BULLET POINTS
FLASHLIGHT MAINTENANCE
Words by Ren Alcantara
S
ince most of us are stuck indoors, there’s really not a lot to do. Not being out means our EDC gear isn’t really getting the use they would normally see, and that incidental neglect can sometimes be a problem. As the lockdown continues, take the time to give your flashlights a once-over to make sure they’ll function as needed when you need them. Every few months, I go over my lights and batteries to make sure everything is up to spec and ready for use.
The first thing to do is check for external damage. Rubber buttons can wear out over time and develop holes and tears, exposing the light’s circuitry to moisture—a sure fire way to cause a failure. Depending on the exact material the rubber is made of, staying in enclosed spaces can make them brittle and crumbly, so give their integrity a check as well. While you’re on the exterior, if you have a lanyard, check that the lanyard loop hasn’t chewn through the lanyard itself as can sometimes happen when edges abraid the material. If you’re running a clip, make sure the tension is good around the flashlight tube, and between the clip and body.
68
JULY 2020
www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
