Wind up torches

[Maddie_cat]

Anyone got a good recommendation for a W/u torch? I have bought quite a few including a relatively expensive one from Millets but it seems that after a while, they are no longer so effective - don't hold the charge as well. In fact, three of them now don't work at all. Would like to get a couple of decent ones therefore even if they are expensive.

Thx

[Ian]

I too have looked for this Holy Grail but in vain.

The only windups that still work were bought for under 50p (might even have been ten shillings) in the forerunner of the Pound Shops. Nasty Christmas cracker things that just keep going. No batteries, just pump torches but they always work first time.

Some of the more modern type use a capacitor to hold charge instead of a battery, This leaks away in storage but may be quickly recharged but then only last a few minutes due to their low capacity.

Others using a Ni-Cd battery have not stood the test of time nor would I expect them to.

I now have a couple in which I have replaced the Ni-Cd with Eneloops so should be good for years of storage but take a lot of winding to charge, 60 minutes plus. I may report in five years or so if they are effective, if I am still alive.

Can you still get pump torches? I have a WW1 Bakelite version and a 30s aluminium. Both still work but I doubt if I could buy the light bulbs these days, weird types.

[Maddie_cat]

I too have looked for this Holy Grail but in vain.

Ah, at least I am not the only one! Thought it was me buying wrong/cheap. Looks like it is back to the good ole kerosene lamp and candles.

[junmist]

I too have looked for this Holy Grail but in vain.

Ah, at least I am not the only one! Thought it was me buying wrong/cheap. Looks like it is back to the good ole kerosene lamp and candles.

Thanks guys I wont wast my money buying one

[icrcc]

There are some that work great, I had some of mine for a few years and they were not that expensive. The ones that have a built in cell phone charger are really useful. There is also one that has the crank and a small solar panel. I leave that one in the window so that it is always charged. Have you checked out you amazon.co.uk ? At least there you can read the reviews on the different kinds.

[mowdrops]

QVC do a solar radio plus torch plus phone charger,that is also a wind up.I have had mine for 2years and it works just great.

[hobo]

I own a Freeplay Sherpa http://www.freeplayenergy.com/shop/sher ... flashlight and a mini Sherpa http://www.freeplayenergy.com/shop/mini ... flashlight
Very happy with both!

[hillingdonpete]

all wind up torches had to be wound every month or so, when not in use
i should imagine that the instructions that come with the torch will say so
mind did/do

[hillingdonpete]

all wind up torches had to be wound every month or so, when not in use
i should imagine that the instructions that come with the torch will say so
mind did/do

[tigs]

what about the Solar Wind-up Radio and Torch http://evaq8.co.uk/SOLAR-and-WIND-UP-RA ... arger.html also you could try on this site http://www.tangogroup.net/products.asp theres loads of stuff not just wind up torches