Since I have an AAA/18650 flashlight now, in an emergency, can I use that AAA holder in any of my 1-18650 flashlights without harming them in any way?
For instance could I use it/try it in my Xin TD C8 or any other light, for instance an Olighti6?
I know that the AAAs won’t perform well, but is it absolutely, completely harmless to try, if I needed to?
Brad, I think you will find that the battery tube on your other 18650 lights have a smaller diameter meaning the AAA adapter with batteries wont fit.
I edited the title, won’t the adapter from that AAA/18650 flashlight, fit most all 18650 lights?
OOPs, I see what you mean, I just tried it in my Xin, and it wasn’t even close.
These lights are both new to me, as is the 18650 battery, I hadn’t fiddled with them enough to notice that the AAA/18650 was larger than needed to accommodate simply the 18650.
I should probably delete the thread since no useful information will come of it.
All's good. I thought it was a reasonable question, but there are a lot off people here who privately thank I'm a real dill.
Now I need to know how to delete the thread.
If the thread stays up, it might help for me to mention that this question was in regards to preparedness, so if there are any tips related to this kind of topic, maybe people will post them.
I have long favored the AA and AAA batteries for availability and recharging options, like cheap solar chargers and such, I don’t know that 18650s are so easy to keep charged when the power is out.
Most of those 3xAAA holders are sized more towards 26650 sized lights. AAA/1850 lights usually come with a spacer tube that allows 18650’s to be used in them.
Yeah, I put that spacer away when this light came from Wallbuys the other day, I missed what it was for since I just slapped a 18650 into it, and the springs held it for the few minutes that I handled it.
What about using the AAA adapter in a 26650 light in an emergency, is that perfectly harmless to try?
there won’t be any harm if the driver can take the voltage, the performance will just suck.
A nanjg 105c driver will take it, the cyclone c88 is such a light with a 3 AA holder, the performance aint great but it works alright.
I don’t have any 26650 lights yet but I guess they are pretty throwy in general.
In an extended emergency, many of us have AAA and AA lights with long run times and low light output, but it might be useful to have a few minutes worth of very good throw in a light, for checking out problems outside of the house.
I think that in a period of a week or two or three of sustained darkness, that going outside with a throwy light to check on noises and unusual acting people, is a deterrent of sorts, it sure can help you identify someone who is already 50 yards away and running.
If AAA eneloops can deliver that for a few minutes in a powerful light,between recharges, it is just another small asset to add to the collection.
there won’t be any harm if the driver can take the voltage, the performance will just suck.
A nanjg 105c driver will take it, the cyclone c88 is such a light with a 3 AA holder, the performance aint great but it works alright.
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Particularly with NiMH cells in it, you should be OK and not have many perfomance issues.
I said this?
I’ve looked at all the various adapters, and all the same thoughts of compatability came to mind. All the questions are valid and should be asked. It’s good to have a forum available so fit and measurement can be verified by others who have already been there and done that.
There is an ultraok light that comes with a 4aaa adaptor and can use 26650/18650 cells. I’ve verified that the holder both fits and lights up a keygos m10, I just wish I could get the holders in lots less than a thousand……for the very reason mentioned.
The ultraok is quite an impressive thrower considering its 4aaa power source and would be ideal for what you have in mind.
In general, the light has to be designed in the first place to take different type of batteries at the factory.
There may be some (few if not none) light that may allow a 18650 to be used in a light that was only designed to be used with 3AAA cartridge. Older costco 3AAA light come to mind. I remember seeing some thread about it. Search “Costco 3AAA mod”.
It involve removing the spring or cutting and fiddling.
Most of what I have seen is mag lites with battery holders, spacers and tubes to allow it to be used with hi-energy batteries so that they can run hi powered LED mods.
I don’t know if this’ll be of any help to you, but I keep cr123 and lithium AA primaries around for emergency use with my lights. Just be sure to check for voltage compatibility problems before sticking cr123’s in 18650 lights. My solarforce L2T with a 2.7v-6v driver can take two cr123’s in a pinch if needed; the others with 4.2v max drivers would probably go poof if I tried.