flashlight without realizing what it was. I have another one with an LED and LOVE it. Can you advise? Thank You, Joy
only works on the 3 cell and up versions.
You have to be able to get to the bulb to replace it if it was to go out. I have a 30ish year old maglite I am currently upgrading and everything comes apart with the exception of the "blue" reflector separating from the lens, I'm not going to force it since it doesn't need to be separated for the up grade. My maglite even came with spare bulb wrapped in foam inside the spring on the battery cover. Good Luck.
@@Chris-sf7ug In the video he's holding a 2 cell. There are specific bulbs "chips" for different volt (number of batteries) lights. Just make sure to get one for a 2 cell.
LED Torch Shop: FWIW, it should be noted that all batteries _are NOT created equally._ A number of batteries manufactured by so-called reputable makers will, in fact, _leak and corrode_ the inside of your MagLite aluminum barrel. In the process of doing so, said batteries will become *_stuck_* inside the barrel, causing you, the owner, of the _unfortunate_ Maglite much *_consternation, hair-pulling and gnashing of teeth_* in the process of getting these corroded batteries out and the damaged barrel cleaned up.
Note that this removal process often causes the air around said 'torch' to turn bright blue... As you *_curse_* the battery manufacturer to a *_fair-thee-well_* for having caused the situation in the first place! 🤬🤬🤬
Corroded battery removal is a *time consuming/difficult-in-the-extreme* process, to say the least. It often results in broken pieces/parts for which there usually are _simply no replacements, what-ever/where-ever._ Of course, you would rightly think Maglite, the 'torch' manufacturer, would sell such parts, but *NO,* they do not! 🤦♂🤦♂🤦♂
So now the air turns a darker shade of blue, as many a *_pejorative_* is hurled in anger in at least two directions, if not more. And... You find yourself getting quite bald, as well! *_AARGH!_* In extreme frustration, you now find it _easier,_ and, in the longer term, much _cheaper_ to just break down and purchase an entirely new replacement Maglite!
You may note that your new 'torch', fresh from Maglite, is sold to you containing batteries manufactured by *Energizer,* the _Drumming Bunny_ people. Apparently, Maglite has determined these to be the power source/battery-of-choice, as these generally last longer, while their use less seldom results in leaking/corroding conditions within the _"aluminium"_ 'torch' barrel.
You will be well advised to use them yourself in future. FWIW, you will find it advisable to remove these, and any battery of different/other manufacture (such as Duracell , Rayovac, or similar w/ at least 10-year shelf-life warranty), from your 'torch' at least once per month/bi-monthly allowing them to "breathe" for several hours before reinstalling them for further use. Said 'removal/breathing period' will generally avoid the leak/corroded battery condition in the exceptionally cramped barrel quarters. At the least, you'll catch the occasional/rare _offending battery_ before it can corrode, swelling against the aluminum, thus causing the dreaded *_stuck battery_* condition.
Hope this *_rant_* is of some use/help to those who take the time to read it! 😜😜😜
Throw that dinosaur in the trash. Harbor freight sells led flashlights for cheap that are smaller and better than an old maglite with half led kit that doesn'teven serve as a good night stand light. Streamlights are my pick.
One reason to carry maglite is it can be used as a weapon in worse case scenario.
Great comment. I have heaps of 🔦 for around the house/car. However a cheap $25 second hand 4 -D maglite is great to have by the side of the bed for things that go bump in the night. Going to upgrade to LED globe in the near future.
police department use Maglit the have free battery's hard to beathugs wheelchair larry