I carry a Streamlight Nano. The mini maglight LED, 2AA used to live in my nightstand. The mini maglight LED 3AA used to live in my car. This morning I needed more light than the Nano offers to inspect my chimney before the first fire of the fall, and was disappointed by a lack of light from my two favorite flashlights.
I admit I have not used them in several months. Both were off. One was fully climate controlled, the other not so much. The batteries swelled and jammed into the case. Now thinking I might get lucky and the batteries were intact I threw the Maglites into the freezer for later, and grabbed the backup light out of the shower (no windows in that room, kinda dark when the power goes out) It hangs out on the robe hook on the door.
The bathroom backup light is an old Radio Shack rubber covered waterproof flashlight that I think needs a new o-ring. It is equipped with an old-style Maglight 2 to 6 cell LED replacement bulb, and being a 2AA is rather anemic (heck it was anemic with 3 D cells driving it) , but much more powerful than my Streamlight Nano.
So I check the chimney (I think I can go at least another year without seeping since it is a masonry fireplace that is useless to heat with.) So I have a little fire. I cheer up some. I lament that I will pack the damper with insulation bags when the snow flies. Alas.
Now this afternoon I pull the flashlights out of the freezer. One solid thump on a board each and not quite all the batteries come out. The top most cell in both lights ruptured, and the contents sealed most of the way around. I ain't getting that out! The other 3 cells were obviously swelled considerably, but because the contents are a "liquid" substance great contraction with cold will pull the case in just enough to get the unburst batteries out. I have done this several times over the years to all battery sizes and many Maglites...usually with much better luck.
So I need some assistance. I am in the market for at least 2 inexpensive flashlights. I would really prefer under $30, but under $50 will do fine.
I have looked at the available "tac" lights and I am overwhelmed, especially when $50 won't touch most of the market. I don't really need a tactical light though.
I like the rugged nature of the Maglite. I am becoming more and more appalled by how close the battery fits the tube, and how impossible the batteries become to remove. I am looking for:
2AA or similar size frame as in pocket size. I expect to be under cars, in the crawl space, and maybe down the river at night.
a tube that will not jam batteries
powerful beam, focusing a plus. The 3W LED Mag light is adequate.
Different power output levels is a plus, but not required unless much brighter than the mini Maglite
waterproof - but not necessarily a dive light - just in case I drop it in the sump well I want the light to still work.
Durable - metal is nice, but heavy plastic is acceptable. I expect 10 ft drops onto turf, gravel, and concrete.
long life - I think this limits me to LED lamps. 2.5+ hours on high and over 20 on low was the mini maglite.
A tube that will not jam batteries!
Thank you for any insight.
Phil
I admit I have not used them in several months. Both were off. One was fully climate controlled, the other not so much. The batteries swelled and jammed into the case. Now thinking I might get lucky and the batteries were intact I threw the Maglites into the freezer for later, and grabbed the backup light out of the shower (no windows in that room, kinda dark when the power goes out) It hangs out on the robe hook on the door.
The bathroom backup light is an old Radio Shack rubber covered waterproof flashlight that I think needs a new o-ring. It is equipped with an old-style Maglight 2 to 6 cell LED replacement bulb, and being a 2AA is rather anemic (heck it was anemic with 3 D cells driving it) , but much more powerful than my Streamlight Nano.
So I check the chimney (I think I can go at least another year without seeping since it is a masonry fireplace that is useless to heat with.) So I have a little fire. I cheer up some. I lament that I will pack the damper with insulation bags when the snow flies. Alas.
Now this afternoon I pull the flashlights out of the freezer. One solid thump on a board each and not quite all the batteries come out. The top most cell in both lights ruptured, and the contents sealed most of the way around. I ain't getting that out! The other 3 cells were obviously swelled considerably, but because the contents are a "liquid" substance great contraction with cold will pull the case in just enough to get the unburst batteries out. I have done this several times over the years to all battery sizes and many Maglites...usually with much better luck.
So I need some assistance. I am in the market for at least 2 inexpensive flashlights. I would really prefer under $30, but under $50 will do fine.
I have looked at the available "tac" lights and I am overwhelmed, especially when $50 won't touch most of the market. I don't really need a tactical light though.
I like the rugged nature of the Maglite. I am becoming more and more appalled by how close the battery fits the tube, and how impossible the batteries become to remove. I am looking for:
2AA or similar size frame as in pocket size. I expect to be under cars, in the crawl space, and maybe down the river at night.
a tube that will not jam batteries
powerful beam, focusing a plus. The 3W LED Mag light is adequate.
Different power output levels is a plus, but not required unless much brighter than the mini Maglite
waterproof - but not necessarily a dive light - just in case I drop it in the sump well I want the light to still work.
Durable - metal is nice, but heavy plastic is acceptable. I expect 10 ft drops onto turf, gravel, and concrete.
long life - I think this limits me to LED lamps. 2.5+ hours on high and over 20 on low was the mini maglite.
A tube that will not jam batteries!
Thank you for any insight.
Phil
