Flashlights mods typically use the ....-Switch as a master click on/click off switch or replace it with a nice $2 or $3 switch. Then another $1 to $2 momentary switch is mounted up front. An LED is usually installed to tell the user he forgot and left the power on or voltage is too low to produce any vapor (duh).
I have been using the click on/click off .... switch that is already in the cheap flashlights as a Free momentary vape switch. Having only one switch isn't 'that' unsafe IMO because it takes about a pound of force to actuate, and you can't 'forget' and leave it on. The little momentary switches (with the pretty red buttons) only take about 3 to 4 ounces to actuate.
Another 'Safety' advantage, again IMO, is the Free ....-Switch will 'Blowout' the back of the flashlight pretty darn easily. Vent holes can also be added. If the front of the flashlight is strongly constructed, then battery failure won't blow an atty down your throat.
Starting from the upper left of the attached photo you see two side contacts that have been bent upwards right about through the holes.
Below that the two 'ballpointpen' plastic pieces. I cut the side 'nubs' off the smaller piece to eliminate the ballpointpen 'click'.
To the right, the switch cover 'side blocks' have been trimmed at an angle toward the cushion/travel limit made from a 808D-1 cap. This helps to form the side contacts and prevent overtravel of the center button. The pen parts have also been drilled to accept the thumbtack on the right sideof the photo and is a 'comfort button' if installed correctly. A little epoxy holds the thumbtack. The switch spring has been cut to about 6 to 7 coils and stretched a little. The second photo shows the assembled (need to straighten it up before the glue sets) with a couple of small vent holes drilled in the switch holder. As you can see, even though the whole assembly is taken out of the flashlight toward the front, the switch actually moves out in a rearward direction.
I have used this switch mod for almost a year on several flashlights and am very satisfied.
Rocket
I have been using the click on/click off .... switch that is already in the cheap flashlights as a Free momentary vape switch. Having only one switch isn't 'that' unsafe IMO because it takes about a pound of force to actuate, and you can't 'forget' and leave it on. The little momentary switches (with the pretty red buttons) only take about 3 to 4 ounces to actuate.
Another 'Safety' advantage, again IMO, is the Free ....-Switch will 'Blowout' the back of the flashlight pretty darn easily. Vent holes can also be added. If the front of the flashlight is strongly constructed, then battery failure won't blow an atty down your throat.
Starting from the upper left of the attached photo you see two side contacts that have been bent upwards right about through the holes.
Below that the two 'ballpointpen' plastic pieces. I cut the side 'nubs' off the smaller piece to eliminate the ballpointpen 'click'.
To the right, the switch cover 'side blocks' have been trimmed at an angle toward the cushion/travel limit made from a 808D-1 cap. This helps to form the side contacts and prevent overtravel of the center button. The pen parts have also been drilled to accept the thumbtack on the right sideof the photo and is a 'comfort button' if installed correctly. A little epoxy holds the thumbtack. The switch spring has been cut to about 6 to 7 coils and stretched a little. The second photo shows the assembled (need to straighten it up before the glue sets) with a couple of small vent holes drilled in the switch holder. As you can see, even though the whole assembly is taken out of the flashlight toward the front, the switch actually moves out in a rearward direction.
I have used this switch mod for almost a year on several flashlights and am very satisfied.
Rocket
Last edited:
