Hey Mag-modders, any rubber switch button tips?

[sween1911]

Does anyone have any tricks or tips for keeping the rubber switch cover on a Maglite? It seems, for all the C and D sized Mags I've played with, at some point in their life, that little rubber round disk has jumped ship. Is there anything one can do to secure that little sucker and reduce the chance of losing it?

Thanks!

 

[LuxLuthor]

Hmmm, I have never had one come off....but I think you could put some simple contact cement inside the groove of the rubber before reinserting it. I would use something that if you HAD to remove it you still could...so not like epoxy type glue.

 

[coldsolderjoint]

maybe try a different seal?

 

[Merkava_4]

I've got a 3D Maglite that needs the rubber button cover too. I'm just guessing, but I think the switch has to come out to facilitate the installation of the button cover. If anyone knows the procedure, I'd like to know too.

 

[tussery]

I never had to pull the switch out to put the rubber switch cover back on. You just have to push it under the edge of switch opening in the flashlight. Kind of a shame because it only makes Maglites dunk proof.

 

[hank]

Confirming, I bought one from Fox Hardware in San Francisco to fix a sidewalk-sale M*g that was missing the rubber cover. They just push into place. A bit of silicone grease in the groove might make it stick a bit better, or maybe the rubber just gets old and flakes out. Just look for a hardware store that has the old bin of M*g parts and collect them --- seems like they're not being restocked, just slowly being sold off, because I've never found any new parts coming in to any hardware store for those lights.

 

[Merkava_4]

Okay this is going to be a stupid question, but why do you guys write Mag as M*g like it's a bad word or something?

 

[Icebreak]

Common question from new readers of the forum. It's not a stupid question. However the subject can be volatile. Read this thread and then read this thread. You can find more if you look.

BOT. Some other brand buttons actually work a little better in a Mag. They have a square base that is an extension of the round button. Harder to get out. Elektrolumens Tri-Star comes to mind. Maybe a Princeton Tec or an Underwater Kinetics could be used. Also, for grip and cold weather comfort, some guys use sections of bicycle inner tuber or heat shrink. The inner tube section will allow operation of the button, keep it from popping out and add some water resistance to the light. I've heard of troops using inner tube sections for an impromptu weapon light attachment.

 

[Merkava_4]

Common question from new readers of the forum. It's not a stupid question. However the subject can be volatile. Read this thread and then read this thread. You can find more if you look.

Okay thanks, I understand now. I also found out that the correct way is Mag-Lite, as some people write it. I understand where they're coming from though; some people hate Microsoft and/or Walmart. Some people write Chinamart to show their displeasure with Walmart's business practices.

 

[LED BriCK]

I'm just guessing, but I think the switch has to come out to facilitate the installation of the button cover.

If you press the button as if turning it on, you can then stick the switch cover in. You have to kind of fold it up like a taco to get it started.

 

[LuxLuthor]

Also, make sure you don't have the plastic switch off center, because it will block the rubber edges being able to get under the metal tube edges. You may have to loosen the set screw through the center push button if not centered.

 

[Mike 208]

Some years ago, I took a Magcharger and a 5-C Maglite to their repair center (the Magcharger's switch would not turn off; the 5-C needed an "O" ring). The woman working at the center told a gentleman ahead of me to put (IIRC) rubber cement on the top part of the switch, and "roll" the rubber switch cover onto the switch. The woman said this would reduce the chances of the cover coming off. She also said that the most common reason the cover comes off, is by carrying the light in a ring-type holder (the cover strikes the ring as the light is inserted and removed).

Hope this helps.

Mike

 

[ElectronGuru]

These guys sell the the boots individually, along with every other Mag part I can think of:

http://www.zbattery.com/s.nl/it.A/id.671/.f?sc=7&category=1287

 

[LuxLuthor]

As has been discussed a number of times, a simple call to the 800 number (if you live in USA) and they will freely send you two, no questions asked.

 

[sandbasser]

As has been discussed a number of times, a simple call to the 800 number (if you live in USA) and they will freely send you two, no questions asked.

LL -
I guess I'm a true 'dim bulb' :candle:, as I never have much luck searching this forum... What's the 800#???

 

[swampgator]

Aside from cosmetics, any reason to not replace a missing switch cover?

 

[LuxLuthor]

LL -
I guess I'm a true 'dim bulb' :candle:, as I never have much luck searching this forum... What's the 800#???

I get it when I need it using Google.

swampgator, besides cosmetics, there is some dirt/dust protection benefit & moisture prevention when using in a light rain, or those "high humidity" fog banks I see frequently here in coastal Connecticut.

 

[sandbasser]

I get it when I need it using Google.

OK.

Here's some phone number for Mag Customer Service: [FONT=arial,helvetica][FONT=arial,helvetica]800 289-6241 (Sales & Parts) / [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=arial,helvetica][FONT=arial,helvetica]800 283-5562 (Warranty).

Hours: 8 - 5 (Pacific) Monday - Friday.

I'll give the a try and see which one is the correct one to use.
[/FONT][/FONT]

 

[swampgator]

besides cosmetics, there is some dirt/dust protection benefit & moisture prevention when using in a light rain, or those "high humidity" fog banks I see frequently here in coastal Connecticut.

I figured as much. Thanks. I have a few missing covers but they're on my inside lights.