Why do some maglite heads feel loose and wobbly and other firm and tight?

[fire-stick]

I have noticed that some maglite heads feel very stiff and some chatter when shaken. Some feel firm when the beam is adjusted and other spin a little more freely.

What causes this chattery, sloppy kinda loose feeling?

Is there anything that can be done to get rid of this?

Thanks

fire-stick

 

[dudemar]

I'm guessing the o-ring is too loose or it's not wide enough for a tight fit. I think LightHound sells spare Mag o-rings.

If you're lucky you might find someone here who's willing to send you a spare or two for free.

 

[Saint_Dogbert]

Lube could also have a small amount to do with it, e.g. a thicker lube will dampen the motion a slight amount.

 

[willrx]

Teflon tape on the threads will snug things up also.

 

[fire-stick]

what about over sized o rings does anyone sell them?

can anyone suggest a thicker lube?

 

[Patriot]

what about over sized o rings does anyone sell them?

can anyone suggest a thicker lube?

Ace Hardware sell just about every size o-ring available they also sell clear silicon grease that's very thick. It comes in a small white plastic "tin"

That said, willrx has the best idea with the teflon tape. Works great!

 

[maxspeeds]

I had something in mind for this reply, but I think it's more kosher for CPF underground :naughty:. Anyhow, I'd recommend the teflon tape. It's affordable and has multiple uses (plumbing)

 

[fivemega]

what about over sized o rings does anyone sell them?

can anyone suggest a thicker lube?

If you can't find thicker o'ring:

1- Remove the o'ring from body.
2- Put thin layer of teflon tape inside the groove.
3- Place the o'ring.
4- Lube it.
5- Place the head on body.

 

[willrx]

Yeah, what he said.

 

[KiwiMark]

can anyone suggest a thicker lube?

http://www.lighthound.com/NyoGel-779ZC-25-Gram-Tube_p_1347.html

 

[Saint_Dogbert]

Ace Hardware sell just about every size o-ring available they also sell clear silicon grease that's very thick. It comes in a small white plastic "tin"

This is what I use, except I bought it at lowes. Silicone lubes tend to cause silicone o-rings to swell slightly, too, which could help. Don't know if mags use silicone ones.

 

[batman]

of course every maglite is going to be different than the next, they don't have low tolerance machining and high quality control like SF. You are very likely to get a light with insagnely loose threads from Mag.

That being said I also use teflon tape to easily fix that problem in my mini-mag AAA.

 

[Turbo Guy]

of course every maglite is going to be different than the next, they don't have low tolerance machining and high quality control like SF

Man I hope that is true, after all I would expect the fit of a $100 plus light to be closer than a $20 one.

Fact is that with todays CNC controlled machinery tolerances can be help very close and production still be high enough to make a reasonable profit.

I am a retired Tool & Die Maker / precesion machinest, designer and plant engineer and belive me things are much different than they were 10 years ago much less 30 to 40 years ago. I served my apprentiship back in the early 60's.

Here is something to ponder. Who made the first ,atleast semi precession aluinum flashlights?

 

[PhillyRube]

I had something in mind for this reply, but I think it's more kosher for CPF underground :naughty:. Anyhow

Glad you said that first, since I was thinking something along those lines...heheheheh