Re: What is the best finish: HA, chrome, ceramic,
Larry,
Those were interesting and informative links, thanks. I think this pill vial I have that has spurred me on my quest for a key proof flashlight finish is probably electropolished stainless, based on what I read in that link (I can't be sure). It looks much better in person than in this pic for some reason, like shiny chrome.
This vial, which cost about $5 give or take a little at Walgreens, has ridden in my pocket with my keys and various HA III flashlights for many years. It still looks 99.99% as good as it did brand new. It looks like polished stainless, and although under a strong magnifier I can see some tiny scratches, they are invisible to the naked eye.
What's even cooler is that they come in different sizes and this one is just about the size of a CR123 battery.
The next size up would be the perfect size for the battery tube of a pocket light. It's ridiculously cheap and holds it's pristine finish almost indefinitely, at least when carried and used the way I do. I even bought the next size up one with the idea of making a FF sized light with it, but I don't have a workshop setup here nor access to one. I'd actually have to make the rest of it by hand with a dremel or something for lack of metalworking tools.
I guess if it is stainless or just polished steel it wouldn't be able to run on high for an hour with the BB650 I have in my FF without burning up, but that's not my goal really, although it would be nice if it could.
What about aluminum, plated with copper then 2 x nickel then chrome. Would the copper and nickel strengthen the aluminum and make it more dent resistant thus allowing the chrome to stay adhered better?
Steve