Certain activities simply call for a flashlight, such as searching through the darker corners of a basement, looking under the deck and for general use during overnight camping. However, there are times when a flashlight is nowhere to be found or the flashlight you do have begins to fail you. This is why it's important to know how to make a homemade flashlight, should the need arise.
Making a homemade flashlight is relatively easy. They can be used as a backup or can even be made well enough to replace your store-bought flashlight. To make a homemade flashlight, you will need the following:
First, tape the two D batteries together, so that the opposite ends of the batteries are touching. Next, poke a hole in the bottom of the metal can so that the bottom of the flashlight will fit into the hole. If you are using a soda can, the top of the can will need to be removed. Next to the light bulb, use the scissors to scratch a small spot on the metal can, so that nothing is covering the metal. Tape the electrical wire (with electrical tape) to the scratched spot of metal, next to the light bulb.
Now the batteries may be inserted. Place the batteries in the can, so that the negative end of the battery pack is touching the light bulb. To turn the flashlight on, simply tape the other end of the electrical wire to the battery on the opposite end of the light bulb. To keep the batteries in place, tape the wire to the battery, using a big enough piece of tape that it will also stick to the can.
To turn the flashlight off, remove the piece of tape holding the electrical wire to the battery pack and store in a safe place. While making a flashlight may seem difficult, this flashlight can be made in less than 10 minutes using simple household items, and will last for hours. And of course, always remember to take the proper safety precautions when putting it together.