Small 18650 spacer

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
1

Anyone know what I can use for a smallish (1/2” - 1 inch) spacer in a 18650 battery tube?

I am modding a light by switching out the battery tube. The new one is just a tad too long. I could get a longer driver spring, but I’d rather use a spacer for less electrcicty loss.

Any ideas? A dowel with a piece of copper somehow in the middle? HELP!

Thanks!!!

2

We had a thread about that.. cheapest is a round piece of wood with a screw in the middle.. :D

3

Maybe this will work from Fasttech

4

Here’s just what you need.

5

Some great ideas. All would work. Decisions decisions.

I wish there was some way that I could use solid copper as the actual battery connection in the spacer, but the electrical loss (resistance?) through any of these ideas should be fairly small.

Thanks!!!

6

I was thinking of a thick nylon washer with a piece of copper pin in the middle that you could pop with a hammer ......seems there are easier ways :)

7

I had some 16mm rod laying around and cut it to length for charging spacers, something similar sould work.

8

I would not use full metal spacers inside a flashlight. You cant rely on the ano being perfect. The spacer should be isolated against the wall.

9

I didn’t state the obvivious but for you I will heat shink the bloody things.

10

My post wasnt related to you, just a general comment. :)

Its usually not a problem.. like with everything potentially dangerous. Usually no problem, but when theres a problem.. well. ;D

11

And you were 100% right to do so :slight_smile:

12

dowel and 3/4” t-nut from Lowes or similar. Pics in the DST thread.

13

Actually, if the spacer is used in the tail of the light there is no need to isolate it from the body of the light whether it is anodized or not. Just don’t use it at the anode end and there are quite literally no potential issues.

14

Well, it could turn itself on. That would be an issue imo.

15

Could also turn sideways and light flickers or fails. :slight_smile:

16

If you go with this, wrap it in a layer or two of electrical tape so it cannot touch the sides of the tube. The body inner anodizing it usually quite thin, and often not complete. Also, install it on the tailcap end so if a short does occur, the worst case is the light comes on. :wink:

17

You can use solid copper, just apply heat shrink if needed, what ever you use use some DE OXIT on the contact faces, pricey but awsome US made stuff been using it years, well worth the high cost.
Best would be GOLD as it is the most corrosion resistant!!
I just use delrin rod cut to length/size then bolt rounded off.
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