mag- lites

[Elijah Gunn]

OK, Am I the only one this happens to? My problem is this. When my mag-lites were new they shone very bright. When the bulb burnt out it was replaced with a new krypton bulb, but it does not seem to shine quite as brightly as it did before. Anyone know if there are any special tune up techniques to get them to shine as brightly as they used to? Thanks in advance.

[Graybeard]

I think I'm listed in Guiness as owning more Mag-lites than anyone else in the world. If not I should be but since I'm worried about my #1 status I'm working up an order for several more. 

No I guess I honestly can't say I've had that problem. What I'm doing now tho is slowly converting all my C and D cell flashlights to LEDs. The dang bulb costs almost as much as the flashlight does but they last pretty much forever and are quite bright enough to suit me. Another added advantage is batteries also last seemingly forever.

I've not found a conversion for the AA lights or even new ones with it yet tho I swear I saw them somewhere but can't find them anymore. I'm gonna pick up a new 3 C cell and an LED bulb for it and probably another 4 D cell one with LED as well. I only have one C cell and a 6 D Cell big light without the LEDs now. They don't offer them for the big 6 D Cell light I keep in my Toyota Sequoia.

I long ago lost count of the number of 2 AA lights I have and even have some of the smaller AAA size.

[Empty Quiver]

Did you match the bulb to the light? I know they sell 2,3,4, cell lamps. if you put a 4 cell lamp in a 2 cell light that would explain your problem. Absolutely the best thing you can do is get the LED upgrade, the bulb life and battery life will soon pay for it. Rest assured the Maglite LED is as bright as the incandecent.

[Elijah Gunn]

I only own 3 mag-lites so I think I won't be replacing you in the Guiness. The one I'm having the problem with is the 2 D-cell. I'm pretty sure I got the correct bulb type. Sometimes with the light on ,if you press the switch a little bit, the light will get brighter.
 I also have the 2 AA mini-mag. It is on my person almost all the time in a belt pouch with my Leatherman. It's like they are a part of me now , and I don't feel fully dressed till they are at my side.
I got the LED for the mini-mag and I can't remember the last time I changed the batteries. At the least it's been several months of daily use. The only downside to the LED is you do give up some brightness.

[Graybeard]

So I was right I did see an LED conversion for all my AA Mini Mags then. I thought so but for the life of me I can't figure where but if I find it again I'll sure stock up on them.

Midsouth Shooter's Supply is where I buy my mag lights and bulbs. They have the correct bulbs to stick with the type you have or the LED replacements as well if that's what you want. I'd get the LED if I were you and have or will soon have them for all my larger ones except the 6 D cell light that so far I've not seen an LED bulb for. I sure would like to find one tho to make all those batteries last longer.

[Drilling Man]

So I was right I did see an LED conversion for all my AA Mini Mags then. I thought so but for the life of me I can't figure where but if I find it again I'll sure stock up on them.

Midsouth Shooter's Supply is where I buy my mag lights and bulbs. They have the correct bulbs to stick with the type you have or the LED replacements as well if that's what you want. I'd get the LED if I were you and have or will soon have them for all my larger ones except the 6 D cell light that so far I've not seen an LED bulb for. I sure would like to find one tho to make all those batteries last longer.

  Hey Bill,

  You really ought to have electricity hooked up to your house so you won't need to many mag-lites!!  lol

  Anyway, i was at wallyworld looking for bulbs for my AA mag-lite...  All they had for them was the LED's, and the price of those scared me away...  lol  I really don't go through many batts, so i'm not sure i want to go LED just yet?

  My brother bought two LED nightlites and gave them to me.  (they only come on in the dark) I plugged them in, and within a year, the bulbs were dead in both of them...     I'm not too impressed with that service life!

  DM

[Graybeard]

I actually do have electricity hooked up to my house but it is very undependable and goes off regularly. In fact today when I came into the computer room both my computers were shut down and why I have no clue as I have them both hooked to a UPS. No clue what happened but guess the power must have gone off while I was napping.


There is hardly ever a week it doesn't go off anywhere from a moment or two to a hour or more happens day and night. I also used to go outside in the dark a lot and use them. I do like having flashlights ready to go when needed.

[Drilling Man]

  Looks like all across the country folks are getting there @$$ kicked with snow, just like WE are...  But, i still have power..   

  DM

[old03]

I actually do have electricity hooked up to my house but it is very undependable and goes off regularly. In fact today when I came into the computer room both my computers were shut down and why I have no clue as I have them both hooked to a UPS. No clue what happened but guess the power must have gone off while I was napping.


There is hardly ever a week it doesn't go off anywhere from a moment or two to a hour or more happens day and night. I also used to go outside in the dark a lot and use them. I do like having flashlights ready to go when needed.

Here you go...they also sell these at Wal-Mart if you can stand to shop there.

http://www.gemplers.com/product/134813/AA-Replacement-LED

[darrell8937]

I have a work issue minni mag.. Batteries free,, Bulbs free. Quick draw holster, free. My only complaint. is.. it is always on.. I can feel the heat from the light on my sexy lovehandles.. The roating switch just roates just too easy..I am always signaling low flying air craft! I just can't believe the price on the LED bulbs. I have bought a few led lights but they all have dissapered!

[gypsyman]

Elijah Gunn, might try stretching the spring alittle bit. Under the batteries. Also, clean the contacts. Rubbing alcohol, wet/dry sandpaper, maybe a fingernail file. gypsyman

[cwlongshot]

I still have a couple but for the most part switched over to the cheapo surefire lites.
First off, they are WAY brighter, they are smaller, lighter and fit better in glove boxes and pockets. Making them easier to have when you need them. The one drawback is the cost of batteries. BUT that's remedied by buying from surefire in bulk. I buy 24 bats at a time for a bit over a buck a piece. That beats the 8 bucks Home Depot gets for two Duracell's!!!

CW