In the video below you’ll learn how to mod a Streamlight Microstream USB so that the pocket clip controls the light. The light will stay off as long as the pocket clip is clipped and turn on as soon as it is unclipped! I’ve been carrying a flashlight in this configuration for about a year now (and have given a few of these lights to other people as well) and this mod works great.
It’d be really cool if flashlight manufacturers would make a purpose-built clip switched flashlight, so please show your interest. If you can think of any other flashlights this mod would work well with please comment below.
WARNING: Do not use a clip switched flashlight around flammable liquids or in a combustible environment as there is potential for a small spark in this configuration.
Check out my YouTube channel for more informational videos about ClipSwitch flashlights ClipSwitch Youtube Playlist
Note: The Streamlight Microstream USB is a nice little two mode flashlight and the tint is not blue like it shows up in the video (it’s actually more towards neutral, probably 5500 to 6000k if I had to guess).
That’s an interesting mod. Thanks for sharing such detailed instructions.
I assume the tail cap switch still works for lockout and mode changing. I think the main disadvantage is being unable to remove the cell, but if the coating on the threads was tough enough or you use a light with a removable thread that wouldn’t be a problem.
Yeah, unfortunately the Microstream USBs don’t have a removable head. You could get away with not gluing the tail cap (my first prototype was that way). The problem is that probably 1/4 of the people I show it to immediately try to unscrew the tail cap and the anodizing (type II) on the threads just won’t stay electrically isolated after repeated use.
Also, I haven’t found anything to isolate the threads as well as anodizing plus a thin layer of clear nail polish for an added barrier. Liquid Electrical tape (similar to plastidip) works but it goes on pretty thick (difficult to thread the tailcap on). Insulating varnish tends to peel off due to the sharp threads.
