How to Increase Lumens on Flashlights

To increase the lumens of a flashlight, for example, replace the incandescent bulb with a Xenon-bulb that outputs more light. It has higher “Lumens” than the incandescent bulb it replaces. The procedure is straightforward and will not damage the flashlight. Xenon bulbs are available from hobby stores as well as from lighting supply centers.

1. Unscrew the battery cap from the back end of the flashlight. Remove the cap and slide the batteries out from the back end. Place the cap and batteries aside for later.

2. Unscrew the reflector from the front of the flashlight. Push the plastic lens out of the inside of the reflector with your finger. Dispose of the lens in the trash.

3. Insert the needle-nose pliers into the front of the flashlight. Grip an edge of the incandescent bulb’s base with the pliers. Twist the pliers counterclockwise to loosen the bulb from the lamp socket. Remove the pliers. Rotate the bulb counterclockwise with your fingers until it comes free of the lamp socket. Remove the incandescent bulb and place it aside.

4. Put on the white gloves. Remove the Xenon bulb from its protective packaging. Insert the base of the Xenon bulb into the front of the flashlight. Push the base into the lamp socket. Rotate the bulb a quarter turn clockwise.

5. Insert the needle-nose pliers into the front of the flashlight. Grip an edge of the Xenon bulb’s base with the pliers. Twist the pliers clockwise until resistance is felt. Remove the pliers.

6. Screw the reflector back on the front of the flashlight. Return the batteries into the battery compartment at the back end of the flashlight and screw the battery cap on. Remove the white gloves.

Warning

The higher output of the Xenon bulb will run the batteries of the flashlight down at a faster rate than when using the incandescent bulb.