How To Fix A LED Flashlight: Easy Solutions

A flashlight is one of the essential elements of any toolbox, emergency kit, or regular kitchen drawer, so knowing how to fix LED flashlights is necessary. LED flashlights are especially crucial in your arsenal of prepper gear because, as you may already know, they are brighter and more powerful. An LED or light-emitting diode is a device that emits light when an electrical current flows through it. This means it uses up less energy and has a stronger light, so you can rely on it while moving around in the dark for long periods. However, when your trusty flashlight is suddenly no longer functioning, what will you do? There are several common problems, which we have rounded up to show you how to fix an LED flashlight.

The Parts of an LED Flashlight

Before you learn how to fix a broken LED flashlight, you will need to learn the main parts of a regular LED flashlight. Here is a quick guide if you are not yet familiar with the names.

The case is what houses the entire flashlight. The head of the flashlight is where the lamp and LED are located. The tail part has the tail cap and, normally, the power button, which is pushed to turn the light on and off. The power button or switch may also be located just below the head of the flashlight. The batteries are in the battery compartment, which is between the head and the tail. The contact plates inside the compartment connect to the battery charges. The o-rings are the rings in the tail and head, usually silver in color.

Make a Diagnosis

Now that you are more acquainted with the parts of your device, you will need to pinpoint the exact problem you are having with your LED flashlight. Is it shining dimly? Is the light flickering? Maybe it merely will not turn on.

When you are experiencing issues with your LED flashlight, your first instinct may be to check the batteries. A weak light or a flashlight that will not turn on could mean the battery needs to be examined. Take a look to find if there is still enough charge in the battery. Make sure to inspect the batteries for any leaks as well. Dispose of the batteries properly if you find leaks. Leakage happens when a battery is left in for too long, and your flashlight isn’t being used.

If you have replaced the batteries and still have issues, check for dirt, which is something you should be doing as part of your regular device maintenance. Dirt and grime can make it difficult for the electrical current to flow through the device seamlessly. This can result in a flickering light, which is not ideal when you want a steady, reliable stream of light. Areas that are prone to dirt are the insides of the head and tail of your flashlight.

You can also consider the problem lies in your LED flashlight’s button, or there is an issue with a loose o-ring or a jammed contact plate. These problems will require disassembly, so read on to learn how to clean an LED flashlight and how to fix an LED flashlight’s power button and o-ring.

Things You Will Need

Once you have determined what needs fixing, you will need to gather some items. This will depend on the problem you are trying to solve. These are items you should already have at your disposal if you are prepared and responsible.

You will need: 

• Q-tips or cotton swabs
• Rubbing alcohol
• A pencil eraser
• Lemon juice or vinegar
• A flat head screwdriver

It is best to conduct your repairs on a clean, dry surface with good lighting. You do not want any parts sliding off your workspace or getting dirty, or worse, wet.

Solutions to Try

The time after an emergency has occurred is vital. Once you have secured the safety and well-being of you and your loved ones, you should immediately take stock of your situation.

First, ascertain whether you or any of your loved ones need immediate medical attention. If that is the case, make sure that you receive medical care as soon as possible.

Next, asses your property and your belongings, if possible. If the situation has caused you to evacuate, try to coordinate with local emergency responders to get updates on your area.

Finally, try and calculate how long it will take before you can begin restoring your situation to normalcy. For emergencies such as loss of power or water supply, these events might be out of your control. For more localized emergencies such as a fire or earthquake, it will be easier for you to move as a private individual.