Hex Nut LED Flashlight

For several years I have been planning on doing this project, but it wasn't until now that I actually tried it. My plan was to make a miniature LED flashlight out of hex nuts, using them as the casing. I would use a matching screw as the cap for the battery compartment, and add a keychain to make it easy to carry around.
Here's how I did it.

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Step 1: Supplies

Things I used:

Soldering iron and solder
Third hand
Electrical tape (heat shrink tubing would be much more effective)
Clamps
Needle-nose pliers
Two part epoxy
Super glue (Krazy glue would be better)
Heavy duty scissors
Scissors

6 18mm nuts
18mm bolt
20mm nut
Washers
White 5mm LED
Tactile switch
Switch cap
Wire
Ring for keyring (I don't actually know what that is, I just found it in my junk box)
Small spring
Positive terminal plate
3 1.5V button cells

Warmtint says: Mar 8, 2013. 4:17 AM

great idea!! It looks really cool. The improvements will make it 100% better.

You do pretty good instructables which is just as much of a talent as the project itself. The diagram you added was a nice touch.

keep 'em coming !!!

imperio says: Feb 7, 2013. 5:37 AM

beautiful! .... but how much it weighs?
Imperio

sjroth (author) in reply to imperioFeb 7, 2013. 6:27 AM

About 112g including the button cells.

imperio in reply to sjrothFeb 9, 2013. 6:43 AM

maybe ... if you used aluminum ....

sjroth (author) in reply to imperioFeb 9, 2013. 8:51 AM

Nah, that would be too soft and wouldn't seem as heavy-duty. I prefer the steel, even if it is heavier. And it's not that easy to find aluminium hardware.

kukubee says: Feb 8, 2013. 6:37 AM

Truly amazing! Is it too heavy to put it in your pocket and take it with you on the key chain?

sjroth (author) in reply to kukubeeFeb 8, 2013. 6:43 AM

I don't keep it on a keychain because I don't quite trust the epoxy. But if you're confident that it won't fall apart as it's swinging and knocking around, I guess it would be fine.

tritian says: Feb 7, 2013. 4:35 PM

that is amazing!

TSC says: Feb 2, 2013. 12:40 PM

Heavy for a small flash light. But Awesome!

sjroth (author) in reply to TSCFeb 2, 2013. 7:52 PM

Yeah, I know the weight is an issue, but somehow it makes it seem more heavy-duty.

Chill Pill in reply to sjrothFeb 7, 2013. 4:36 AM

I agree, a little weight on an object makes it seem more high quality and less cheap and flimsy.

bhvm says: Feb 7, 2013. 4:15 AM

How about adding a superflux or even a power LED rather than the puny 5mm ones?
With the whole metal casing, you'll have decent heatsinking even for a luxeon star. Very nice idea tough. Looks tough and IS tough!

racoontnn says: Feb 5, 2013. 10:52 PM

A fun and safe thing to use in the plumbing trade. I often break down plastic lanterns, when to put it together with tools.

c3ralki1l3r says: Feb 3, 2013. 9:48 PM

I would give this a thumbs up ,if there was such button, and well what can i say this would be a good gift the the handyman of the house :D, just ~~don't~~ drop it in to the nuts and bolts bucket.