Related Sponsors

The Parts of a Flashlight

Home » Home Security » Flashlights » The Parts of a Flashlight

While there are many different types of flashlights, most flashlights, especially tube flashlights, have the same basic parts. Knowing these basic parts may help you determine which flashlight you should purchase.

• Body: The body of most flashlights is made of either aluminum or plastic. Aluminum is more durable than plastic and, particularly if it is anodized aluminum, can have a strong finish. The popular Mag-lite is aluminum, and aluminum flashlights generally have a similar tube body shape. Plastic flashlights, on the other hand, can be molded into a variety of shapes and colored with a variety of colors.

• Batteries: Different flashlights use different types of batteries, depending on the size and purpose of the flashlight. Most flashlights run on two C or D batteries, but many smaller models run on AA batteries and large flashlights may use lantern batteries. Alkaline batteries are the most common batteries for flashlights, while high-quality lithium batteries are a higher-priced option.

• Light Bulb: Most flashlights have incandescent bulbs. These bulbs are replaceable, which is good because they generally only last for approximately twenty hours or use. Florescent light bulbs may appear in lanterns, but they are rarely used in flashlights because they light areas and don’t direct a beam. LED flashlights are energy-efficient and long lasting, but they are more expensive and not as bright when compared with flashlights with incandescent bulbs.

• Reflectors: The reflectors rest around the bulb and reflect the light to form a beam. The best reflectors are textured, but for most purposes, smooth reflectors actually produce a longer beam and are more than adequate.

Finally, the part of the flashlight with which everyone is familiar is the switch. You can purchase flashlights with a click switch, a slide switch, or a twist switch. Twisting switches take two hands to operate, but they are less likely to turn on accidentally, so they could save your batteries.

Next Page: Purchasing Your Flashlight

Related Flashlights Articles