28 February 2026

It Was The Bulb!

My OG MX-991/U flashlight wasn't working right.

It sure appeared to be the switch, and that would mean it's dead.

There's no access to the guts of the switch to fix it because of rivets and waterproofing.

I was somewhat inconsolable about this, especially after electrical wizard Marv wasn't able to improve its functioning.

While expressing my sadness to FuzzyGeff, I decided that if it wasn't going to work, it was time to toss it.

Noticing that it had a replacement LED bulb in it, I decided to swap it out for an incandescent in one of the brand new examples I bought.

The new light now has a switch problem.

This, troubleshooters, is what we call an indicator.

So I put an incandescent bulb into the old light and, viola!  It works fine.

So I try an LED bulb from a, different, physically broken example I've been saving for parts...  Works fine.

Happy dance!

The LED module in the bulb on the OG light appears to have failed in a way that mimics a bad switch.

Posted by Angus McThag at 00:59
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2 comments:

  1. Flagg01 March, 2026 16:41

    I buy $15.00 rechargeable flashlights from Harbor Freight and never look back. Smartest thing I have done in a long time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Angus McThag01 March, 2026 16:44

      Those also have the advantage of no fucks being given if they die or get lost. Just get another, and you're not in the dark because they were cheap enough you had two spares.

      I buy angle grinders from Harbor Freight on this model.

      The old MX-991/U has sentimental value. If I can keep it going, I will. It's my "grampa's old pistol" of flashlights.

      Delete

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