How to open a Fenix P1 for modding (w/ pictures)

[datiLED]

This pictorial shows how to open a Fenix P1 flashlight (to mod it with a Seoul P4 LED). Do not attempt this mod if you are not comfortable with your modding skills, or do not have the proper tools. I will not be held responsible for any damages to your light if you choose to do this modification based upon the information contained herein. Proceed at your own risk. ---This will void your warranty---

The tools and materials necessary for this mod are:

Strap wrenches (I got these from Lowe's)
Large rubber band, cut into two or three pieces
coffee mug warmer
Fine tipped pliers
Fenix P1 flashlight

Remove the head, and place on the mug warmer.

Wrap the rubber band around light in direction you will be turning strap wrenches.

Tighten the strap wrench around the rubber band.

Add the other strap wrench, in the opposite direction and use some muscle. Watch for slipping, and adjust as necessary. If at any time the parts do not yield, put them back on the heater for a few minutes.

Success...but we're not done yet.

Back to the mug warmer for a few minutes.

Use the rubber band and strap wrench.

Hold the head against a flat surface, and locate the notches in the light engine. Use the pliers in these notches, and flex your muscles again. If at any time the parts do not yield, put them back on the heater for a few minutes.

Success...but we're not done yet.

Now onto the reflector that has been warming. Use the rubber band and strap wrench...

Now use the pliers in the holes in the reflector. Press against a hard surface to reduce the chance of slipping. If at any time the parts do not yield, put them back on the heater for a few minutes.

Got it!

And the reward for your hard work is a pile of parts that are ready for the next step. MODIFICATION!!!

Soon to come: How to Seoul your P1.

Have fun!

datiLED

 

[milkyspit]

Datiled, brilliant! This is a terrific presentation, from quality of the photos right down to specifics on the tools. The use of a mug warmer is inspired. Kudos on a great writeup! :thumbsup:

 

[datiLED]

Datiled, brilliant! This is a terrific presentation, from quality of the photos right down to specifics on the tools. The use of a mug warmer is inspired. Kudos on a great writeup! :thumbsup:

milkyspit,

Thank you for the kind words. Kudos from the mod master... I have arrived!

 

[wintermute]

Oh...sure...when I say how to do it 3 days ago...no one says anything - and I posted pics of the tools.

Just kidding - I just talked about it - you actually did it and showed pictures of it. :nana:

I still stand behind the rubber heater hose tubing though. Stuff works like magic. :naughty:

Nice to see a step by step of the actual breakdown datiLED. Cheers! :thumbsup:

Now maybe nanotech17 will decide to finally open up his, I've been trying to convince him he can do it without killing the threads. Maybe this will give him the boost he needs. I will direct him to this thread.

Thanks again datiLED. :twothumbs

 

[nanotech17]

thanks wintermute for the PM & the link to this tutorial - good job.
no doubt this and yours instructions are convincing enough for me to pop it open.
Thanks again.Time to order the tools

 

[milkyspit]

Oh...sure...when I say how to do it 3 days ago...no one says anything - and I posted pics of the tools.

Just kidding - I just talked about it - you actually did it and showed pictures of it. :nana:

I still stand behind the rubber heater hose tubing though. Stuff works like magic. :naughty:

Nice to see a step by step of the actual breakdown datiLED. Cheers! :thumbsup:

Now maybe nanotech17 will decide to finally open up his, I've been trying to convince him he can do it without killing the threads. Maybe this will give him the boost he needs. I will direct him to this thread.

Thanks again datiLED. :twothumbs

Okay wintermute, here's some sugar for ya...

:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:

 

[Pumaman]

great job Datiled!
+1 on the mugwarmer!

 

[datiLED]

great job Datiled!
+1 on the mugwarmer!

Thanks. The mug warmer idea came to me when I was looking for a way to open lights without boiling them.

 

[NA8]

Thanks. The mug warmer idea came to me when I was looking for a way to open lights without boiling them.

What's in there, some heavy duty Lock-tite ?

 

[datiLED]

What's in there, some heavy duty Lock-tite ?

Yes, or some kind of epoxy.

 

[yclo]

Great job with nice and clear photos! :thumbsup:

I used a jet flame lighter in short bursts for loosening the glue.

-YC

 

[kevinm]

Do all the threads got the same direction? I've tried mine a couple of times. The lens holder comes off the head, but I can't seem to unscrew the reflector. Help!

Kevin

 

[datiLED]

Do all the threads got the same direction? I've tried mine a couple of times. The lens holder comes off the head, but I can't seem to unscrew the reflector. Help!

Kevin

Yes, all threads are the standard direction. Left to loosen. I have had a few heads recently that were nearly impossible to open, too. I got the light engine out, but the reflectors are really stuck. Repeated heating cycles is the way to go.

 

[kevinm]

Many thanks! I thought I was either dumb or getting weak in my old age.

Kevin

 

[LuxLuthor]

2 years later, this thread comes in handy. Thanks!

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

Now almost 3 years later, still handy :thumbsup:

 

[Walterk]

Great tutorial.
I used a butane torch carefully on my TK40, after I got impatient trying with boiling water. It ruined the surface coating of the reflector to a copper-like high gloss.

 

[Bimmerboy]

2 years later, this thread comes in handy. Thanks!

Now almost 3 years later, still handy :thumbsup:

Approaching 7 years... classically handy!

Just acquired two P1's.

Thanks, dL!

 

[datiLED]

Approaching 7 years... classically handy!

Just acquired two P1's.

Thanks, dL!

The Fenix P1 is still an awesome light after all these years. An XP-G2 would make it even better.

 

[Bimmerboy]

The Fenix P1 is still an awesome light after all these years. An XP-G2 would make it even better.

Surprisingly bright and throwy, and a damn handsome light. Even in stock form, it really is great after all this time!

As such, I'm thinking about trying an old, unused yellow-backed XR-E R2 in one of 'em just to get a few more lumens while keeping the original emitter/reflector relationship. Hopefully it'll be worthwhile.

As for the other... does the XP-G2 focus well with this thing?