What's the trick to getting Mag switch out?

[Mattaus]

Hi all,

I’m at the end of my tether here…is there a trick to get the switch out of Maglites? I have tried every sized hex key under the sun (including the 2mm size that it apparently is) but I can’t get any ‘bite’ on the hex screw sitting in there. Every single sized wrench free spins – which means it’s either too big or too small.

What gives? It’s a newer 3D Mag (D at the start of the serial number).

I wouldn’t ask if I had any other options open to me. I don’t know anyone personally who has done the job before. For the record I am a very hands on and practical person; hence why I’m so frustrated that I can’t undo a simple nut!

Any information would be appreciated.

Cheers.

- Matt

 

[LilKevin715]

You need a T8 Torx, details here

 

[Mattaus]

Is the 2mm hex for the older lights? I'll have to track a T8 down now. Thanks for the link!

 

[LilKevin715]

The older hex screw was used for a while. However they are phasing them out in favor of the T8 screw to prevent us flashaholics from modifying their lights. Some of the newer incan mags already have the T8 screw in the switch, it all depends on wether or not you get new or old stock from your retailer/reseller.

 

[Mattaus]

What a pain. Looks like I'm going to have to buy a Torx set now just to get one screw out. Hopefully a cheap set will do the trick. *sigh*

 

[Lumencraft (Matt)]

There is another way... I do it all the time. Just take the size drill bit that just barely fits in where you put the allen wrench ( I think its 5/32) and drill it for like one second. This will take the tips off the torx screw so your standard allen wrench will fit. I have done many many of them this way and never had one strip. The allen gets a good bite on the screw if you do it this way.

 

[Mattaus]

While this would probably work I'm scared sh*tless that i'd screw it up (pun not intended) and I'll end up with a switch that's impossible to remove. I think i'll play it safe for now...

 

[Epsilon]

What a pain. Looks like I'm going to have to buy a Torx set now just to get one screw out. Hopefully a cheap set will do the trick. *sigh*

Why not just invest a few dollar in a much superior driving system? Hell, for 20dollar you have a high quality set with the majority of the sizes. Sourcing new screws when you screw it up 🙂p) is a pain.

 

[RepProdigious]

If you're only going to use it a couple of times a year just get a t8 torx from the bay, they are about a buck shipped from china.

 

[andersonEE]

t7 torx also works if you have trouble fitting the t8 through the opening.

 

[Mattaus]

Damn waiting on eBay. I'm headed to the hardware store before so I'll see if they have something cheap.

 

[Mattaus]

Ok so these forums have problems...I've posted this reply twice and it won't show up. Third times a charm.

I found and bought a cheap T7 for $5.90. The shaft was too thick so I ground it down. Pretty dodgy job but it worked and 1 minute later the switch was out. Happy days!

It allowed me to finally finish my first Maglite mod so your help was very much appreciated.

Cheers.