Clip Screws Stripped out of Nitecore - Repair or Replace?

[vrocco]

I have been EDCing a Nitecore Extreme for about the last year and a half. One day last week, the clip just came off. When I tried to tighten the clip screws, I realized that the screw holes were stripped out and I could no longer screw the clip on. I emailed Nitecore and they have asked me to send pictures. I will, although I am not sure how a picture of a tiny screw hole can show it is stripped.

Anyway, I am looking around for a possible replacement in case the repair doesn't work out. I would like something similar in size to the Extreme, 1x123, similar output. Also, (I know this is nitpicky) I would like the clip to be oriented so that the bezel faces down when in my pocket. Unfortunately, this rules out the Quark 123 since the clip doesn't switch on that one.

Can you guys suggest some other lights? In the $100 range if possible, but I would pay a bit more.

Thanks

 

[march.brown]

I have been EDCing a Nitecore Extreme for about the last year and a half. One day last week, the clip just came off. When I tried to tighten the clip screws, I realized that the screw holes were stripped out and I could no longer screw the clip on. I emailed Nitecore and they have asked me to send pictures. I will, although I am not sure how a picture of a tiny screw hole can show it is stripped.

Anyway, I am looking around for a possible replacement in case the repair doesn't work out. I would like something similar in size to the Extreme, 1x123, similar output. Also, (I know this is nitpicky) I would like the clip to be oriented so that the bezel faces down when in my pocket. Unfortunately, this rules out the Quark 123 since the clip doesn't switch on that one.

Can you guys suggest some other lights? In the $100 range if possible, but I would pay a bit more.

Thanks

.
If you don't get anywhere with your email to Nitecore , either use slightly thicker screws or try glueing them in with Araldite ... Depends on whether you need to take the clip off again occasionally ... If the new screws are too long then just file the pointed end off a bit.

 

[LED_Thrift]

Since the screws for the clip are small diameter, it would be easy to re-tap threads into a slightly larger hole - of course you would need the next size tap. Nitecore may be willing to do this.

 

[march.brown]

I was thinking that self-tapping screws would be OK.
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[Igor Porto]

Self-tapping screws are not good on metal. The best you can do is to take your flashlight to the nearest machinist, and he will open the holes to the proper diameter and re-tap the threads. Then you have to buy new screws, preferrably stainless steel just like the originals.

I have the tools for this and if it happened to me I would do it myself, it's actually very easy.

 

[march.brown]

Self-tapping screws are not good on metal. The best you can do is to take your flashlight to the nearest machinist, and he will open the holes to the proper diameter and re-tap the threads. Then you have to buy new screws, preferrably stainless steel just like the originals.

I have the tools for this and if it happened to me I would do it myself, it's actually very easy.

.
I've used lots of self-tapping screws on metal , with no problems as long as the hole is of the right diameter for the screw ... That is what they are designed for ... By screws , I mean the tapered ones , not the ones with parallel sides (set-pins or small bolts) ... If the holes can be tapped then it would certainly be a good method as long as the thread chosen is not too fine ... If a set of taps is not available , I would still suggest self tappers as they have a deeper and coarser thread ... It is easy then to remove the self-tapper and file the tip off the screw to get the right length before finally tightening it.
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[mcnair55]

Use a decent bond and seal,the type you can stick car body panels together with,it will never come off again rest assured.

 

[batmanacw]

Do are search on my screen name. I did a thread about this recently. I drilled and tapped the holes for a slightly bigger screw.

 

[n4zov]

As has already been suggested, a strong slow cure epoxy dabbed on each screw and under the clip should hold things together forever.

 

[Per-Sev]

I have been EDCing a Nitecore Extreme for about the last year and a half. One day last week, the clip just came off. When I tried to tighten the clip screws, I realized that the screw holes were stripped out and I could no longer screw the clip on. I emailed Nitecore and they have asked me to send pictures. I will, although I am not sure how a picture of a tiny screw hole can show it is stripped.

Anyway, I am looking around for a possible replacement in case the repair doesn't work out. I would like something similar in size to the Extreme, 1x123, similar output. Also, (I know this is nitpicky) I would like the clip to be oriented so that the bezel faces down when in my pocket. Unfortunately, this rules out the Quark 123 since the clip doesn't switch on that one.

Can you guys suggest some other lights? In the $100 range if possible, but I would pay a bit more.

Thanks

Is there a knife maker in your area that makes folders he could fix that in a few minutes or just go to a hardware store and buy the next size bigger tap and and fix it yourself. They can tell what size you need with a screw chart. Unless this is a good excuse to buy a new light. Put a McGizmo tail pack on it if it will fit. That clip won't fail.

 

[vrocco]

All good suggestions. I may just go the jb weld route and put the clip in place permanently. I don't see any reason it would need to ever com off on that light. As a side note, it was a good excuse for a new light. I just ordered one of Mac's SST-50 lights from his latest run. If I like it, I may retire the nitecore