Zebralight SC50: Converting clip from polished to brushed

[ky70]

Hello Folks,

Like many, I love the SC50 light but didn't care for the blingyness of the polished clip. From my watch hobby, I know that these polished/mirrored finishes can be converted to brushed finishes as I have converted a few watch bracelets and cases from polished to brushed. Knowing how easy it is to do, I decided to do the same with my SC50 clip.

So I removed the clip from the body of the light of removing the 2 screws that attach the clip to the light. These screws aren't hard to remove (sidebar: I actually suggest using blue loctite on the screws to make sure the screws don't work themselves loose unexpectantly...my screws did this a few weeks ago and though I didn't notice the screws were loose, my light did all of sudden become likely to unclip from my pocket with any pressure...so as a sidenote, make sure your screws are tightened properly).

Once the clip is removed you just need an abrasive sanding type product to knock the shine off the finish. I used Sandflex Tool Cleaning Block - Fine (Apprx $8) which I use for my watch hobby. A cheaper and just as effective option is scotchbrite general purpose pads in green (the blue pads are not abrasive enough).

Just take your pad and rub it along the clip in long one motion strokes. Rub in one direction as you may create swirl marks if you go back and forth. It took me less than 10 minutes to do both sides of the clip as I half did it while watching TV. I'm thinking of doing the same with my D10 clip.

These pics aren't great but the finish is now a brushed finish with no shininess:

 

[Yapo]

Nice! Now i need to get a SC50W!

 

[bansuri]

Took your advice, improved the looks immensely!
Be sure to hit the screws while they're off.

 

[ky70]

Took your advice, improved the looks immensely!
Be sure to hit the screws while they're off.

The clip does go better with the light with this more industrial looking finish...and good tip about the screws :thumbsup:. I forgot to do my screws initially, so after I finished the clip and was screwing it back on to the light, I noticed the screws where a bit shiny, so I did them as well.

 

[LiteShow]

Nice work Ky70!

Might be something to try myself too. Was wondering does the clip now feel rougher or just as smooth before. I am just concerned that the brush finish might cause more wear and tear when clipping on the clothes if it is rougher than the shiny finish.

 

[ky70]

Nice work Ky70!

Might be something to try myself too. Was wondering does the clip now feel rougher or just as smooth before. I am just concerned that the brush finish might cause more wear and tear when clipping on the clothes if it is rougher than the shiny finish.

It's the same smooth texture on the clip. The abrasive pad knocks off the shine BUT does not effect the texture of the clip (at least not noticeably so). Also note that the clip can be converted back to a polished finish by using certain types of polishing cloths (cape cod for example)...so if I ever change my mind about the finish, I can change it back.

 

[Vesper]

Nice results - thanks for sharing. I'm off to sand mine...

 

[LiteShow]

Thanks Ky70. I might try it maybe in the future. I have never done this before, so maybe will try it on something else (like a spoon) so I'll get it right when I work on the clip.

 

[ky70]

Thanks Ky70. I might try it maybe in the future. I have never done this before, so maybe will try it on something else (like a spoon) so I'll get it right when I work on the clip.

A spoon for practice is a great idea. I remember how nervous I was when I first did this on a watch but it really is difficult to mess this up...and the better news is that if you don't like your results, you can easily redo it until you get the look you like.

 

[Beacon of Light]

Great idea. I do this with chrome guitar hardware as the brushed finish looks richer/classier by far. I have had good results with 0000 steel wool as well as the scotch brite pads.

 

[jhc37013]

Your thread got me thinking about it and I did this with one of my SC50's. After I finished I compared with the other clip and your right they look better like this.

 

[parnass]

Are the clips made from stainless steel?

 

[ky70]

Are the clips made from stainless steel?

Unfortunately, I don't know how to confirm what the actual material of the clip is made out of, but what I can tell you is that it behaves like stainless steel when it comes to polishing/removing the finish (based on my experiences with 316L stainless steel watch bracelets and cases). For confirmation though, I suggest contacting Zebralight directly.

 

[parnass]

Unfortunately, I don't know how to confirm what the actual material of the clip is made out of....

Is a magnet attracted to the clip? If not, the clip is likely nonmagnetic stainless steel. If so, it could be steel or stainless steel, but we wouldn't know for sure.

 

[ky70]

Nice suggestion parnass. I'll try out a magnet tonight.

 

[swxb12]

I cut off a strip of Scotch Brite sponge and worked the clip length-wise. Looks great - nice idea! :thumbsup:

 

[ky70]

Is a magnet attracted to the clip? If not, the clip is likely nonmagnetic stainless steel. If so, it could be steel or stainless steel, but we wouldn't know for sure.

the magnet is attracted to the clip so no definitive answer there

I cut off a strip of Scotch Brite sponge and worked the clip length-wise. Looks great - nice idea! :thumbsup:

Looking good!!! Nice pic

 

[parnass]

the magnet is attracted to the clip so no definitive answer there

Thanks for checking.

 

[Yapo]

I cut off a strip of Scotch Brite sponge and worked the clip length-wise. Looks great - nice idea! :thumbsup:

That brushed steel look looks awesome!

 

[LiteShow]

I asked Zebralight a few days ago about the Clip material. Here's the reply:

"It's made of some kind of high carbon spring steel, not stainless steel though."

So it's a high carbon steel. Now I not familiar with the different types of steel out there, but I did do a quick google search on the material and it seem to suggest that while it is stronger than SS, it is more prone to rust because of the carbon content. I am not suggesting that the brushing might affect the clip in any way (caused I never tried something like this), but for me, I think I might just keep it the way it is for now.
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