Flashlight without a spring.

Buzzing_Bulb · 2018-07-17T14:20:38.000Z

Hello

Today I removed the spring on the driver side of an Astrolux s42, so it could fit a protected keeppower 18350.

The battery fits perfectly now.

I do have to scratch this itch in the back of my mind that wants some reassurance.

It does not matter for safety right? I mean the spring is just there to keep the battery from making a disconnect to the board.

Right?

Edit: so be clear, right now the button top is directly touching the driverboard.
There is no spring between them.

Agro · 2018-07-17T14:28:48.000Z

Some people have reservations about battery behaviour in case your drop your light.
But such arrangement is used in stock lights from DQG and customs ones from Moodular, Peak and others.
I’m yet to hear about a safety incident.

djozz · 2018-07-17T14:33:23.000Z

I have many flashlights with just a brass button on the driver instead of a spring. For safety it does not matter much I guess, the only downside could be that if the flashlight falls on a hard surface head-down, the battery crashes into the driver so that battery or driver could deform/break. I have not heard that actually happen as yet (someone else maybe?) and a 18350 is more lightweight than a 18650 cell.

Buzzing_Bulb · 2018-07-17T15:28:40.000Z

That is great to hear / read thanks!

While removing the solder I did scratch some blue paint off of the driver.
Is there something arround the house that can cover that uncovered spot?

I don’t think it matters much but it is more for the esthetics.

Edit: Guess a sharpie was all I needed

goshdogit · 2018-07-17T16:57:05.000Z

If your scratch exposed a copper trace, you should probably protect it with something other than Sharpie.

Perhaps a couple coats of nail polish or a thin coat of quick-set epoxy?

ZozzV6 · 2018-07-17T17:08:08.000Z

I have a bent positive pole on a 18650. Dropped a light what has solid positive contact.

Enderman · 2018-07-17T17:29:18.000Z

The springs are there to accommodate different lengths of battery, and prevent the light from flickering or changing modes from vibrations/drops.
The amount of protection they offer is very little since lithium cells are light and won’t cause damage or get damaged from a regular drop.

As long as your cell fits and makes good contact, there’s no problem.
Worst case scenario your flashlight changes modes if you shake or drop it due to power disconnecting and reconnecting.

Buzzing_Bulb · 2018-07-17T17:35:45.000Z

djozz:

I have many flashlights with just a brass button on the driver instead of a spring. For safety it does not matter much I guess, the only downside could be that if the flashlight falls on a hard surface head-down, the battery crashes into the driver so that battery or driver could deform/break. I have not heard that actually happen as yet (someone else maybe?) and a 18350 is more lightweight than a 18650 cell.

The brass button is a great idea!

I needed to try it because the S42 would lock out when on turbo, after I removed the spring.

I used the left over spring to roll it into a spiral.
Hammered it flat and soldered it and there is no lock out on turbo anymore!