Simple LED Torch

by Barry Neeson

7.5K11018

Intro: Simple LED Torch

Hi,

In this instructable i am going to show you how to make a simple LED torch using mainly household objects.

Its not the most powerful of torches but its a simple way of showing circuits and it takes all of a minute to make.

STEP 1: What Do You Need

A clothes peg (i found most plastic ones had a nice gap at the back which is what we will be using.)

an LED bulb ideally with long connector wires (apologies if my terminology is incorrect)

a 3 volt watch battery

Blu-Tac

STEP 2: Battery and Blu-tac

You will notice the LED has one wire longer on than the other, this is the wire that you want at the positive side of the battery (the smooth side)

side the battery between the two wires. not too far as you want a bit of space for the next bit. attach the shorter of the two wires to the negative side of the battery using the blu-tac. the idea is that the blu-tac holds the wire against the battery without getting between the connection.

Now gently bend the longer wire away from the surface, just enough to break the circuit.

STEP 3: Peg


using the back end of the peg (the side that stays open) press the Blu-Tac onto one of the legs and place the free wire underneath the other.

Done! once you apply pressure it completes the circuit and lights up, release to turn it off.

Enjoy and as always i welcome any thoughts comments or criticisms in the comments below.

17 Comments

redhot62 7 years ago

Great idea. I will use it in my tech class with my 7th graders. Thanx

craftvideos 8 years ago

Good to play for few days but not really practical and also you can not carry it in pocket.

Barry Neeson 8 years ago

But you can clip it on to your jacket ;) as i said below, its was just a simple activity to do with children of a varied age range :)

AirbourneNation 8 years ago

If you really want it to be a torch, I suggest that you replace that single LED with a dome of them, and probably get a better battery.

Barry Neeson 8 years ago

Could do, my main aim here was just to show a simple example of electronics/wiring. i work with children and used this as an activity in the hopes that it may pique their interest :)

bob3030 8 years ago

Nice simple design. Thank you for sharing.

Barry Neeson 8 years ago

you're welcome and thanks for commenting :)

Kozmicblues69 8 years ago

Cool torch! Nice and easy way to use leds.

joshcube 8 years ago

Nice. I'm going to keep this in mind the next time I need to improvise a momentary contact switch.

doo da do 8 years ago

If you need it for a long time you could put rubber band on it so you will

Not have to wear your fingers out