Introduction: Flashlight Duct Tape Dispenser

About: I am a former English teacher turned Interactive Media Instructor turned STEM teacher turned computer science teacher. I like to make, fix, and take apart. Few things are more fun than taking something apart t…
I saw Creativeman's  duct tape dispenser and it inspired me to make this one. I decided to make mine have more than one function.

Step 1: Tool and Materials

Tools
Drill
1/4th inch drill bit
utility knife
hack saw or metal cutting blade on miter saw
scissors
pliers


Materials
Duct tape
Flashlight
1/4th inch threaded rod (I had some left over from refurbishing a swing set)
3  nuts
washer
straw
bottle cap
2 AA batteries
Speaker Wire

Optional Materials
Gorilla glue
Packing tape dispenser

Step 2: Assembling the Roller

I cut a piece of straw the width of a the duct tape. I put a nut on the rod. Then I drilled a hole in a soda bottle cap and threaded that onto the rod. Then I put the straw onto the rod. I placed another nut on the other side of the rod. A washer simulated the body of the flashlight. Finally a washer and a nut secured the end. I cut the threaded rod after attaching everything to make sure I had enough rod. You can leave a little extra just in case. As your last step select some duct tape to roll onto the straw.

Your results might be different if you use a different flashlight. Mine is a Stanley.

Step 3: Installing the Dispenser in the Flashlight

Drill a hole in the bottom flashlight using the 1/4th inch bit. Then remove the spring at the bottom. Took off the end nut and washer and set them aside. Then I dropped the rest of the roller assembly into the flashlight with the bottle cap pointing up. Using my finger I held the threaded rod still while I screwed the flashlight onto it. Then I put on the washer and nut on the exposed rod. If you are worried about the exposed metal just cover it with duct tape.

Now you will want to cut a hole in the side so you can get to the duct tape. Using your utility knife cut a rectangular hole 1/8th an inch wide and 2 1/2 inches long.

Step 4: Rewiring the Flashlight

We are short on space inside the flashlight so I downgraded the batteries to AA. It will not last as long, but I had to make compromises to realize my vision. I took some speaker wire and separated it and stripped the ends. I also took a small bit of wire and wired the two batteries in a series with the help of some duct tape. I then taped the ends of the speaker wire to the contact points in the flashlight. One I put on the terminal on the cap and the other on the sliding bar in the body of the flashlight. Then I placed the battery pack into the flashlight and screwed the lid shut.

Step 5: Light Up the World and Fix It All With One Tool

You now have a working flashlight duct tape dispenser. Now if you are ever in a situation, such as being stranded on a deserted island, where you can only bring one item you can proudly say, "My flashlight duct tape dispenser."
The Great Outdoors Duct Tape Contest

Participated in the
The Great Outdoors Duct Tape Contest