New flashlight modder (hopefully), needing some general advice!

I have many mechanical and electrical (residential/commercial/underground) tools but i would like to have the specialized stuff for electronics.

What are the tools flashlight modders need or “nice to haves”?

What size reamers do you use for small flashlights parts?

Is it possible to build a light as tough as an elzetta with parts from mtn elec. or should i buy tougher components and where to find them?

Here's some tools that you should add in your toolbox:

  • 50W+ Soldering Iron - with temperature regulation if possible
  • Medium and fine soldering tips
  • A good set of tweezers
  • Snap ring pliers
  • Helping hands with magnifying glass
  • Crocodile clips
  • A hot air station if you are into SMDs
  • Multimeter / Clampmeter

The list can go on, depending on your budget and the passion for modding.

That’s a great list B10! I can only add a really good set of wire cutters, very short, strong jaws. Basically, you should not buy cutters that cost less than about $25.

If you have that, you will know when you need more specialized tools.

The elzetta brand are a very strong design, no doubt of that. The hosts from Mtn Elec are generally convoy bodies, correct? I have a S2+ I purchased from RMM there, but haven’t quite finished the build.
If you want American-made quality, well, there are a few choices. You can task a local machine shop to make you some custom hosts. If you are looking for things that follow an industry standard, then I’d have a look at Fivemega. He’s in California, and not exactly sure if he posts here, as he mostly works over on CPF.
Fivemega overview;

Also, Bugsy (also on CPF) sells surefire 6P hosts that he’s bored out to accept 18650 batteries. I have one of his offerings, they work quite well.
Bugsy hosts

Thanks so much!

Medium and fine soldering tips
Helping hands with magnifying glass
A hot air station if you are into SMDs

Sources for qaulity tools such as this? I have the rest, would also like a good spot welder.

Yes MTN ELEC is convoy, i will have to get a tougher host thats for sure. So Fivemega is it for durable electrical components? Are there any brands that are known for longevity?

I just don’t want to put together a light where everything is permanant then have anything fail lol!

I know it might be overkill but this is what i like lol!

All of the Chinese online shops should have these tools.
Save yourself some bucks and try to purchase budget priced tools that have good reviews - you won’t need to go full throttle on tool quality for hobby use.

I would also suggest you to get bench power supply - if you don’t already have one.
It will come in handy very often.

Cant agree this. I know knipex quality, but for small tools I would prefer Pro`sKit as best price/quality ratio. For example, I have been used PK-25P-E cutters for near 5 years and they were always able to cut even most thin wires (until met something too strong). They cost under $10.

Thank you and i agree if i can buy tools that will work just fine for a better price then i will as it is for hobby only. Bench power supply is one of the other things im wanting to build lol, just gotta get my electronics skills where i want them first, so i’ll know exactly what i want out of it. I’ve realized if you don’t know what you want then you can spend alot of money and still not get it right.

Yes, gotta take price/quality into consideration no doubt! But no reason to quibble over cutters here. I’ve got plenty of small pliers that can cut piano wires and nails!!!

Actually I’m looking for wire cutters and strippers.

I can’t find 1PK-25P-E under $16…
Or rather I can, but not shipped worldwide. And not locally, they don’t seem to be available in my country at all. :confused:

I will have similar plans (including emitter reflowing), so I subscribe here for additional good advices.

This thread will be mostly usefull for US members. EU import limits (for companies) restrict product assortiment and raise prices on local markets. Im almost sure that you can find knipex dealer in your country, but wont find many Taiwan brands.
However, I think this is not far away from you:
http://proskit-bg.eu/en/pliers/cutters/heavy-duty-cutting-plier-wconductive-handle-1pk5101e.html

Gray,
FM is a manufacturer/ modder for flashlight bodies. He makes some interesting things, but no electronics.
~D

Aahhh, gotcha! Still good to know :+1:

Lindstrom cutters or Erem 2422e- for those who like the expensive cutters!

Klien 11057- work great for me stripping small wires

Ideal Stripmasters are my favorite but you gotta have enough room for the stripping action to take place and they $50

Hakko is prolly best budget brand cutters IMO

Calling DrafterDan!!!

I’m curious about the thicker bodied flashlights being bored to accept the 18650’s.

Do you have a link or remember any articles that test the strength lost by thinning the walls?

I’m sure it’s still plenty strong but i find such things highly interesting! Thanks!

Anyone have a spot welder they would recommend?

For battery builds?
or general sheetmetal repair?

Lol, guess i should have specified.
Yes, battery builds!

LED reflow also works great on a small temp regulated hotplate

Or just a plate of aluminum that provides enough thermal mass so the heat up and cool down follows close to the temperature profilen that is recommended from datasheet,
you can heat it with gas torch or hot air gun

IR thermometer is also good for reflow temperature check