Introduction: Altoid Tin Flashlight
For this, my first instructable, I will show you how to make a cool new flashlight, and recycle.
Step 1: Gather Materials
For this project, you will need:
An Altoids tin
*A 4-volt max, high brightness LED
Thin wire
*A 3-volt disc battery
A drill
A soldering Iron and solder
*A Push On/ Push Off button switch
Pliers
Dial Calipers
* You can buy one's just like mine at Radio Shack
An Altoids tin
*A 4-volt max, high brightness LED
Thin wire
*A 3-volt disc battery
A drill
A soldering Iron and solder
*A Push On/ Push Off button switch
Pliers
Dial Calipers
* You can buy one's just like mine at Radio Shack
Step 2: Drill
With a 5/16 inch drill bit, drill a hole on the left and right edges of the tin. Make sure that if placed in the hole, the sides of the button will not hang off of the edge. Also make sure that you can still close the lid.
Step 3: Open Up Those Holes
The button will probobally not fit yet, so we need to open up the hole more. I found that pliers just like mine work great when pushed in and twisted. But be careful, because you can't undo this step. Take it at small intervals and then check. The other side doesn't really matter, but make sure that there are no sharp edges outside.
Step 4: Button Prep
Solder two wires to the contact points on the button. It's better to have them too long and trim them than too short and can't reach the other end. Make sure that the solder on one end doesn't touch the solder on the other. When this is done, fasten the button into it's hole
Step 5: Bulb Installation
Solder one of the wires coming from the button to one of the rods on the LED. Once again, make sure that one end is not touching the other. When that is done, cut another wire about the size of one coming from the button. Strip the end and solder that wire to the other rod on the LED. The no touch rule still applies.
Step 6: Battery Installation
Make sure that the button is in the off position, and take your two loose wire ends, and tape the one that is wired to the longer rod to the + end of the battery. The other one goes on the - end.
Step 7: Secure Pieces
Secure the LED to the tin by pushing it through the hole until the rim on the end of it hits. At this point, put Krazy Glue on that part and hold it until it dries ( about a minute ) And you're done. I hope that you enjoyed this instructable, and I look forward to making more.