Should Novatac Glue the Bezel Ring?

[kelmo]

Lack of opposable thumbs!

 

[MarNav1]

I'm totally against the glue and or potting issue myself. But some enterprising folks around here have managed to open Gen4 KL1 heads
they will figure out a way to open these too. What mystifies me is why they apparently don't interchange more with the (old) HDS lineup, bezel
rings, battery tubes and the like or at least offer something as an option.
The other day an HDS battery tube went for $160, thats more than my
B42 or my U60 cost. If they don't want to make it modder friendly thats
fine, I don't want it.

 

[speederino]

I guess the real question is: Red or Blue Loctite?

The bezel rings are glued in place such that we can't remove them, yet Novatac can somehow magically get them off for warranty replacement of the lens? They must have either:
1. some specialized custom glued-bezel-ring removal tooling
OR
2. a Craftsman strap wrench similar to mine.

We'll see.

 

[Casual Flashlight User]

Another "no" vote...like Hell am I gonna send my NovaTac all the way back to the US just for a poxy lens replacement. :scowl:

Glue V's the sole of my boot or a strap-wrench = No contest! :rock:

Bring on those sexy SS/tritium bezels and UCL lenses. :thumbsup:


CFU

 

[carrot]

I don't think it'd be so bad if they put on blue Loctite (the stuff is pretty weak) to keep it from accidentally loosening... but to make it not user-serviceable when the previous design made it a no-brainer? That's just silly.

 

[BBL]

Folks, dont forget that novatac makes flashlights - not flashoholics toys.

Flashlights are usually made for people who dont give much for the light itself or if the lens is glass or plastic. The light has to work for many years - if the bezel ring is not glued, it might come of in that timespan.

 

[greenstuffs]

i will not buy the light if they did that.

 

[DM51]

If you read the review_of_the_EDC-120T by Recce556, you will see he managed to get the bezel off. It would be useful to know how he did it. It is a very good review, well worth reading.

 

[atm]

If you read the review_of_the_EDC-120T by Recce556, you will see he managed to get the bezel off. It would be useful to know how he did it. It is a very good review, well worth reading.

Being a pre-production light it may not have been loctited. Agreed, it is a good review.

Replacing a damaged lens should be a trivial task. Requiring the light to be sent back to the manufacturer (particularly when they're overseas) makes me wonder just how aware the maker is of the end-user's perspective.

I could spend a few minutes, and only the cost of a new lens swapping it over, or a few weeks and considerable postage costs doing it their way (crazy!). I though these were supposed to be a practical, hard-use light, but the part most likely to be damaged can't even be replaced in a reasonable manner?

 

[DM51]

Being a pre-production light it may not have been loctited.

Good point, and in fact I think you must be right. I've just seen a new post by him in that thread (post #34) and he says it was easy to unscrew. He must have had a beta model, without the Loctite.

 

[karlthev]

Well, something tells me that this thread voicing all the concerns may just have the affect of having Novatac rethink the issue--if that was even needed. I'd wager that the glue issue (if there was one) may have been related to deterring the non-flashoholic users (and there will be many) of this light to avoid possibly damaging the light. Betcha this won't be an issue with final production and delivery. Good that we have all had the ability to voice our concerns and preferences though!


Karl

 

[TORCH_BOY]

I think it could be waterproofed but not glued

 

[faco]

I don't mind if they use a weaker loctite but wouldn't want it glued in permanently. So Mr Schecter if you are reading this thread.........PLEASE NO GLUE.

 

[cave dave]

Purple loctite would be the thing to use to prevent "accidental" or vibration type loosening. It's almost impossible to find purple in stores.
I would have no problem with something like that.

 

[karlthev]

I have it on the best authority that the "lens nut" as it is so-called (I call 'em bezels myself) will be able to be removed by the user--with a little but not superhuman effort. Trust me on this one.


Karl

 

[treasurydept]

Thanks Karl... that sounds very promising!

 

[Art Vandelay]

It makes sense to me. When people scratch the poly lens, why insist that they ship it you so you can replace it at your expense? Why not sell replacement lenses and let buyers do the work themselves?

 

[cave dave]

I got a response on 7/10/2007:

Jim Schecter, Director Support Services at Novatac has assured me that the bezel will be able to removed with a reasonable amount of effort.
:thumbsup:

 

[cave dave]

hopefully they will sell UCL glass lenses and plastic replacements too.

 

[karlthev]

I got a response on 7/10/2007:

Jim Schecter, Director Support Services at Novatac has assured me that the bezel will be able to removed with a reasonable amount of effort.
:thumbsup:

Well Dave, that's confirmation of what I said in the event anyone doubted my word.:wave:


Karl