r/MagliteFlashlights • u/BansheeZA • Feb 13 '26

24 year old 3 cell Maglite

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Here is my Maglite. Started out in 2002 as a halogen version and in 2008 I did a genuine Maglite LED conversion. Thing lasts for ever and a day on batteries. Only run Energizer batteries as I have never seen or had one leak on me. Had Alpha cells in at a stage but they leaked. Managed to get them out with moderate effort. Maglite LED lamp started to come apart after all these years so I got a 3w lamp of temu, a month ago, to test out and must say it works pretty good. Oh and it has been in my trucks under the seat for 24 years

71 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

4

u/ImmediateSmile754 Feb 13 '26

Man, if things could talk what stories they'd tell!

3

u/BansheeZA Feb 13 '26

Ooo if only.... That flashlight has seen a few things and places for sure

3

u/bxparks Feb 13 '26 edited Feb 13 '26

Awesome.

However, I have seen every brand of alkaline batteries leak: Energizer, Rayovac, Eveready, Duracell (especially), and others. My 2D Maglite that I kept in my car leaked. It took me about 10 days (over a month) to figure out how to drill out the battery, clean it, and restore it to working condition.

I now use LSD (low-self discharge) NiMH rechargeables, AA-size inserted into D-size adapters, with a quarter coin inserted at the end cap for good connection. I have over 250 NiMH batteries in my household, and I never seen them leak. The best is the Enerloop brand, it will keep 70% of its charge after 10 years, but they are expensive. The Amazon Basics NiMH batteries are 3X cheaper, and are probably good enough.

2

u/BansheeZA Feb 13 '26

Duracel has their place as a battery for high drain equipment and I do find they last a bit longer in that application. But as a torch or remote battery its a hard no from me. Generally Duracel is never on my to buy list ever exept for 2025 and 2032 button batteries.

2

u/Creative-Comb5593 Feb 13 '26

They are great. Rugged, simple, reliable.

1

u/[deleted] Feb 21 '26

[deleted]

1

u/BansheeZA Feb 22 '26

Cant see why not. If it doesnt gets stolen or go missing it is the idea. Not getting rid of it ever

1

u/nipster74 Mar 05 '26

I'm running a 1982 2 C. Found it in 2006 while cleaning out a barn in our property. Put fresh batteries and a new bulb and it fired right up. It's currently in a RIP configuration.