Non-anodized flashlights?

[jch10400]

Hi,

I saw a good price on the non-anodized version of the BLF A6. I always thought that, in addition to adding color, anodizing puts a more durable finish on the light. Does the non-anodized version of a flashlight have a softer surface, and is therefore less durable or more prone to “road rash”?

Are there any advantages to buying a non-anodized light?

Thanks

[L4M4]

They might look different, but pure aluminum in your hand can damage your health.


Aluminum is a neurotoxin - and that’s nothing I want to hold in my sweaty hand.

[Jerommel]

Yes, the surface of bare aluminium is definitely softer.
That anodizing layer is the kind of aluminum oxide also used for grinding bits and sanding paper…

It helps a little bit to polish it though.
Polished aluminium is less prone to oxidize.

I think member VWpieces knows more about this.

[Enderman]

@L4M4

They might look different, but pure aluminum in your hand can damage your health.


Aluminum is a neurotoxin - and that’s nothing I want to hold in my sweaty hand.

Unless you are inhaling your flashlights there is no risk to health.
Also, aluminum oxidizes almost immediately. You’re not touching aluminum when you hold a flashlight, you touch aluminum oxide.

[Jerommel]

I think acidic sweat can perhaps eat through that oxide, because your hands can turn grey from handling bare aluminium.
But at least it smells better than copper.

[Jerommel]

To answer the last question of the OP:

Are there any advantages to buying a non-anodized light?

It looks very nice.
Especially when polished, bare aluminium has a particular shine to it.
Lighter than chrome but with a little less contrast.
No yellow hue like silver, no grey tint like stainless steel.
It doesn’t get darker easily either.
I like it.
I have a couple of de-anodized lights, but i’m lazy, so i haven’t polished them yet…

[jch10400]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I’ll stay with anodized.

[fritz15]

@L4M4

Aluminum is a neurotoxin - and that’s nothing I want to hold in my sweaty hand.

Holding a solid block of aluminium in your hands does not pose any danger, especially since the aluminium oxidizes nearly instantly. Most of the absorption of aluminium through the skin comes through antiperspirants or similar stuff. There are some studies linking antiperspirants to breast cancer, but again, that’s a completely different story. And as mentioned, holding a non-anodized flashlight is absolutely no problem, especially compared to other things we are exposed to on a daily basis.

[keengeorge]

@fritz15

@L4M4

Aluminum is a neurotoxin - and that’s nothing I want to hold in my sweaty hand.

Holding a solid block of aluminium in your hands does not pose any danger, especially since the aluminium oxidizes nearly instantly. Most of the absorption of aluminium through the skin comes through antiperspirants or similar stuff. There are some studies linking antiperspirants to breast cancer, but again, that’s a completely different story. And as mentioned, holding a non-anodized flashlight is absolutely no problem, especially compared to other things we are exposed to on a daily basis.

+1,000,000