Can ITP A3 EOS Keychain be trusted??

Blackbeard · #1 02-04-2010, 05:21 PM

I'm new, don't know if this topic has been discussed, but I want to replace my fenix E01 with the EOS on my keychain.

Has anyone used the included EOS keychain and had it break? It doesnt seem too strong and the eyelet hole for the split ring is quite small(want to put a thicker split ring, but does not fit good)

Or has anyone come up with a better way of securing to keys, Thanks in advance.

Zendude · #2 02-04-2010, 05:39 PM

You're right, the chain is crap. Just use the split ring and attach it the same as your E01. I use the ss pico snap gate http://www.berkeleypoint.com/product...ess_clips.html You can get better split rings too.

Blackbeard · #3 02-04-2010, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zendude

You're right, the chain is crap. Just use the split ring and attach it the same as your E01. I use the ss pico snap gate http://www.berkeleypoint.com/product...ess_clips.html You can get better split rings too.

I clicked the link and a bell went off in my head as I remembered the small keychain that came with my nitcore ez123. I just put that one on and it looks pretty sturdy, I'll give that one a try, thanks for jarring my memory

Linger · #4 02-04-2010, 06:04 PM

I have the titanium version, figured it'd hold its own amidst my keys, I bought it because I purchased a 11400 cell from AW a year ago for a solitar mod that didn't happen.
Right, so everyone says don't use a 4.2v lithium cell in this little light right? Care to guess current draw on high?

1.1A !!! Yup, this tiny torch pulled over 1100ma. Now I'd prefer knurling to ridges, but nice Ti light with a decent mid and a very usable 'low.' And 1A on high (lets call it 'boost'!) Very flexible light source.

Justintoxicated · #5 02-04-2010, 07:03 PM

I have the titanium one and I ditched the keychain. I have one to my dad and suggested he do the same thing.

The split ring sucks too though, somehow his split ring came off his primary keychain and he lost his ti light in only a few weeks. My Split ring looks like it is starting to stretch as well.

Black Rose · #6 02-04-2010, 08:09 PM

I took off the keychain and just attached the split ring to the split ring of a Victorinox Classic SD SAK.

I wish they'd use the iTP A2 EOS keychain on the A3s....it's a much better design IMO.

Blackbeard · #7 02-04-2010, 08:36 PM

I was just looking at specs for A1 & A1 Titanium, looks really small and powerful, might have to buy one of those next.

JML · #8 02-04-2010, 08:37 PM

Do you mean the chain itself or the clasp? I have an A1 in SS. The chain itself is a pretty standard higher-quality keychain, with what look like welded links, polished with flat surfaces. The weak parts would be the cut link at the end, which connects to the clasp, and the clasp itself.

I kept the split ring and connected it to a Suncoast stainless snap gate clip (the original inspiration for the smaller ones now available). It's difficult to find a small split ring that will open wide enough to fit the snap gate and not deform, and also be thin enough to go through hole in the the tail cap of the light, so I kept the original.

Blackbeard · #9 02-04-2010, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JML

Do you mean the chain itself or the clasp? I have an A1 in SS. The chain itself is a pretty standard higher-quality keychain, with what look like welded links, polished with flat surfaces. The weak parts would be the cut link at the end, which connects to the clasp, and the clasp itself.

I kept the split ring and connected it to a Suncoast stainless snap gate clip (the original inspiration for the smaller ones now available). It's difficult to find a small split ring that will open wide enough to fit the snap gate and not deform, and also be thin enough to go through hole in the the tail cap of the light, so I kept the original.

I mean the links themselves, + the "o" rings on either side of the links and the split ring - all look like they might break easily. From the pics of the A1 chain and split ring looks beefier, I might order an A1 so I'll be able to compare them. Does SS version have a clip?

Conan · #10 02-05-2010, 12:35 AM

I have the Titanium version and I've been using the key-chain that came with it since December with no problems so far.

Zendude · #11 02-05-2010, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JML

Do you mean the chain itself or the clasp? I have an A1 in SS. The chain itself is a pretty standard higher-quality keychain, with what look like welded links, polished with flat surfaces. The weak parts would be the cut link at the end, which connects to the clasp, and the clasp itself.

That's what I was talking about. Out of 4 that I gifted 3 came apart at the cut link(nobody lost the light though). My buddy just got an A2 and it didn't have the cut links....coincidence?

exchange240sx · #12 02-05-2010, 08:50 AM

I have been carrying my A3 in aluminum on my keychain for a couple of months now and both the split ring and chain seem fine. The light is very light and I don't really see how it will put that much stress on the chain/split ring.

fannin · #13 02-05-2010, 12:08 PM

the keychain seemed to be garbage so i took it off mine immediately

the clip seemed weak and the first time i wore it clipped to my front pocket i almost lost it so i ditched the clip too

the actual light has been outstanding so far and you can attach a lanyard or whatever to the split ring it comes with, i wouldn't trust the chain or the weak pocket clip again

mcnair55 · #14 02-05-2010, 01:02 PM

I have taken the chain off mine and placed a larger split ring on the smaller one and wear mine around my neck on a lanyard or using the clip put it in my shirt pocket.

A little tip for all,to save scratching the finish I placed a small piece of shrink wrap tubing on my clip and shrunk it down with a heat gun,use a lighter or hair dryer if you have not a proper heat shrink gun.Tubing can be had in different colours but I used the standard black on all mine.

If you come across the grey coloured one check before use as one make shrinks down 3 to 1 and contains glue.

Buckley · #15 02-05-2010, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black Rose

I took off the keychain and just attached the split ring to the split ring of a Victorinox Classic SD SAK.

Ditto. Works like a charm.

Justintoxicated · #16 02-05-2010, 02:01 PM

I just decided to double up on the small split rings it came with, Does not seem so flimsy now and still has the size of a small split-ring. I was going to put a beefier ring on it but this seems to be a better solution for me. I have had mine since november but since my dad lost his (and he didn't have the clasp just splitring attached to splitring) one cant be too safe!

Mine is actually the O-light version BTW but I believe they are the same thing.

JML · #17 02-05-2010, 06:20 PM

The A1 SS chain has one cut link on the chain, on the lobster-claw end. The other links are all uncut. The light does come with a clip, but the clip will leave scratch marks on the light's body when the light is twisted to turn it on and off, unless it is made very loose. The clip will also move around the tail, where it fits onto the body. I took it off, and polished the light with my Dremel and some Flitz polish, removing all the markings on the body caused by the clip.

I think the best method would have been to fix it iin one position on the body of the light, perhaps with stops machined into the tail of the light to prevent rotation. But I'm just glad I could take it off without permanent damage to the light.

parnass · #18 02-05-2010, 06:34 PM

I removed the chain and use a simple 550 paracord fob instead.

ky70 · #19 02-18-2010, 01:17 PM

I have a different take on this keychain as I absolute LOVE IT! I moded it though by removing all of the chain links in between the big ring and the bottom attachment doohickey.

I use this setup to carry my Quark mini 123 on my belt loop. I attached a stronger small key ring to the mini and then attached it to the doohickey. This thing is perfect for me as I love that I can remove my mini with a quick squeeze of the big key ring and then snap it back into place when I'm done. Love the security of this option when attached. Now I wouldn't go running around doing cartwheels while the the doohickey is disengaged (as there is that small opening at the bottom when the doohickey isn't attached), but this has been favorite carry option thus far.

Anyone looking to make a few bucks and sell there ITP A3 keychain, send me a pm.

nasa779 · #20 03-21-2010, 05:17 PM

well i broke my itp's keychain at that last mini keyring at the base of the flashlight so i shoved one of the bigger split rings through it from the keychain and soldered it together.... and it wont break with 20 lbs on it so hopefully it will hold

march.brown · #21 03-22-2010, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JML

I have an A1 in SS. The chain itself is a pretty standard higher-quality keychain, with what look like welded links, polished with flat surfaces. The weak parts would be the cut link at the end, which connects to the clasp, and the clasp itself.

.
I have the iTP A2 and initially I thought the key chain was perfect ... A top class highly polished stainless "lobster-claw" clasp at one end and a small split ring at the other end ... There are five polished stainless links connecting the split-ring to the clasp ... All five of links on my key chain are unwelded ... A gap can be seen on each link ... I would not be inclined to trust this key chain.

However , the clasp is really good quality and under magnification I can't find a fault with it ... I would therefore be inclined to fix the clasp to the torch using a good stainless split ring and dispense with the links ... If however you could have the links welded then the only weak point would be the split ring.

I don't use my torch keychains ... I now always clip my torch into a pocket that has a secure flap (to stop the torch falling out) ... The secure fastening on the pocket is essential since I lost my Trustfire F20 EDC ... I found it down the side of the car seat later ... I assume that it was removed from my pocket by the car seat-belt ... I prefer to use small "button cell" torches on my key rings, though the iTP A2 is now my chosen EDC in the previously mentioned secure pocket.
.

jugornot · #22 03-22-2010, 03:58 AM

My wife, God bless her, Has lost 2. One was recovered however. I have gifted 5 of these. But before I give them away I perform some mods to the key chain. On either end of the chain there is a single loop non-welded ring. On the light end I remove the weak link and attach the split ring on the light to the heavier chain part of the key chain. On the other end the last link before the key ring is the same weak link. I went to Walmart and they have a package of split rings in the craft section. It has either 120 or 240 split rings in it. They are evenly split between small and very small split rings. They are adequate only, but better than the stock arrangement. The second lost light, that was recovered, was lost from the key ring down. Evidently my wife has a habit of gripping her keys tightly and the key ring released the entire key chain. I replaced the key ring with a large split ring. Having said all this I just ordered 2 more. I do not have alot of confidence in the stock arrangement. But the light is not a source of concern. In fact one of them has survived being run over by a truck, and never skipped a beat. It didn't even scar it. The chain does need some help.

ky70 · #23 03-22-2010, 07:04 AM

With my small lights that can't be securely pocket clipped, I like to attach the split key ring directly to a gate clip. In this form, I carry the light in 1 of 3 ways: Clipped to my keys, clipped to my belt loop, or clipped to dog tag chain around my neck. I've been mostly key carrying the ITP A3 on my keychain for a few weeks now and to shi point have had no issues.

yatsunil · #24 03-22-2010, 09:01 AM

Just a suggestion for you guys in case you're not aware of it. If you're concerned that the split rings supplied by the flashlight manufacturers aren't strong enough, get those split rings used by fishermen and available in any fishing tackleshop. There are various brands and sizes available mostly in black and stainless. Some of these used for heavy tackle fishing or jigging are rated up to a couple of hundred pounds so I'm sure they'll hold any flashlight securely.

Cheers!

Ron Gallant · #25 03-22-2010, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yatsunil

Just a suggestion for you guys in case you're not aware of it. If you're concerned that the split rings supplied by the flashlight manufacturers aren't strong enough, get those split rings used by fishermen and available in any fishing tackleshop. There are various brands and sizes available mostly in black and stainless. Some of these used for heavy tackle fishing or jigging are rated up to a couple of hundred pounds so I'm sure they'll hold any flashlight securely.

Cheers!

Nice

uknewbie · #26 03-22-2010, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fannin

the keychain seemed to be garbage so i took it off mine immediately

the clip seemed weak and the first time i wore it clipped to my front pocket i almost lost it so i ditched the clip too

the actual light has been outstanding so far and you can attach a lanyard or whatever to the split ring it comes with, i wouldn't trust the chain or the weak pocket clip again

Yeah I removed both the keychain and clip literally within a minute of taking mine out of the box. Just clearly wasn't reliable.

Just out of curiousity I removed the chain just by pulling it off, and it came off pretty easily.