Help me stiffen up FW1A Pro e-switch button

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
1

I love this little light, aside from the switch. Every time I put it in my pocket, I turn it on.
Yesterday I had it in a man purse/flashlight bag, and opened it before leaving work and the light was on about 50%! I don’t know for how long, but it was hot. I put the battery on the charger when I got home and it was around 3.6v.

I’d like to make the switch harder to actuate. I’ve read of people using orings etc under e-switches to stiffen them up.

I’ve read that the tailcaps on these are glued on. I was able to take mine off with a fresh set of nitrile gloves and a bit of strength, so no issue there.

ETA: It has a metal button.
I didn’t see an obvious retaining ring in the tailcap for the switch. There was a very thin black thing, that I am assuming is a low profile retaining ring? It has 2 notches, on opposing sides.
I prodded it a little with a pokey tool, but didn’t want to mess it up, so I put it back together and figured I’d ask here before destroying it.

Any advice on how to get the switch out so I can get it stiffened up?
Tool recommendations?
Is an oring the best option?
Any specific size recommendations?

TIA

2

Yes, don’t forget to remove the nub.

I use either.
8.5OD 2mm thick
Or
9OD 1.5mm thick

Some FWs need the 2mm thick and some need the 1.5mm thick.

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3

Awesome. Thanks.
Any advice on removing the retaining ring? It looks pretty svelte and I am worried I may thrash it if I use the wrong tool.

4

Yes, that’s the retaining ring

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5

I used lock ring pliers before I had Lumintop’s retaining ring tool:

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6

Oh that’s awesome. Thanks. I’m never hesitant to buy a new tool.
I do have several different types of lock ring pliers, and I will gently give it a shot. Either way, I’m buying that tool right now.

ETA: Looks like it is OOS, but nealsgadgets has it. Looks like I need to build up a small cart :slight_smile:

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7

I don’t know for sure if the FW1A Pro is very different from the FW3A, but I had the same problem and evaded it according to this LINK.
I left the switch itself alone and made sure it can’t be pressed by accident.

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8

I like to use my digital calipers. The pointed ends of the side used for inside measurements.

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9

Good idea. I have an old set of calipers I can try.

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10

They were under $3 on Neals…so i bought 2…and a flashlight…:slight_smile:

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11

So, the retaining ring was looser than I expected. I was easily able to loosen it using the back of my calipers.

I went through some old orings and found an 8.5x2mm silicone oring. Score!

I had my cutters ready to snip the nub, but it just came off. I didn’t realize it was a separate plastic nub. Handy.

Got it all put back together.

Double check everything functions, including turbo. All checks out.

Button feels perfect now.

I’m glad I asked before hamming something up.

Thanks for all your help guys.

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