Unique Tactical Flashlight Mod

While researching my next knot tying project, I came acrossa video by KipKay thatexplained how to modify a cheap AA flashlight and turn it into a brightPolice-type Flashlight for around ten dollars. Though I went slightly overbudget, I was able to build nice flashlight for under $20.

Click the Continue Reading button for more images and a complete list of the materials usedin this project.

 All materials needed to build this flashlight are availableat Wal-Mart, except for the bulb which can be purchase at your local RadioShack (paracord not included, grab your choice of colors from Supply Captain).

(1) - Rayovac Brilliant Solutions KryptonFlashlight ($3.50)
(3) - Energizer 123 3V Lithium Batteries ($9.84for a package of two, you can purchase another individually)
(1) - Krypton KPR112 6V Flashlight Lamp ($1.99)
(12’) - Paracord in your choice of colors (4’ perpass of Turk’s Head)
Glossy Black Spray Paint
Clear Satin Spray Paint

The type of flashlight you choose is your choice, you don’thave to use the one I bought, or the one that KipKay chose for his mod. Get aflashlight that was meant for two AA batteries and can be modified to use three123 batteries and it needs to have an incandescent bulb and not LED.

I bored out the dividers inside the flashlight and insertedthe batteries, and then I changed out the bulb. To finish it off, I customized my flashlight to suit my own taste.

To customize the Rayovac I removed the rubber handle byprying a small flathead screwdriver underneath the rubber all the way around it until I could roll itoff. I then applied two coats of Glossy Black spray paint and two coats ofClear Satin spray paint. After it dried I was already starting to see a slicklooking flashlight but I knew I could make it look better. Since I wanted the “tactical” look, I used black paracordand tied a Long Two Bight Turk’s Head for the handle.

Once completed you will own a nice flashlight and you’llhave the feeling of job satisfaction knowing that you did the work yourself.

Unique Key Fobs Part II

Here's my attempt at a "King Knut" Monkey's Fist by Monkey Knuts. Their ad states that it has an adjustable "crown knot" that allows the twisted cord to be stretched and compressed to relieve stress and anxiety. Though with mine I added a "Knife Lanyard Knot", it can still be stretched and rotated all the way up to the loop and back.I also added a Solomon Twist key chain to the mix of acceptable fobs.  

(Continue to the remainder of this post by clicking the Continue Reading button...)

Unique Key Fobs

I decided I needed to change out my old Monkey Fist fob and replace it with something new, and in the next couple of posts I'll be adding some images of the fobs that I like best and I'm hoping for some input from you on your choices.

Click the Continue Reading button for individual images of each fob.

Unique Oblong Knot

The Oblong Knot is similar to the Chinese Cloverleaf Knot. I have been waiting for a practical use for this knot for quite awhile now and when I decided to "unique-ilize" my laptop backpack, it gave me just the situation I needed. I wanted to decorate the bag with zipper pulls and a Turk's Head handle. (Continued...)

 The easiest method of learning to tie this knot is to pin it out on a board following the diagram below. Note that in my example I cut and singed one end and made a loop and tucked it inside the inside the knot with the other, the original would have a strand on top and bottom. This is just another example of tweaking knots to fit your needs, I also tied a Chinese Cloverleaf zipper pull in this same manner.



Double-click the image to see the full size, you may want to print it out and pin your cord straight to the image.

Unique Elastic Somon Bar Bracelet

Most paracord bracelets are made using plastic buckles but now there's another way. J.D. at TyingItAllTogether had another great idea by using elastic ponytailers to create a stretchable bracelet.
I really like the look of the full band without the cumbersome knot or buckle. The only drawback is going to be for the folks with larger wrists, though these are stretchable, the tighter it's stretched, the more it's going to dig-in to your skin. If this is the case, I believe Shock cord would work in place of the ponytailers. This can be purchased in basic colors from Supply Captain. (Continued...)

I followed  J.D.'s instructions for creating an Elastic Solomon Bar (Cobra) Bracelet by using six feet of paracord but I chose to use two colors (black and silver) so I had to join them together using three feet in each color.
Once I reached the end, I continued to weave the final leads into the beginning side so it would seem as the bracelet is one piece. This worked well but the cut leads can still be seen, but that doesn't mean that it's obvious. The silver lead end can't be seen while wearing the bracelet because it's on the inside. The black lead end will be seen but you can trim and singe it well enough that it's not noticeable inside the silver loop, you may choose a different method but this one worked best for my situation.