I recall some discussion(s) about LED lights that snap onto 9V batteries but for some reason my searches did not seem to find it.

Being diligent about replacing all 9 smoke detector batteries every 6 months has left me with MANY 9V batteries that test (with load) at 100%.

I would like to get some snap on flashlights for my use as well as gifts to make use of these perfectly good batteries.

The Pak-Lite looks good but I only see them sold with batteries. I don't need the batteries!!!

Does anyone know of a source to purchase 9V snap on flashlights in bulk, say packages of 10, without batteries?

All input is most appreciated.

Craig T.

There's an eBay listing with 6 LEDs that looks interesting. No affiliation. I have no idea about the quality. You can get 10-packs of these from the same seller. If you buy a bunch you can probably get a better deal. Maybe even negotiate a "no battery included" deal.

[Sorry, tried to post a link but some anti-spam bot censored it out.]

The other option to consider is that 9V batteries actually have six individual AAAA batteries inside. They appear to be full size, though I haven't checked this closely. These batts can be adapted to power small headlamps etc. And there is one nice, skinny little Streamlight penlight that uses AAAAs.

That's interesting, I hadn't thought of wanting to purchase a Pak-Lite without an included battery. I've never seen a "naked" Pak-Lite sold, even with the bulk, retail display packs.

The Pak-Lite seems so low-tech that you think you'd find many knock-offs out there, but not sure if I ever have. If I wanted something reliable with that form factor, I personally would stick with the Pak-Lite.

Another 9V option is another oldie, but goodie, the Rigel System Starlite and Skylite. Originally made for astronomers who needed a super-low amount of adjustable light, they are well-built and waterproof. I'm not sure if they have an official website anymore, but it's easy to find retailers online. Unfortunately for you, they come with a new battery, too.

The final option that I'm aware of is one of the very first serious LED flashlights to be sold, the Eternalight line of flashlights. They use a series of small LEDs and have all kinds of different modes. Sturdy, waterproof, and often featured in survival magazines (not sure the web was even around back then) as the ultimate flashlight. Unfortunately, these come with batteries, too.

may have been an offshoot of the US military "firefly" program...originally developed by a Florida doper to identify landing zones for airborne drug drops... the ones I've seen had 3 LEDs .... there were different flash rates available...and were in the infra red spectrum visible with night vision goggles... a friend was attempting to market them to the Rangers...a couple models with constant visible light were around...

Oh, how could I have forgotten the Safe-light and PALight 9V flashlights? These come with batteries, too.

what Arney said

If the batteries test out under load maybe you could let them live a touch longer in the smoke detectors?

Ok, here's a question:

Other than "batteries not included", what would you folks like to see different than the Pak-Lite? In other words, what would be the ideal 9v flashlight?

Robert,

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to ask this question!

I was thinking that myself. Though even if I do leave them in the smoke detectors a bit longer, I would want to pull them at no less than 1/2 the usable power remaining. Still could be used for flashlights.

I wonder if there is a timer in the smoke detectors because when I do not replace the batteries at 6 months, they start tweeting at me. When I pull the battery and test it, it shows full or nearly full charge.

Craig T.

thseng...I would use it as an area light, and no need to focus or have a lens.... the one's I was referring to had no switch, you simply snapped the button fastener on or removed it...it was a poured epoxy top, and resistor to reduce the voltage was not visible (if there was one)... they were very well made, and the connector buttons were above average quality...I've never had good luck with the typical 9v snap on strip, as I tend to destroy the strip after about a dozen battery changes...