3 Ways to Repurpose an LED Flashlight - By: Tom C. Huntington

Young innovators are finding new ways to use old technology. For instance, Nicholas Brenn, a freshman at New York's Union College, was recently featured on a CNN show because he invented a kit to create an LED flashlight in an Altoids mini tin. Brenn's company, NGB Enterprises, has sold hundreds of LED flashlight kits containing a battery, a switch, wire and an LED bulb. This unusual invention made us wonder what crafts could be created with LED flashlight bulbs. Read on to discover what we came up with.

Project for the Mechanical Savant: Turning an LED Flashlight into a Laser Pointer

Several sites describe this LED flashlight hack in detail, so we'll just cover the basics here. First, gather your tools: a mini LED flashlight, a DVD burner that you don't mind destroying, and miniature tools, such as jewelers' screwdrivers. Begin by taking the laser diode out of the DVD burner. Second, it may be necessary to install the diode in a special case, according to the LED flashlight you intend to use. (MiniMag lights have been found to work well in this project.) You may need to do a little soldering to connect the flashlight's electrical system to the laser diode. Last, slide the laser diode into the case for the LED flashlight.

Project for the Interior Designer: Turning LED flashlights into Lamps

This hack is considerably easier, although it requires some patience and finagling. To turn an LED flashlight into a reading lamp, you will need a lampshade, some kind of base, an LED flashlight and a circular mirror that will fit into the lampshade's hole. Check out your local charity resale store for some funky, inexpensive materials.

Be creative as you put together your LED flashlight lamp. Figure out how to suspend the lampshade on the LED flashlight. You'll also need to attach the flashlight to your base. (Duct tape is incredible for these purposes, and it may be painted over once you're done.) If you don't mind a smaller lamp, you may be able to balance the LED flashlight without adding a base. Finally, affix the mirror to top of the lampshade so that it redirects the flashlight's beam downward. Don't worry about starting a fire; LED bulbs are unique in that they operate without emitting heat.

Project for Pet Lovers: Collar-Mounted Safety Light

Safety lights aren't just for cyclists and pedestrians. If you're worried about your pet being hit on a late-night walk, create a collar light with an LED flashlight. The hardest part of this project is figuring out how to attach the torch to the pet collar. We suggest utilizing a strip of Velcro or a strong rubber band to firmly attach a strong binder clip to the flashlight. (Hot glue or super glue will also work, but remember that you can't undo glue.) Once your LED flashlight is secured to the clip, simply attach the clip your pet's collar and you're done! For those who use the retractable style of dog leashes, it may be easier to simply glue a mini LED flashlight onto the top of the handle.

If you have extra LED flashlights lying around the house, why not get creative and construct one of the projects listed above?

About the Author

Looking for more tips on fun LED flashlight uses? Visit http://www.CoastPortland.com, the website for COAST Products, and find a variety of fun and creative ideas for using your LED light products.

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