Versatile Mag

[brightnorm]

I still own my original 3D Maglite though I never use it, but today it really came in handy.

I needed to chisel through some wallboard and sound insulating material to the underlying stud, a distance of about 1 1/2", and had left my hammer in my office on the top floor of my apartment building. I was about to go up to get it whan I remembered several Flashaholics saying : "you can use it as a weapon or a hammer".

Sure enough, it made a perfect hammer, well weighted and balanced, and I finished the job with no problems. I wouldn't use it for hammering nails unless I was really desperate, but I had to admit that even though some of us like to make fun of it, the Maglite/Charger is a very useful triple function instrument.

Brightnorm

 

[lemlux]

I have only the head from my original Mag Light -- Also a mag 3D. I threw the body away around 1987 when I moved to San Diego because a leaky battery had fused the tail cap to the body.

I didn't then know how to remove the switch assembly or I'd have salvaged that as well. I also didn't know about the battery manufacturer's corrosion damage replacement arrangement with Mag.

In any event, I have the bigger, heavier old-style head waiting for me to be inspired enough to make a project out of it.

 

[Sigman]

I found a Streamlight SL-35 in the road, evidently took a few "hits" from some vehicles. I had no way of charging the battery pack..threw it away (before I realized I was a "Flashaholic" and recognized that someone else may "need" it!). Tried 5 new D cells, works, but the bulb assembly is dim and needs replaced, some ceramic shrapnel floating around inside the head...But I've still got the "carcass" on my tool bench for some reason that I don't know about yet. I wonder if Streamlight will replace it?

 

[Larry1582]

How much do you want for it? I got one that is working. Could use that one for spare parts or maybe put it back together.

 

[Sigman]

Originally posted by Larry1582:
How much do you want for it? I got one that is working. Could use that one for spare parts or maybe put it back together.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Are you talking about the SL-35 or the MagLite head? If it's the SL-35 you are interested in...email me your address and I'll send it to you! There's a name scratched under the serial number, but I had no luck finding the fellow. I didn't contact Streamlight to see if the serial number was registered or not...it's yours if you want it...let me know.

 

[nihraguk]

Originally posted by lemlux:
I have only the head from my original Mag Light -- Also a mag 3D. I threw the body away around 1987 when I moved to San Diego because a leaky battery had fused the tail cap to the body.

I didn't then know how to remove the switch assembly or I'd have salvaged that as well. I also didn't know about the battery manufacturer's corrosion damage replacement arrangement with Mag.

In any event, I have the bigger, heavier old-style head waiting for me to be inspired enough to make a project out of it.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">how do you remove the switch assembly? i've been trying to do that for quite a while

 

[PeterM]

Orderoutdoors.com has a Page for Maglite switch repair and other mag info.

 

[Sigman]

I was checking out the website that PeterM mentioned and ran across this page...shhhh, don't show it to Roy!!

Maglite colors...

 

[lemlux]

nihraguk

If you take off the rubber switch cover you'll find a set screw that that holds the switch assembly in place. Unscrew it. There's a thread from about 4 months ago that shows disassembly step pictures.

 

[nihraguk]

lemlux:

thanks, but i read on the orderoutdoors.com page that you need the wrench to remove the retaining ring as well? what's the size of the allen key needed to unscrew the set screw? the one i have doesn't seem to be the right size.

 

[EMPOWERTORCH]

I heard of someone who used his mag torch to smash his way out of a burning building. A double glazed window stood between him and the route to safety.
The only reasonably heavy object he had to hand was his torch... a 4D Mag.
So he hurled the torch at the window from the other side of the room and it bounced off the toughened window glass. Several times he attempted, until he struck up another idea.
He held the torch by its head and hit the coner of the double glazed window with the tail cap. This time the glass broke and he was able to hammer out a hole with the torch big enough to make his escape through the window.
The torch literally saved the man's life.
I don't know whether the torch was still working following the ordeal, but I'm sure that it became a treasured posession.
Maglite torches are truly awsomely strong!
Has anyone else got a lifesaving torch story?

 

[MicroE]

For those that are interested, a 4D Mag does an excellent job pounding tent stakes into hard ground when you forget your mallet on camping trips.
The batteries, though, can't take the stress and the electrodes dent inward from the force of the blows. I speak from experience.---Marc

 

[nihraguk]

the arc aaa can't take drops head first onto the floor...as i found out as well. the light itself is fine, but the nipple of the battery gets dented inwards and the light will turn off

btw, what is it with the mag3d? it seems to be the most common of maglites. is it because it has the optimal balance of size and light output?

 

[Owen]

A friend who was a machinist's mate on a nuclear sub told me he used to take the head off his 3D Mag, and use it as a cheater pipe. Another friend, who is a LEO, keeps his 3D Mag on his gear bag, as a backup to his rechargeable duty light.
My 3D Mag rides between the seats of my truck.
I don't know what the deal is with the 3D version either...seems like everybody has one. Guess the 2D isn't as bright, and doesn't handle as well, and the 4D is just too long and heavy?

 

[nihraguk]

yea...that's what i thought too.
the 2D looks stunted, and doesn't provide much more light than a minimag

the 4D is much brighter, but the difference is not big enough to warrant the extra length and weight over the 3D i think.

plus in terms of aesthetics, the 3D looks the most proportionate and handles the best i think

 

[Minjin]

I have a 3d and have always liked it. But I think I'm going to pick up a 5c mag soon. Its only 2 inches longer than the 3d, thinner, much lighter, and has the volts to direct drive a 5w luxeon...

I seem to recall reading somewhere about the c cell mags being better for self defense because they grip and swing better...??

Mark

 

[Sean]

I wonder if mag-lite offers a defensive training course, teaching you how to properly defend yourself with a mag lite & other lifesaving tips.

I have a 3D mag and think it makes a great emergency light, long running and durable.

 

[Charles Bradshaw]

I actually prefer the 2D Mag-Lite. I guess that I am in the minority here. I have the Versalux PR-2 LED bulb in mine, and it makes for a nice long burn, and decently bright light.

Since I can't afford to buy alot of batteries, I try to minimize this.

 

[Monsters_Inc]

More on self-defense and other uses of Maglites, what end would one grip and what end to swing if/when it's being used as a self defense tool?

 

[brightnorm]

Originally posted by Onyx:
More on self-defense and other uses of Maglites, what end would one grip and what end to swing if/when it's being used as a self defense tool?

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Hopefully a LEO will answer, but my impression is that the butt of the Mag would be the action end.
When I've seen officers holding Mags, whether on "Cops" or in real life, they almost always hold it in "tactical" position, even though the Mag has no tail switch. This is really an "action ready" position since a blow may be conveniently launched by a natural overhand rotation. The bulbous head of the light acts as a hand stop, and the battery laden tail is actually heavier than the more impressive looking, but relatively empty head.

Brightnorm