Broken FLASHLIGHT | Let's FIX It!

This is my torch/flashlight/magic-stick-that-emits-light and it has stopped working. I have replaced the batteries, but it still wont turn on!
With no obvious signs of corrosion, let's take this thing apart and see if we can fix it!
Hope you enjoy!
Steve
PS. I'm not an expert in repairs at all. I do this for fun, and it may not be the best or safest way to go about repairing broken stuff. I'm pretty good at melting plastic though. Please don't copy me - I'm an idiot.
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[@StezStixFix]

Stupid torch/flashlight

[@danhitchcock727]

Hi mate. Not sure if you're aware but you're getting the telegram winner scam artists posting under your name/pic! That's a sign you're doing well but they are annoying!

[@rokuken]

I can’t, for the life of me, remove the cap at the bottom where the batteries go. I’ve tried my hands, pliers on a microfiber cloth to not damage the cap and NOTHING works! It just won’t budge! This is extremely frustrating. I seriously don’t know what to do anymore.

[@thadofalltrades]

The retro covers at the end are honestly one of my favorite parts.

[@marcyd2007]

A very 'illuminating' video. I love that you make 'light' of the fact that there's a difference between a 'Flashlight' and 'Torch' and at the time put your most valuable subscribers in the 'spotlight'. I love watching your videos, they 'brighten up' my day and it's always good to 'shine a light' on some of the things that can stop them from functioning. It's great when your working on these things and you finally get that 'light bulb' moment and figure out the issue. You're a 'beacon' for all KZbin fixers, a 'lighthouse', a 'guiding light' well done, keep it up Steve 🙂

[@RobtTa]

Thank YOU for doing a standard household item! We need more fixes for real world items. A VERY useful video this time out. Thanks Again!

[@bruwin]

That's some real back handed comments right there. Everything he fixes are "real world items". Every video of him tearing something down and repairing it is "useful" as someone else may have the same issues he's had. It's nice that he's got more variety in what he repairs, but you seriously need to work on your phrasing.

[@RobtTa]

@@bruwin Didn't mean to offend the lone sissy, sorry. (hopefully I phrased that correctly)

[@Angel-d6y9h]

You should patent that multimeter with live image monitor. Great idea!

[@whodatdere1]

Great fix. Glad to see you found yourself a fiberglass pen! The residue is likely dielectric grease. That stuff does wonders keeping water and corrosion out while keeping the O-rings from breaking down or drying out. Those switch are likely a Omten PBS style button. These fail lots in Milwaukee tools, usually the actuator goes dry so it doesn't pop up anymore. A couple squirts of potentiometer style contact cleaner does wonders since it has some lube in it as well.

[@lookitskazzy]

I was thinking after the fact that reapplying dielectric grease wouldn't have been the worst idea... but didn't occur to me from the jump that the residue was probably dielectric haha. I wonder if smearing a light coat of solder over those contacts would be a good idea... might help keep them from getting corroded as quickly down the road.

[@whodatdere1]

@@lookitskazzy a thin layer of solder or ideally liquid tin will work well, so long as you get all the corrosion off the pads... One never knows what the corrosion is from. The flux in the solder is supposed to eat away a small layer to form the bond so it should likely eat any surface layer corrosion, but if it is deep, it will only be a cover job. Much like extinguishing a fire, you have to remove at least 2 parts of the "triangle;" air, moisture, and contamination to help stop further damage.

[@kmoecub]

I'm curious as to why you decided to tear into the switch housing before performing a continuity check on the switch at the battery terminals.

[@PocketUnv]

Good thing you fixed it, you wouldn't want people saying you're out of torch.

[@tofuhockey]

Bought a 3 pack of the exact same flashlights/torches at Costco for either $5 or $10 clearance. Now I have a teardown video in case I need to take mine apart. Appreciate it.

[@FlashBro-r4w]

Only put rechargeable batteries in. That’s why there was alkaline in tail switch

[@andrewgrant6516]

What a wonderful feeling it is to be able to fix something. I would tip my hat to you, sir, if I was wearing one. I wonder if I could fit myself into an envelope, perhaps you could fix me?

[@Rukyr99]

The editing with the rap was spot on. Great job.

[@realmgic]

+1 for the Queen reference at the end

[@littleleelee2706]

I'm sure you get suggestions and home remedies like mad on here, but just wanted to throw out what I do for things like tarnished contacts (at least in situations like this one). I just use an eraser. Like a typical pencil eraser. I have had wonderful success over the years with erasers for contacts or even as a way to polish really anything copper or brass. It's my go-to first as it's typically the least destructive if just using rubbing alcohol doesn't do the trick. I'll go for something more abrasive if what I am cleaning/repairing is too far gone, but honestly unless something really went bad it will work. It's especially useful at leaving coatings more intact such as nickel plated copper. This seems like a great example where you would have likely been able to make the repair without leaving the contact surface all scratched and uneven. Hope that's useful to you.

[@enriquerodriguez290]

I just want to say thank you it's because of you that I finally got my flashlight to work I basically just had to get a Dremel to the metal parts I'm telling you I had nothing laying around for years stupid torch

[@garymucher4082]

So glad you were able to shed some light on what the problem was. Brilliant fix. lol

[@pedromimoso8804]

Simple and solid, Steve 👍

[@babelinfocalypse8118]

Bloody love your channel, not only are your videos and presenting style massively entertaining but it has also given me the confidence to actually fix some electrical devices of my own. Just goes to show learning CAN be fun! Wish you were the teacher in my Electronics class at school! i actually might have learnt something!

[@rickoneill4343]

If you have some blu tac you can put small parts like the switch in them to hold while soldering.

[@andyparkerson]

I've been going back through your videos, and the quality has really improved. Keep it up! 👍

[@KeirMurphy]

I'm surprised you didn't bridge the batteries to see if the LED was working!

[@AgentOffice]

Or continuity test the button

[@CompactPlay]

Sorry for the loss... I subscribed to reduce it. 😊

[@pepexvaldivieso2661]

Great fix, solid Steve.

[@Cablesmith]

It’s Saturday night and I’m watching a man fix a torch, what has my life come to 😫 great video as always tho

[@Bargeral]

Finally a repair on my technical level! Also loved the outro music, need to record that one again but less reserved and more gusto!

[@CharlesK441]

This look easy enough. I have a very similar "torch" so i might have a go. 😊👍🏾🙏🏾

[@jefferyshelley6480]

OK the Flash Gordon bit was the best of all

[@mattsephton]

Nice editing! The extra camera angles and the visual countdown during the rap were appreciated.

[@infin1ty850]

Lol "Tried to quit, G" Yeah, I couldn't stay away from being included in the rap.

[@StezStixFix]

😂 I knew it!

[@Jerhyn7]

Seven words that make algorithms love You.

[@davidflack6430]

I think the difficulty you had repairing this explains why a lot of us would just throw it away and buy another particularly if it's a low value item. Being able to buy a replacement switch unit would help.

[@mauricestill8316]

So worth watching, just for the song at the end 😂

[@Ea-Nasir_Copper_Co]

9:02 Multimeter in Stevinuity

[@wallyf7020]

Like always, excellent fix

[@_rodzer]

Wait. No beeping device test before switch disassembly?

[@UpToNoGood83]

Excellent Job! Looking forward to the next one.

[@wisher21uk]

I felt enlightened thanks Steve nice save 😊

[@nicktheflash1]

Mine has a different problem metering the tail cap switch I get good continuity. With new batteries installed 6 volts the LED is dim when switched on? I used alligator clips to close the circuit on the barriers directly and the LED is still Dim. Not sure how to open the LED head housing to ck the circuit/solder connections.

[@maxdoingtech]

Great fix. Enlightening video 🤓

[@_RETROFIX_]

This channel is fun and addictive! nice fix!

[@fotty100]

Still amuses me the reverse psychology, of the option to skip the music and shout outs, works. I still don't skip because I don't want to miss anything 🤣🤣🤣

[@rciancia]

Very enlightening video... Stupid Torchlight

[@Scott-M1]

The switches are crap on those torches. I have a "Touch Max" torch, and it would always cycle through the modes without you touching it. Condensation was 1 of the culprits, along with poor contact with the batteries. Contact cleaner and 1 or 2 washers to strengthen the battery contacts so it doesn't rattle around when you are using it helps.

[@FiveStringCommando]

The difference between a torch and a flashlight is: A torch is made from al-you-men-ee-um A flashlight is made from uh-loom-in-um

[@samuraidriver4x4]

Also depends if it's in the boot or the trunk.

[@FiveStringCommando]

@@samuraidriver4x4 Good point

[@alexanderjensen6213]

Great fix! Love the flow and beat on your rap 😎👍

[@onceagian]

I am not sure if I have any say in the matter, but I would totally consider buying a shirt that says "Get in!" or "Solid". Please keep up the awesome videos and I think your raps are getting better haha.

[@juaniiito]

In love with the flash cover. 😂❤

[@chrisj2848]

Cheers Steve 👍

[@StezStixFix]

Cheers Chris! 😍

[@TheNITRO68]

Gotta say? wanted to here the whole your version of Flash, keep up the great content your subby form down under.

[@devttyUSB0]

Flash! Aaaahaaaaaaaah!

[@StezStixFix]

😎

[@pixelpuppy]

this video is LIT! it really BRIGHTENED up my day!

[@jkdnbr]

Great video. A small vise to hold things in place would have made for an even better video. Also would have loved more close up shots. Thank you!

[@adiposerex5150]

Good work.

[@I_SuperHiro_I]

I’m American. It’s a torch, but lots of people call it a flashlight. Then again, we measure in bananas, so there’s that…..

[@steelcityreseller8170]

Being from the US, it always takes me a minute when someone says "torch." "Hold on, I'm going to go get my torch." Woah. Hold on. No need to get fire involved. Oh, right. Torch. Got it.

[@Tim_3100]

great video

[@stephenbaker7786]

That was brilliant 😬

[@Banzahair]

Read it Fleshlight and was kinda excited

[@zKaltern]

Well, it's always good to have a flash of inspiration, you know, when the light bulb goes on. Lighting the way with simple yet illuminating fixes, it's good to know in these dark times, someone can brighten the day. (I tried so hard to find a place for 'photon' but I failed :( Must be the flu...)

[@StezStixFix]

🤣🤣 brilliant. You've certainly lit up my day!

[@hugogordillo9250]

Thanks it was a big help video

[@kalin666]

Torch is a stick on fire . . . And TEA GOES IN THE BAY!

[@gunnerman1880]

Hi you seen to have a tool for most things except it seems a clamper which i feel would help you. 😊

[@isitafox]

Putting non Duracell batteries in a Duracell torch, Steve living that Thug Life 😎

[@azaisezulmohammed3646]

Nice vid. But how do you replace the led bulb

[@franckozon]

Nice

[@opticienopdekoffie]

Always nice content! Thanks

[@sonixthatsme]

Those switches are notorious for failing. I have a bunch of them in stock.

[@Lagghard]

For dirty or tarnished contact pads, such as on cartridge games, I use turtle wax rubbing compound (the one for medium to heavy scratches). It will restore such contacts to like new condition and it's much less abrasive than a fiberglass pen. One bottle will practically last forever.

[@hugegamer5988]

Even a pencil eraser or fine rubber abrasive wheels for a Dremmel.

[@medes5597]

The gentle fibreglass pens that work by using different substances alongside the fibreglass are really good as well. You can buy them in sets ranging from soft pens to full on fibreglass and they're well sort the money. I was skeptical when I saw them but they're practically magic.

[@lookitskazzy]

I'm skeptical that rubbing compound is less abrasive than a fibreglass pen. Polishing compound? Probably.

[@Lagghard]

@@lookitskazzy I'd be skeptical too if I hadn't used it for years to clean NES games and the like. It really doesn't leave scratches like a fiberglass pen does, but If you want to try it for yourself it's the one that says "clean cut rubbing compound" on the bottle. I suspect other types would also work too, as well as polishing compound as you said but perhaps with a bit more effort.

[@MegaMat_Show]

Misread this title at first. Please fix a Fleshlight for April fools!

[@evilutionltd]

I can confirm that, as a native English speaker, it is most definitely a torch.

[@aaaatttt101]

Torch is generic term for any source of light. Flashlight was due to the 1st models having inconsistent light output.

[@ShouldHaveBeen]

"Moonbeam" is another commonly accepted colloquialism.

[@ralphj4012]

And we solder and not sodder (well, most of us).

[@Martyn-ey9lw]

And please stop with the ridiculous pronunciation of multimeter, really irritating

[@cjh0751]

A flashing torch 🔦

[@new.handle]

Closing theme song is spot on ;) (as always)

[@davidtexmex1616]

9:03 we’re talking no expense spared 80s bbc budget 😊

[@basedeluxe]

I love your singing 😂. Always a pleasure watching your Videos 😊 niiice....

[@mwk1]

*GET IN!*

[@mtshark7]

Nice!

[@innerspaced]

Flashlight …… this wasn’t the droid I was looking for. In my tired state I misread the title.

[@theantithesis1]

Now you have to fix two more and sing about it. Then you will have a torch song trilogy.

[@MrJDNJ]

I fixed a similar problem but now the problem is back, so I need to dig deeper into it....

[@leewmlee]

After cleaning the contact points with the fiber glass pen, why not coat the contacts with solder so that it doesn't corrode again in the future?

[@michaelbritz5981]

the reason why it never worked is because you never use Duracell batteries STEVE lol hahahaha love the content

[@miguelsampaio6199]

Hello. Top project to add a recharge sistem and lithium batery

[@GeeEmJay]

Best thing for that corrosion is white vinegar - few drops and it'll literally fizz away the corrosion!

[@affieuk]

I closed the video as the outro start "flash", then came back to hear it... Now I want to watch the movie.

[@dadat30]

Dat ending... LOL

[@Dannon1111]

solid

[@kriss3d]

I'd have put some protection over that copper path but yeah. It'll work fine.

[@artturiko]

Just had my mums magnifyer fixed.. lights didnt work.. bit cleaning and voila! However the button should be changed.. dunno should I

[@Frank-Thoresen]

I couldn't unsee the handles of the plier. What did you wrap around them with? Electrical tape? 😳

[@psychodermix]

Question. Do you know anything about rechargeable batteries and how to reset them? Mine all seem to fail after awhile.

[@doumrous7984]

wow i really like the instrumental of this rap song!

[@aaronblyth345]

Ste plz help, looked around in descriptions for it but no luck. Could you point me to that small HDMI monitor you use for testing devices on your table instead of the tv please?

[@alejandrogorostiza1197]

Bro, Alex from New York City here. Stumbled onto your channel. Love the rap music but with that Flash Gordon ending. I was dying laughing. I had to pull over guaranteed. You're at least my age got yourself a new sub.Keep up the good work

[@wdunn06]

We speak British English. It's a torch. Let the Americans work it out for themselves Stez!

[@CRAVEN79]

Steve, how did this torch get so dirty? Was it the old “I fell on my torch” routine at Accident and Emergency at the hospital?

[@sn_all_test]

cmon Steve....that was tooooo short! more videossssss!

[@themanthelegend7048]

Should have jumped the batteries to see if the led lights.

[@drewbreezy5854]

"if you tap it it flashes." Confirmed. Flashlight.

[@Vamptonius]

♪ Saviour of the zappy stuff! ♪

[@quandaildingo1278]

Why no solder mask on the newly exposed track?

[@kennybacchus1488]

Broken. Flashlight. Let’s fix. It. !

[@CRAVEN79]

Definitely a torch