I saw this posted to http://www.digg.com and thought the folks here would be interested. I'm making one as soon as I can get to the store this weekend.

http://lifehacker.com/software/diy/mod-a-5-flashlight-into-a-95-light-261114.php

I would worry that it could melt and start a fire.

Exactly. I had that problem when made an ultrapowerful diving torch out of PVC, 60W halogen lamp, and 14V electric screwdriver battery. It was Ok with a simple aluminum lamp housing underwater. But the first surface use melted the PVC severely in just 5 minutes.

you can actually buy a xenon CR123 flashlight, for less than 10 bucks shipped. Not the highest quality though...

Anyone have a good source of batteries? He shows 3 CR123s for $4 which I can't believe is anything short of a 5 finger discount.

I bought the Eveready and another similar one (Husky) for $4 each at Home Depot tonight. BOTH came with Krypton lamps already, so you don't need to get the RadioShack bulbs I don't think. Now I just have to get batteries and I refuse to pay $10 at target or even $8 at staples for a 2 pack. 3 for $4... that's my goal.

Have you discovered Dealextreme.com yet? If you like LED flashlights and don't want to part with any more money on gadgets, then by all means DO NOT go to this website! I bought 4 rechargeable Lithium Ion 123 batteries and the charger for what I would normally pay for the throw away batteries alone. One caveat, they are unregulated and throw out 4.2 volts when freshly charged which could be a problem depending on the flashlight. Oh yeah, they are in Hong Kong so don't expect quick shipping, the plus side? Much of their stuff is shipped for free!!

http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.151

Many of the flashaholic crowd buy their CR123a lithium batteries from Amondo Tech. They sell three Titanium brand for $3. Titanium is probably unfamiliar to most people, but like I said, many of the flasholics use them and they work fine. But I agree, buying CR123a's at the drug store is highway robbery.



Note that bulbs are made to run on certain voltages and amps. The bulbs in the Home Depot lights you bought were made for what, two cell lights? They would instantly burn out if you tried running them on 9V from 3xCR123a's. Notice that the video suggests using a 6-cell Mag bulb (that's 6 x 1.5V alkalines = 9V). So if you wanted to try this modification yourself, you definitely would need to buy a proper bulb.

Go here for CR123 batteries. Don't expect (it might happen but don't count on it) fast shipping. But you can't beat the price for quality lithium cells.

The company primarily caters to military and police, but sales are open to the public.

http://botac.com/batteries.html

Be aware that the reflector or housing may melt during any prolonged use, it's not designed for that kind of heat.

For another $10 you can get a Brinkmann Maxfire at walmart and get surefire like results (can't distinguish the beam from my 6P) and it'll last a lot longer.

You can only do that at [url=www.surefire.com]Surefire[/url] or [url=www.batterystation.com]Battery Station[/url] or some place similar. Buying from them by the dozen will work out to about $1.25 ea. last time I bought from them. You will need them in quantity because run time will be about an hour per set unless you are running LEDs.

edit

I've switched to the Fenix Lx series. Their new L2D with a Cree LED will give you Surefire light & run time from a pair of AA.