Need Help For Kel-Lite

[StevenA]

Hi, all. New member here. I've been interested in flashlights since I was a little kid. Now, I'm just an old little kid! I was intrigued to stumble across this forum while Googling for Kel Lite info. I have a 2D Kel Lite that is about 13-14 years old. The batteries leaked, and the acid ended up at the bottom of the light, and ate some of the threads at the base of the body. For some reason, I have not been able to get the light working again. I have tried everything from di-electric thread lubricant to different bulbs and nothing seems to work. The thing is basically dead. The acid did not contact any other part of the flashlight, except for the bottom. Can I resurrect it? Or is it toast? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Regards.

 

[ABTOMAT]

More like 20-30 years old, unless it's a Nordic rebrand. Make sure the tailcap threads are clean, the spring is clean, and the surface where the spring and the tailcap meet are clean. That's all you can do for the tail end.

For the rest of the light I'd need to know what switch style and bulb holder you have. I'd guess your problem is likely on that end of the light. Vapors from the corrosion can do weird things.

 

[StevenA]

Thanks for the reply. I was wondering if any resulting vapors may have played a part in damage. This is the only light that was ever crippled by a battery leak. I've always been able to get then up and running before. The light was used as a nightstand flashlight for my wife, and the light was rarely used. It looks brand new! The switch is a push on/push off type. It was made in Barstow. The serial # is CA201301. I actually got if from Eveready, because their batteries leaked in the B-Lite I bought my wife back in the 70's. They sent the Kel Lite as an equivalent, since the B-Lite was no longer available. Ironically, their batteries also burned out this light! I ususlly check them every month or two, but this one leaked un between checks.

Regards.

 

[snakebite]

i used a soft wire wheel in a dremel to scrub a old kel 6c a friend found on trash route.
polished up all contact points and applied deoxit too.
he uses the fringe benefit light every day with no issues.
had to use a slide hammer to get the leaked batteries out.

 

[ABTOMAT]

This is a rubber pushbutton switch, like a Mag-Lite? In that case the light would have been made 1983-84 probably. They were bought out by Streamlight then. It's rather uncommon--I've been looking for one for my collection.

I'll have to get back to you when I'm more awake. It's a complex mechanism. Don't bother talking to Streamlight, they'll just make your flashlight dissapear and give you a $15 coupon or something.

 

[StevenA]

Last night, I gave the Dremel some exercise with the wire brush wheel. I buffed up the spring, and threads on the lower part of the flashlight body. I then put it back together and it worked like NEW! Yesss! You guys are the best! I owe ya one. And to think I almost threw the bugger out! Thanks much.
Regards.

 

[StevenA]

Almost forgot, ABTOMAT, it is a rubber push button for the switch. I believe I got the light from Eveready sometime in the mid 80's, but can't recall for sure. I just remember being furious that the B-Lite was trashed by the leaking batteries. I had really liked that B-Lite.

 

[ABTOMAT]

Hang onto that Kel-Lite, unless you sell it to me. If it actually says "Kel-Lite" on the flashlight it's a rare one. This design had just been put into production when Streamlight bought them. Streamlight made the lights for a couple years, but with different company markings and a Norristown, PA address along with the Barstow one.

 

[john2551]

Abtomat,

I have a old Kel-lite 6C that also has a long spacer internal bar that lengthes the light into a 26" regulation baton length light. Is it rare? What year is it from? I bought it used from another cop about 15 years ago.

John

 

[ABTOMAT]

It's probably from the early '70s. Should be a 5C with the spacer, but I think they made changes along the way. The baton lights were made in 18, 22, and 26" lengths. As far as Kel-Lites go it's not super-rare, but it's not common.

 

[StevenA]

Hang onto that Kel-Lite, unless you sell it to me. If it actually says "Kel-Lite" on the flashlight it's a rare one. This design had just been put into production when Streamlight bought them. Streamlight made the lights for a couple years, but with different company markings and a Norristown, PA address along with the Barstow one.

On the tailcap, it says, "Kel-Lite Industries, Inc. Barstow, CA. Pat. Pend. Made in USA" all in a circular pattern. The only other marking is the serial #, which is stamped on the switch portion of the flashlight body longitudinally. I would think my LA Screw Products Code Four 6-D flashlight would be worth far more. My brother bought in in the late 70's as a birthday gift for me. The switch quit working in the 80's & the company sent me a replacement immediately -free! Apparently, there was a problem with the "push-pull" switch setup initially. That bugger has the sharp, old-style waffle pattern knurling on it. I just came across it in a storage cabinet a few days ago. It is like new, and still works great.
Regards.

 

[ABTOMAT]

That Kel-Lite's probably one of the very last they made. Only for a year or two under their name.

Older police flashlight brands haven't attracted a lot of interest. Kel-Lite had the highest profile, so they're the ones people remember now. Most others are nearly lost to history. I have lights 15x as rare as any Kel-Lite but I doubt I could give them away.

 

[StevenA]

That's too bad. But after thinking about it for a bit, I'm not surprised. People buy a flashlight for function, just like they would a pocket knife, or a hatchet. The collectability factor is not very high for the vast majority of old knives or hatchets, unless it was linked to a celebrity or an event. However, this is a boon for one who collects them, though, just like flashlights. A good collection can be had for a nominal outlay of money. I have a huge collection of matchbooks from all over the world, but ii is only worth a few dollars. But the enjoyment of collecting anything is what comes first. Resident philosopher here!

 

[Trashman]

I have lights 15x as rare as any Kel-Lite but I doubt I could give them away.

I'm here to prove you wrong!

(*Trashman holds out hands, making the universal "gimme" sign)

 

[ABTOMAT]

Heck, you live in Covina, you should be sending them to me.

 

[john2551]

It's probably from the early '70s. Should be a 5C with the spacer, but I think they made changes along the way. The baton lights were made in 18, 22, and 26" lengths. As far as Kel-Lites go it's not super-rare, but it's not common.

You're right it is a 5C not a 6C, thanks for the history lesson!

 

[Iceman15613]

I am following the same path to repair a Kel-Lite. It is one of our department lights from the good old days. I found, of course that Kel-Lite is out of business. I am going to work on the light but one question does come to mind. These lights have a lifetime guarantee. If my memory serves correctly, a company going out of business or selling must make arrangements for the warranty to be honored. It would seem that it would be simple to repair but I was checking for warranty service first. Much to my surprise, I discovered the company was out of business. In looking around for parts, I found this site. Obviously, any assistance would be appreciated.

 

[ABTOMAT]

Kel-Lite went under and was bought by Streamlight almost three decades ago. They will no longer honor the warranty. All they'll do is give you a few bucks off one of their junky imported Twin-Task lights. Don't go that route.

If you have any questions or want a repair walk-through drop me an email at [email protected]