Who has cracked open a surefire L5

[Mettee]

Been trying to get this L5 head open....not happening Both hot and cold have been a no go so far. I am using strap wrenches and they are holding and not spinning, any more force I may rip the 1/2x1/4 inch rubber band. Does any body have any other tips to opening this head, it is a newer style head with a lux.

drew

 

[nein166]

pm sent

 

[Mettee]

I am thinking about making some custom al wrenches.

Almost a U shape to them, but about 8 inches long. The round end would have a precisely milled hole that fit the head. then a slot lengthwise that enters the circle so if you squeeze the wrench, the hole gets smaller. I would make two, one for each size of the head. I could wrap the head in some sort or textile or something to protect it... or not, the al should be softer than HAIII.

I will get some pictures up if I do it. What do you guys think of that idea? I really dont want to wreck the head

 

[JohnF]

I know Milky can do it, but don't know how... I guess that's why I pay him. I would like to know too, though.

John F

 

[Bullzeyebill]

I know Milky can do it, but don't know how... I guess that's why I pay him. I would like to know too, though.

John F

Most modders put the parts they want to remove in a leak proof plastic bag and put it in boiling water for a few minutes to soften the adhesive. Remove from water and carefully, protecting the part from metal to metal contact, turn the part off. They might also use a heat gun, or a hair dryer, anything to soften the adhesive without ruining the electronics, in the case of removing a head to get at the LED and or circuit. All of this done very carefully.

Bill

 

[darkzero]

I've never tried the boiling water method simply cause it seems like it's time consimung & too much of a hassle. For Surefire heads I use a torch & either strap wrenches, back side of a common mouse pad, or a vise protected by wood.

 

[Mettee]

last try, i had heat gun on it. It was really hot and I could not touch it, and I was using strap wrenches.

I would be afraid to put it in water, plus the mod I am doing may not work so I may just stick it back together.

I think I just need a little more torque on it, I will try the vise method. If thats a no go I will make the wrenches.

Its frustrating

 

[Greg G]

As you know...the L5 has a three piece head. I've had the lower collar off mine. I machined a steel ring that went inside the bottom, and a split ring that went on the outside of it right at the bottom. About .002" clearance for the inner ring. Then I clamped the bottom part of the head (with the rings installed) in the lathe chuck, and gripped the middle piece with *I can't remember what* and got it loose.

I'd like to be able to get the bezel off. I have a second L5 that I loaned to a buddy, It came back with a broken lens that needs replacing. I hate to send it off to Surefire. I'd like to replace the lens myself.

I've tried, but without a steel ring inside the head to prevent crushing, I can't put much clamping force on the outside of it.

Looks like I'll be resorting to using a lot of heat to soften the cursed glue Surefire assembles these heads with.

 

[Mettee]

Shoot Greg,

I got the bezel off no prob, I will switch my luck with you

Sorry guess I should add what I did to get it off....a small bath of break parts cleaner just up to where the two parts mate. No more is needed, just so the fluid can leak in and soften the silicon or glue. Do not get it inside or cover it, you do not want it on the reflector or vapor to get inside it will eat the reflector coating off. I twisted it off by hand.

 

[Greg G]

Thank you for sharing. I will try it and report back.

 

[Mettee]

If your lens is cracked, it will let in vapor and ruin the reflector. I realized you mention that so I was worried.

If you can only...use the nozzle and let it run in the crack between the body and bezel...that should do it also.