Buzz
There are many types of flashlights available on the market today, such as shaking, hand-cranked, twist, push-button, and more. If you're not a fan of these options or wish to avoid spending money on unnecessary luxuries, you can create your own flashlight using a toilet paper roll and basic materials you already have at home.
Steps
Use a simple and quick method
Gather your materials. First, clear a space to work and invite any children or family members to watch you build a flashlight by hand. You will need:
- A toilet paper roll (a thin cardboard tube rolled into a small cylinder)
- 2 D-sized batteries
- Electrical tape (or other types of tape that can insulate)
- A piece of wire about 12.5 cm long (for best results, use copper wire if you have speaker wire)
- A 2.2-volt light bulb (other bulbs can be used, but effectiveness may vary. You can even use bulbs from Christmas light strings.)
Attach the wire to the negative (-) terminal of the battery. Make sure the wire is securely attached and not misaligned, as this could cause your light bulb to flicker.
Seal the bottom end of the toilet paper roll/cardboard tube carefully. This prevents light from escaping and keeps the flashlight from becoming dim and ineffective.
Attach the battery with one end of the wire to the bottom of the toilet paper roll. One end of the wire will touch the tape on the bottom of the roll, while the other end extends outside.
Place the second battery with the negative terminal facing downward. The negative terminal of this battery should touch the positive terminal of the battery below it. This connection allows the current to flow upward, making the light bulb light up.
Secure the light bulb on top of the second battery. Ensure a direct, secure connection between the two surfaces (in other words, just make sure the light bulb is tightly attached). Be sure that you can still see the lower half of the bulb.
Make the light bulb glow. Touch the wire to the silver part of the light bulb. If the light doesn't glow after a few attempts, check the troubleshooting tips below. If the bulb lights up, you've successfully created a flashlight that can be turned on and off.
Try a different method
Gather your materials. It's time to get started and unleash your creativity. You will need:
- 2 D-sized batteries (separate)
- 2 pieces of 22-gauge insulated copper wire, 12.5 cm long (strip 2.5 cm of insulation from each end)
- A 10 cm long cardboard tube
- A 3-volt PR6 or 222 light bulb
- 2 copper clips
- 2.5x7.5 cm cardboard piece
- Paper clips
- Tape
- A small paper cup
Attach a copper clip to one end of each wire. Bend the clip so it wraps around the wire. Insert both ends of the clip into the sides of the cardboard tube, with the wire running out from both ends of the tube. The rounded part of the clip should be on the outside of the tube. This will serve as your on/off switch.
Tape the two D-sized batteries together. Make sure the positive terminal of one battery is touching the negative terminal of the other. The batteries should be aligned lengthwise, not sideways. Once firmly taped, place the battery stack inside the cardboard tube.
Attach the wire to the negative terminal of the battery. The negative terminal is the flat end. You can use masking tape to secure the wire in place.
Cut a small hole in a piece of cardboard. Thread the wire through this hole, placing it on the positive terminal of the battery, and wrap the wire around the light bulb. Insert the base of the light bulb into the hole so that it is securely held by the cardboard.
- Use tape around the light bulb's position on the cardboard to hold it firmly to the wire. The light bulb should start blinking at this point.
Cut a hole in the bottom of a paper cup that fits the light bulb. Insert the light bulb into the hole and use tape to attach the cup to the piece of cardboard.
Attach the soda can tab between the two ends of the copper clip. Electricity will flow when the tab touches both clips, lighting up the bulb. When the tab is removed, the light will go off. Success!
- You can also use a paperclip instead of the soda can tab!
Complete the process.
Tips
- Want to make your flashlight more unique? Draw a design on a piece of paper and wrap it around a toilet paper roll or cardboard tube. For example, you can draw a devil face. Alternatively, you can tape one end of the cardboard tube and draw the design on it.
- If the light doesn't turn on, try checking these things:
- Is the light bulb burnt out?
- Is it a 2.2-volt light bulb?
- Have all components been connected properly?
- Is the battery still charged?
- Is the battery installed correctly?
Warning
- Be careful, as the wires may get quite hot.
- Children should only do this activity under adult supervision.
What You Will Need
Simple and Quick Method
- A toilet paper roll or thin cardboard tube rolled into a small cylinder.
- 2 D-type batteries.
- Strong adhesive tape (industrial tape with high stickiness works best).
- 12.5cm of electrical wire (if using speaker wire, choose one with copper core).
- A table or work area to perform the task.
- A 2.2-volt light bulb (you can use another type, but effectiveness varies by type. Christmas string light bulbs also work well).
Alternative Method
- 2 D-type batteries (separate).
- 2 lengths of 12.5cm long, 22-gauge copper wire (strip 2.5cm of insulation from each end).
- A 10cm long cardboard tube.
- A 3-volt PR6 or number 222 light bulb.
- 2 copper clips.
- 2.5x7.5cm piece of cardboard.
- A paperclip.
- Adhesive tape.
- A small paper cup.
