Discuss (28) -
Posted at 8:43 AM on Tuesday 11/18/08 by
Ben
Hotness UNHOT
HandHelditems.com has the Illuminator Wind-Up Self Powered Flashlight for $9 - $4 code windup [Exp 12/31] + $3 shipping = $8 shipped. Simply turn the handle and wind for one minute for over an hour of continuous light. [BizRate]
  • 1
    bargainhound - Posted 8:49 am PST 11/18/08 (415 Posts)  Report Spam

    these are great to have in your car or emergency stash. they keey the kids busy too.

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  • 2
    slayer - Posted 8:50 am PST 11/18/08 (324 Posts)  Report Spam

    I had something similar from Costco.. we rarely used it, and the other day the battery doesn't seem to hold a charge.

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  • 3
    mcoug22 - Posted 8:58 am PST 11/18/08 (96 Posts)  Report Spam

    I have one that has a hand pump to charge it. It lights up for about 3 seconds before the light goes out.

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  • 4
    toubis - Posted 8:59 am PST 11/18/08 (84 Posts)  Report Spam

    I have one similar, and it last about 20 minutes.

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  • 5
    inlacal - Posted 9:06 am PST 11/18/08 (36 Posts)  Report Spam

    Absolute crap. Had the same problem as #2 (from Costco); this is probably the same manufacturer. GARBAGE. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY.

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  • 6
    R6 - Posted 9:17 am PST 11/18/08 (268 Posts)  Report Spam

    anyone can recommended a good one that's bright enough and last atleast 20mins? brand, model?

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  • 7
    bensbutthole - Posted 9:20 am PST 11/18/08 (75 Posts)  Report Spam

    I got something like this free at a trade show. It has an cell phone car charger adapter so you can charge a cell phone.

    Not sure if I'll ever use it but I threw it into my emergency kit along with the 4 year old food and water.

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  • 8
    bigking777 - Posted 9:23 am PST 11/18/08 (1917 Posts)  Report Spam

    Quote:
    Not sure if I'll ever use it but I threw it into my emergency kit along with the 4 year old, food and water.

    You better check on that 4-year old. Kids can't survive on their own, even if your give them a flashlight, food and water.

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  • 9
    Oio - Posted 9:31 am PST 11/18/08 (1382 Posts)  Report Spam

    Got a similar Costco special and it's great. Winding for about a minute gives 5-10 mins of light. Nice not to have to always check whether the batteries need replacing or if they'll run out in the middle of something.

    I cracked it open and inside is a small lithium coin battery. If you're handy, it should be a simple replacement.

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  • 10
    BearsGoalie - Posted 9:31 am PST 11/18/08 (19 Posts)  Report Spam

    I use it on my bike. Bright for maybe 5-10 min then the forward lights dim considerably. I have a short commute in an urban area so its enough to avoid a ticket for no light Razz On a dark road where you actually need the light, you would be in deep trouble. In that case, spring for a real battery LED light.

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  • 11
    GDealHunter - Posted 9:33 am PST 11/18/08 (303 Posts)  Report Spam

    These are typically junk. The reason? A really good generator that could produce a decent amount of electricity for a good charge in a minute are more expensive than this whole light. It's possible to make a crank light that would work well, but its components would make the price around $20 or more. That doesn't mean if you pay that for one you'll get one with good components, alas.

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  • 12
    roddyrod - Posted 9:45 am PST 11/18/08 (207 Posts)  Report Spam

    I have the forever flashlight from sears $12 a year ago. Crank for 3-5 minutes, or put it in the sunlight will give you about 20 minutes of light and/or radio. Hey #2-5, I thought 15-20 minutes of light was the point. Now I feel somewhat sullied...

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  • 13
    bigking777 - Posted 9:50 am PST 11/18/08 (1917 Posts)  Report Spam

    Couldn't you hook the crank up to the bike rim so it would charge itself as you rolled through the 'hood?

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  • 14
    adachi24 - Posted 10:02 am PST 11/18/08 (151 Posts)  Report Spam

    These work good until you let the battery die out.. once that happens they don't hold a charge long.

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  • 15
    reedux - Posted 10:03 am PST 11/18/08 (212 Posts)  Report Spam

    people will think your fishing in the dark.

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  • 16
    DrumDude - Posted 10:23 am PST 11/18/08 (429 Posts)  Report Spam

    I've got this flashlight. It's not even worth $8 IMHO.

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  • 17
    darktideryezing - Posted 10:33 am PST 11/18/08 (672 Posts)  Report Spam

    It's not supposed to be used for normal use (IMO). I would use these in an emergency kit. Much better than any battery powered lights.

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  • 18
    wogga - Posted 10:50 am PST 11/18/08 (704 Posts)  Report Spam

    I got 3 of these at walgreens for about $4 each. They seem good to very good and have beeen working for camping, home, auto for the year since I bought them.

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  • 19
    nicholjo - Posted 10:56 am PST 11/18/08 (103 Posts)  Report Spam

    I thought theese didn't use batteries. Isn't this just a coil that holds an em charge when you crank it?

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  • 20
    RepoMan - Posted 11:00 am PST 11/18/08 (195 Posts)  Report Spam

    Had a similar one. Was crap from day one. Dim light and would only light up for a minute or 2 after cranking.

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