Failing tesco torches

[trickletreat]

Having seen the tesco torch threads on the forum, I bought a couple last year. I ended up with one of each LED type. Both were very bright. A few months ago I noticed that the one would flicker or not work , the other was fine. Now the second has gone the same way, is it the cold or vibration?

Any solutions? The B&M dyno lights aren't working with snow on the rims either. So now reliant on aldi/lidl light sets and fibre flare.

 

[summerdays]

I think its vibration ... one of Tesco torches (not used on the bike), flickers annoyingly. One day it bugged me too much so I ended up fiddling around with bits of paper to pack the battery until it stopped flickering. Can't find the torch to see what the end solution looked like.

 

[BentMikey]

Even one of my Fenix torches eventually died due to vibration. It's partly why I spent a lot more money and bought some proper bike likes.

 

[semislickstick]

I've noticed some slight flickering on bumpy roads, hope mine aren't going the same way!

Have you opened it up to see if its anything that can be soldered back?

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Cheap, bright, durable. You can have two out of three.

 

[Downward]

Flicked only when the batteries weren't properly connecting. Take them out and put them in again.

 

[trickletreat]

I have stripped them down, warmed them up, checked for damage and sprayed with wd40. a few times, no obvious damage etc.

 

[yashicamat]

I'd be tempted to suggest the spring in the battery compartment is getting a bit slack. Just try levering it up a bit with a flat-headed screwdriver and see if it solves the problem.

 

[Plax]

I found that mine used to rattle when it had normal batteries in, but didn't notice any flickering. I now have 2450mah Energiser rechargables. They are a snug fit and the rattling has stopped. Might be a possible fix, and it's always worth having a decent set of rechargables anyway!

 

[Twenty Inch]

The front spring doesn't always make contact with the battery terminal, especially if you are using rechargeables where the terminal is not the full surface area of the end of the battery. I have bridged the spring with a small piece of copper cut from a plumping pipe and flattened out. It's sorted the flickering issue. One or two of the buttons have failed on mine, so I am going to cut the torch down and wire through to an external battery pack and switch and just use it like that.

 

[hackbike 666]

Even one of my Fenix torches eventually died due to vibration. It's partly why I spent a lot more money and bought some proper bike likes.

You bought a proper bike like what?

 

[BentMikey]

In my case it wasn't the spring/battery contacts. I suspect something inside the switch but don't know what.

I got some exposure lights instead - a maxx-d, redeye rear, and a joystick.

 

[Norm]

I got some exposure lights instead - a maxx-d, redeye rear, and a joystick.

+1

 

[nigelb]

One of mine is occasionally reluctant, if it becomes more predictable I'll spray some switch cleaner in the switch (which is I think the prob, on mine anyway).

If it is the switch, can always botch the end so the torch is "always on" (as I charge then at the end of each journey anyway).

I quite understand the desire to buy a "proper" solution, but I'm prepared to put up with a bit of aggro while I sort out what I really want.

A guy here had a decent front light, but came off in the ice and broke it - big bill time! At least for me each torch was only £8.

Nige

 

[Origamist]

Fenix have a two year warranty on their products (will repair free of charge if probs develop with normal use) and have a limited lifetime warranty (will charge for parts after 24 months).

My torch is cradled in foam to diminish the effects of road vibration.

As Tesco torches are so cheap, it's less of a concern.