Tachead
Flashlight Enthusiast
Hi guys, does anyone know anyone that makes a copper crush washer, spring washer, or shims to allow you to index an E-Series tailcap with McClicky?
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Index it how? There aren't any markings on mine.
A McClicky has to be screwed on tightly to make reliable contact and on some tailcaps you might want a flat spot or hollow(think RPM, Malkoff Tricap, etc.) indexed in a certain position. To do this you have to back off the cap a certain amount which can partially(inconsistent) or full break the electrical connection. I am looking for a washer or shim to allow me to index yet still maintain a rock solid electrical connection.Index it how? There aren't any markings on mine.
No, as I was thinking maybe one of the flashlight modders or aftermarket companies made one but, that is a good idea. I will have to get my mic out and then see what they have. Thanks Dan👍.Have you tried McMaster-Carr? I don't have an e body to measure but if you search for "wave spring" they have enough sizes that one is bound to fit.
Those index marks are supposed to show where to turn the cap to lock-out the switch, not to engage the switch. Engaging the switch is easy -- tighten the tailcap until it stops.A McClicky has to be screwed on tightly to make reliable contact and on some tailcaps you might want a flat spot or hollow(think RPM, Malkoff Tricap, etc.) indexed in a certain position. To do this you have to back off the cap a certain amount which can partially(inconsistent) or full break the electrical connection. I am looking for a washer or shim to allow me to index yet still maintain a rock solid electrical connection.
Hey Tachead,
if I understand you correctly, you might want a washer between the McClicky and the rubber boot. Any 'loose' washer between the body and McClicky might still make intermittent contact. In this case, I would think any home depot washer (in right size) would work.
I would also think which tailcap you're referring to, as in Z57 or z52 or RPM will have some effect depending on build tolerances. A McClicky in Z57 has to be modified to fit and that may have an impact on how well the McClicky will make contact with the body.
Sorry, if the above is something you know already but thought I'd share my thoughts just in case. Good luck finding what you're looking for.
Those index marks are supposed to show where to turn the cap to lock-out the switch, not to engage the switch. Engaging the switch is easy -- tighten the tailcap until it stops.
If you still want the index marks to align perfectly when the switch is engaged, and you're sure you'll use a McClicky switch in that light for the rest of its life (and why wouldn't you?), then you can sand-down the end of the battery tube to shorten the threads until the index marks align.
Good idea, I never thought of that even though RC is one of my other hobbies(RC Helicopters though). I will have a look👍.Oh, I see what you're talking about.
Maybe you can find some circular shims for RC cars that will work. They come in 0.1mm - 0.3mm thicknesses in a variety of diameters. Kyosho, Calandra, and Racer's Edge all make shims in a variety of sizes.
Also, depending on how slight the adjustment is, you might be able to tighten or loosen the switch inside the tailcap slightly to get the positioning you want. The rubber ring around the base of the switch boot should give you just enough leeway for minor adjustments.