How to Make a Matchbox LED Flashlight

LED light are small, powerful lights that work well as flashlights. This LED project makes a small flashlight using a matchbox or matchbook. LED matchbox flashlights are small enough to fit in a pocket or wallet. This makes them perfect for times when a quick light is needed.

Things You'll Need

• Matchbox
• Pen or marker
• Ruler
• Scissors or knife
• 2 LED lights
• Thin tape
• 3-volt battery

Instructions

1. Remove the matches form the box. Most matchboxes have two rows of matches made of cardboard. Pull on the side to remove the matches.

2. Measure the fold of the matchbox where the box folds over the top of the matches and find the middle. Measure 1/4 inch from the middle on both sides and mark those spots with a pen or marker.

3. Poke holes into the matchbox at the spots you marked. The holes have to be big enough to fit the LED lights through.

4. Slide the LEDs through the holes with the bulbs on the outside of the matchbox.

5. Tape the metal wires to the matchbox at the folds so the ends of the wires do not stick to the matchbox. These wires carry electricity to the LEDs. If the ends are stuck down, the lights stay on all the time.

6. Tape the 3-volt battery to the inside of the matchbox so the LED wires touch the battery when pressed down.

7. Press the wires to the battery to test the connection. Both lights needs to turn on when the wires press down against the battery.

8. Close the matchbox and apply tape to the edge to hold it shut. Press down on the center of the matchbox. This lights up the LED lights.