sometimes it gets hard to assemble mods with the switch in the tube. I would like to remove the snap ring load the switch from the top and use some other method to secure everything in place as a unit. Do any of you guys ever top load the switch? and what do you use to hold everything together so the batteries don’t just push everything back out.
One of the guys selling heatsinks also includes little connectors… maybe this would make everything easier: Sold/Expired - Multi-Sink | Candle Power Flashlight Forum
I sometimes use setscrews, at an angle, through the heatsink and into the head.
I almost never use the snap ring. Most often I solder the wires from the switch to the light engine and load it all from the top. Then just use the factory set screw to hold the switch in place. As far as I know I've never had the screw slip or move from the pressure of the cells/spring below.
Does the switch still operate the same way? No sticking or binding with the spring pressure applied to it.
Me too. This plus a tight tolerance and heat sink compound on the heat sink. Never had one move.
Nope, its rock solid. As long as the set screw is snugged down well everything operates perfectly as normal.
The set screw will hold the switch in place. I hardly ever do one without the snap ring. I just end up with wires a little longer, by leaving the switch in, but that's never been a problem. One time I did put it all in from the top and I was even using a different switch in the switch housing, so I wasn't using a set screw. That time I just used 2 part epoxy to hold the switch housing in place.