jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I have a bunch of flashlights like the ones shown below, and they're great - sometimes. They can be set for very bright, bright, and flashing. The lens can be adjusted to narrow or wide beam. There's just one problem: they don't always work. I've experimented with them, and I can't isolate the problem. They use one AA battery, with a push-button switch at one end, and an LED assembly at the other. The light could work perfectly and fail ten seconds later. Then it will decide to work again. I've swapped parts on both ends - switch and light - but the results have been inconsistent. Whatever part is malfunctioning, it fails and then regenerates. If I'm going somewhere requiring a light, I bring three of them. Amazon has identical lights with various brand names on them. I also have colored flashlights that use three AAA batteries, and they have the same problem. When I press the button on a light, and it doesn't turn on, I leave it where I can see it when it decides to light up so I can turn it off.

I haven't kept track to see if some lights always work, so I can't say. I realize I could buy a $50 flashlight, but would that be any more reliable? It still has a switch and an LED assembly. Spending $50 for a flashlight is not on my To-Do list. The set below costs $10, but there are several combinations for different prices.

If you have any suggestions, I'd be glad to hear them.

Ollieboy

They work. They're leaps and bounds above what was around 15 years ago. I've tossed out all my older flashlights. The same issue of battery leakage is still there though.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

GO to Harbor Freight, get a 9LED 3 AAA battery, light put it in your pocket, then you have a light when you need it, my main light to carry now, inexpensive, small, light weight, and WORKS! Bob.
BTW , They also have larger ones that work well too.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Thanks. I'll take a look.

Which one? One thing I've learned about lumens, and almost every other spec, is that you can't believe the claims. Look at the 'Torque Test Channel' on YouTube. He's tested small flashlights.

https://www.harborfreight.com/lighting/flashlights.html

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

I don't know about the lumens, bright enough for me, they actually used to give them away free a couple times a year, same thing sold by others in colors too, very handy, I have bigger and better flashlights, both from HF and others, my best came from Sportsman's Guide, multi level and flashing, quite bright, but I almost always carry that small light, old habit from the Navy, don't want to be in the dark !

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I think you got lucky. I have loads of those 'AAA' colored flashlights, and they're worse than the black 'A' flashlights

EdJ0307 Loc: out west someplace

I have several of the small LED flashlights that use three AAA batteries. A lot of the times when I turn them on they won't - turn on that is. I found a lot of the times I can tap the flashlight against something and they will work. Or unscrew the cap a little then screw it back on. Must be bad contacts in the cheap lights - maybe.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Right. Just like on TV - give it a good whack!

The problem with the colored ones seems to be the switch. Swapping it will get the light to turn on. The red one wouldn't turn on. After messing around with the switch, it turns on.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

I have a couple of the “amazing” LED flashlights. One seems pretty reliable and “does what’s told.” The other has a mind of its own. Want it to go from steady to flashing? Just wait, it will happen without being actually switched. Or maybe turn itself off. I mark it off to you get what you pay for. My other couple small micro mag lights simply work. Their only weakness being the tiny bulb.

tomad Loc: North Carolina

Jerry, I bought 10 of these and keep one in every room of the house plus one in the car and one in my pocket at all times. They all work and have for a couple of months. Delivery is slow as they come from China...

(Download)

Dannj

I get e-mails every day offering the type of lights shown for free, just pay s&h of $7.95.
I figure they’ve got a profit built in there somewhere so the lights can’t be worth much.

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

When these lights stop shining smack them against your hand a couple of times and they will come back on. Why they keep going off is the 64 thousand dollar question.

Grump's Photos Loc: Dunedin FL

I bought a LED flashlight 9 years ago from Fenix, and haven’t had a bit of trouble with it. The model that I have, PD22UE, is no longer available, but there’s gotta be a replacement available. It uses a CR123 battery, or a 16340 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is what I use. It has 4 levels of brightness plus a strobe function should you ever need it. It’s my every day carry flashlight, and has been since I bought it. Well built, tough, and small enough to fit comfortably in my pocket. Check out Fenix……..pricy, but well worth it!
Andy

JoeBiker Loc: homebase: Houston, TX

Quite often, with those pen lights (whether they are cheap or expensive), I find that the problem is oxidation on the threads of the screw-on cap. Unscrewing and re-screwing the cap a few times usually fixes it.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Do you have a link?

Similar on Amazon - same brand name.

https://www.amazon.com/pocketman-flashlight/s?k=pocketman+flashlight