Lighted Key Head Conversion to LED

[MConn]

Nice thread, thanks for the great ideas.
I cut a piece of vacuum hose, and stacked 2 - 1025 batteries inside the hose for 6 volts. The light seemed brighter than using 1 battery.



Mike

[Joe Bob]

Must be the cheapass China made batteries I have been using......they don't last long. Couple of months max.

[timmy2]

Must be the cheapass China made batteries I have been using......they don't last long. Couple of months max.

How often are you using it?

[Bill Douglas]

Whatever batteries everyone is using; they will certainly last longer with the led bulb.

[Joe Bob]

Maybe once a week...IF that. I'm a cheap bastard and refuse to pay 5 bucks a piece at the local camera store or drug store. I have two converted key heads and the spare one I never use went dead without any use.

I just use the lithium flash and laser on my .357 when it's real dark.

I used to send out freebie batteries and LEDs with graphics orders. I picked up a big lot from a wholesaler that went out of business.

I haven't heard back from anyone on longevity. I just said screw it......not worth the hassle......good idea. Could be the power source is not the best. Parasitic draw, crappy batteries, whatever.....

Be nice if someone other than me had feedback on how long the batteries lasted.

[timmy2]

Lol, my iPhone is
My weapon of choice when finding my car.


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[timmy2]

Lol, my iPhone is
My weapon of choice when finding my car.


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[triplenet]

Thanks for the instructions!
Just did it and works well.
I found a step drill perfectly enlarged the 3/8" ID to fit the battery.

[bugstrider]

Glad it has helped.... There has been some good refinement of the original plan in this thread.

Strong work everyone!!!!

Cheers

[TwoTarga]

Ok, all these ideas are terrific... but in the interest of over-optimizing in a completely unnecessary fashion, here is your $2 LED conversion solution:

Step 1: Buy the Rayovac LED Flashlight shown here ($2 at Walmart)


Step 2: Open up the LED Flashlight


Step 3: Remove the Guts


Step 4: Bend the LED leads as shown, and load the 2 batteries (stacked in series). I also cut a bit of plastic to serve as a spacer around the batteries.


Step 5: Snip the flat metal leaf just beyond the hole, and assemble to the LED lead as shown.


Step 6: Stack the silver flashlight button under your black key head button, stack the buttons on top of the metal leaf, thus trapping the leaf between the button and battery. CAUTION: Ensure that the leaf doesn't touch the other LED lead!!


Step 7: Snap back together and enjoy the lighted glory!

[glennspiegler]

Mine is missing the little spring, anyone have an extra?

[bugstrider]

That is a tough one. Not sure unless you have a non-working mini mag light you could pilfer the small spring from.

I know that you can buy just the head portion to these keys, utilizing your original cut portion.

Not much help but good luck.


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[heimtun]

Rayovak parts - cool!

[87m491]

Trim one from a ball point pen, BTDT...

Originally Posted by glennspiegler

Mine is missing the little spring, anyone have an extra?

[llangston1]

Where in Walmart did you find that flashlight?

[JosephA]

I've got to try this

[JosephA]

I failed.....fat fingers keep getting in the way
Back to the old bulb that works ok, & I phone / green lazer on my Rugger as back up

[bugstrider]

JoeshA,

PM sent

Trev

[universeman]

FYI all - I bought one of these, yes it was $37 but it's perfect.
Porsche 911 964 993 LED Lighted Key Head New Genuine Great Gift | eBay

[Slanski62]

For some reason, I can't get this to work. Is there a minimum voltage the LEDs require?

Steve