Simple tool upgrade

[Oily Nails]

Hello GJ'ers!
Been loitering around here for a while and commented in a couple of threads but thought I'd finally start one.

Picked up an old Ray-o-vac Sportsman torch from a flea market a few months back for £1.
It is in great condition and its become the "in house" torch.
View media item 36504However it isn't very powerful/bright/illuminating....

View media item 36506
So I upgraded the bulb to a replacement LED version

View media item 36505
( LED bulb below old bulb )

And the result is .........

View media item 36507
Pretty illuminating!

Hardly the most complex or riveting upgrade I admit but it's nice to turn a cool old tool into a really useful cool old tool!

So I'm sure other GJ'ers have done similar mods to reuse an old tool, let's see them!

 

[bluebolt]

I have several of those Sportsman's and need to do this upgrade!

 

[jakemac]

My experience with LED upgrades is that while they are great for short distances and battery life, they are poor for long distance illuminating. The old filament bulbs are better at penetrating the deep dark at distance. In addition, they don't focus down to a narrow beam as well as the old bulbs (in such lights as a Mag-Light). But they definitely have their place.

 

[RECox286]

Wow, the darn thing seems to defy gravity too !

Now, I've heard that the Aussies live "down under"...

I suppose you'll be telling us that you live half way

there ! (hee hee)

If you like torches, get a hold of a Maglight.

Uncle Bob

 

[Oily Nails]

Bluebolt:
Its a decent upgrade, this is the bulb I used, although it has gone up a lot since I ordered!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0013LKFVO/?tag=atomicindustr-21

Jakemac:
Your right regarding the dispersal of light, but as this torch is for indoor use its not an issue.

Recox:
I assure you English gravity is the same as yours although as your from Joisey I guess I should be the one needing the assurances
As to torches I have a dozens including the ubiquitous Maglites and Lensers