Malkoff McClicky Replacement Process

[KeeblerElf]

So I just discovered tonight the source of some of my issues - the switch on my MD3 appears to have worn out. I'm aware that the switch is a McClicky, but I don't see an obvious way to replace it. I've used the forum's search function (and, of course, Google), but I haven't found the information I'm seeking.

Is the switch user-replaceable? If so, does anyone know of any videos or other sources of information on how to replace it? It appears to be held in by a retaining ring, but I don't see any indentations for needle-nose pliers or anything like that. Or perhaps I simply need to order a new tailcap from Malkoff. Any help is appreciated!

 

[csshih]

It depends on which generation of tailcap you have, but I believe the latest are held in by an oring around the tailcap boot.

Craig

 

[HotWire]

The best way to find out is to email Gene.

 

[socom1970]

Email him or call him. You can find his contact info on malkoffdevices.com. Gene is fantastic to work with and will take good care of you.:thumbsup:

 

[cland72]

Why not call Gene and ask him for a warranty repair? I'm sure he'll be happy to have you send it back and fix it for you.

 

[BenChiew]

Hold the tailcap in your hands and twist hard.....

 

[KeeblerElf]

It depends on which generation of tailcap you have, but I believe the latest are held in by an oring around the tailcap boot.

Craig

It looks like Craig was on the right track. I should also mention that my question was for the newest version of the tailcap - the McClicky inside an anodized aluminum tailcap (that tailstands). Here are Gene's instructions (posted with permission):

Just pinch the boot between your thumb and forefinger. Pull it straight out. Then remove the O-Ring with a toothpick. A small set of needle nosed pliers can then be fit into the two holes in the back of the switch to screw it out counter clockwise.

 

[Greenbean]

Rather easy once I decided to go into it...

 

[LeBossu]

I would be very interested in seeing those pictures again (and some for the reinstallation too?)! ;)

 

[bbrins]

1. This is for the newer style Malkoff tailcap.



2. Start by pinching the rubber switch boot with your fingers and pull it out.



3. Using a toothpick or maybe the tip of a pen or something, remove the o-ring.



4. Using a pair of needle nosed pliers with narrow tips, or some other similar tool that will fit into those two holes on the switch, unscrew the McClicky switch from the tailcap, righty tighty, lefty loosy. Sorry for the blurry picture.

5. Screw in the new switch, using the same method as number 4.


6. Push the rubber switch boot back in the tailcap, it might help to use the tip of a pen or something to get it all of the way in there.



7. Push the o-ring back in to hold the switch boot, there is a lip milled inside the tailcap that it will slip under.



8. Done. It should look like the picture at the top.

 

[LeBossu]

Awesome, bbrins!
Hadn't really understood how and where the fat O-ring was placed, and thought it was under the boot, so the reinstallation had become a puzzle to me… :D

Now I can get a GITD boot and try it for myself.

 

[reppans]

+1 Thanks for the pictures and tutorial bbrins, will very helpful for my MDCs

 

[Greenbean]

I would be very interested in seeing those pictures again (and some for the reinstallation too?)! ;)

My bad,

I have had some issues with Photo Bucket and am trying to straighten out the folders.

 

[Timothybil]

Is McClicky still making switches? I have been looking for a couple for my G2 and 6C, and can't find them anywhere. Illumination Supply has them as backordered for several months now. Anywhere else I can look?

 

[blankc72]

Oveready also sells the McClicky and had them in stock as of two weeks ago. Malkoff and McGizmo (he designed them) uses them in their lights. I'm sure other companies use them as well.

 

[bbrins]

Both Illumn($6.90) and Light Hound($9.99) show Mcclicky switches as being in stock. I don't know how accurate their stock status is.