How To Make A Super Bright Flashlight

Step 1: Flashlight Basics

A couple of years ago I bought a compact surefire e2 flashlight and used it for camping and other things. This is a great little flashlight, its bright and very sturdy but it cost me about ninety five bucks. But now, I am going to show you how to make a powerful flashlight for under ten dollars. I'll show you the results at the end, and you'll be surprised.

Step 2: Process

First, I picked up this little Eveready contractor industrial flashlight. Pop the batteries out. We're not going to be using these double A batteries, and it just doesn't provide enough juice.

Then unscrew the top and we're going to remove the original factory bulb and replace it with something a bit more powerful. This Krypton flashlight lamp from Radio Shack.

Step 3: Install Krypton Lamp

Go ahead and install the new Krypton lamp in the housing and put it all back together.

If you look inside, you'll see some ridges that keep the batteries tight. Well, these ridges just have to go. You can use a file, but I chose a 5/8 inch drill bit.

Step 4: Power Source

Now for the new power source. Three Duracell Ultra 123 lithium 3 volt batteries. After you remove the ridges, go ahead and install the three batteries.

Step 5: Results

Close it all up, and now look at the results.The first light on the left is the standard Eveready double A battery flashlight. The middle light is the Surefire E2 and the light on the far right is our new Eveready modified with nine volts and a new lamp. The Eveready actually performs better than the Surefire E2 that cost me $95.

And to finish it off, I hit it with some black Satin paint. Thats how to make a powerful flashlight for under $10.