Best clip for a AAA keychain light?

[mrdctaylor]

A few months ago I lost my old Arc AAA. I had a McGizmo 20mm clip on it. Several times I had noticed that it came off of my keyring in my pocket, but finally it must've happened when I took my keys out of my pocket, because my beloved light was gone.

I did some research on CPF and ended up replacing it with an iTP A3 EOS AAA light which I love. AWESOME light. However, I didn't care for the keychain attachment, so I bought another McGizmo 20mm clip from Lighthound. I figured the old one must've just gotten worn out or was defective.

All has been fine for a couple of months, but yesterday evening I was getting my keys out while walking through a parking lot and hear something hit the ground. Sure enough, it was my iTP. The light is fine--I can't even find a scratch on it. But it has me concerned. If this clip is weak enough to get opened while my keys are in my pocked, I am most likely going to lose my new light at some point.

So my question is this: do you guys use clips to attach your lights to your keychain? If so, which one? Where did you get it? I love the form factor of the McGizmo 20mm--it seems like the perfect size for a AAA light. However, I'm really questioning whether it is the right clip for the job. It seems like it isn't. I really like have a clip, because it is handy to be able to remove my light from my keychain quickly and easily.

All input is welcome. Thanks!

 

[post tenebras]

I just use a single split-ring; the security is worth the compromise in removability. I tried the McGizmo 15mm clip and it was nigh useless.

 

[Sgt. LED]

I just use a single split-ring; the security is worth the compromise in removability.

+1
I like the clips for other things but no clip like that gets along well on a keychain.

 

[mrdctaylor]

Huh. Good to know. I just figured it was me or the particular clips I'd bought. I hate to do away with the clip entirely. Has anyone tried a larger claw type clip as opposed to the little McGizmo clips? I wonder if something with more tension would work out any better...or if it'd be about the same.

 

[ninjaboigt]

well i have my E01 on my key chain. i use the split ring it came with. and used the clip that came on the quarks' lanyard..i just cutt it off the rope. so far it hasnt fallen off...had it like that for two weeks now...hope it doesnt fall off...

 

[Marduke]

Swivel snaps, the fishing kind. Removable, lightweight, cheap, comes in various sizes and colors, and keeps things from getting tangled. I attach the swivel end to a very small split ring on the light, and the snap end to the large split ring that is my keyring.

http://walsinghams.com/images/snap%20swivel.jpg

Edit:

Decided to include some example pics

 

[bluepilgrim]

I had 'screw key ring' (googling on that turned some up) something like http://www.save-on-crafts.com/keyringclasps.html and http://www.graphicice.com/index.php/action/prodspec/itemID/701591167

It had a screw-on sleeve, and was always secure, but easy to detach. Also could be called a locking carabiner key ring http://www.papachina.com/p2485/Mini-Locking-Carabiner,-6MM/product_info.html but I don't see a very small one on the web.

You might find something in a local hardware store, or from a locksmith.

 

[McGizmo]

Anytime you use any type of carabiner or gated clip that doesn't have a lock on the gate, the geometry of where it resides and the dynamics of the components are critical and need to be considered.

Ironically, a key ring system may be much safer hanging outside of your pocket than inside it; in terms of unwanted clip release.

When you remove the light from your key ring, do you need to be able to attach it temporarily to something else or is is strictly for hand holding? If your primary key ring is a split ring or some type of ring or link that can "open", you could consider the light having some form of clip attached to it via its own split ring. You could store the light on the key ring by attaching its small split ring directly to the key ring with the clip just hanging there not doing anything. The clip would only be used in temporary activities when the light was removed from the key ring. Split rings are pretty quick to use and at a glance you know their status. The quick links are also useful but you don't really know the status of the threaded gate without testing it usually.

 

[linearintigrator]

I use a 1 3/8" fixed eye snap shackle. They're not cheap, but have worked well for me.

 

[Rothrandir]

I've held my Arc AAA (and a few other things) on my keychain with 25mm McGizmo clips for YEARS and have never had a single thing come off that I can recall.
The 15mm clips are a little on the small side, but the 20mm and up are great for keychain carry.

Another option would be a Key Spider. I just got mine today and have moved everything over. I think it's going to work real well for me.