How to Make a Simple Flashlight

The flashlight was introduced to the world in 1903 by Hubert Conrad, the founder of the Eveready Company, which is now known as Energizer. By following the instructions below, you can create a simple flashlight that is very similar to the original prototype.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 2 D-cell batteries
• 2 pieces copper wire, 5-inches in length
• Cardboard toilet paper roll
• 3-volt flashlight bulb
• 2 brads (brass fasteners)
• Strip of cardboard, 1-inch by 3-inches
• Paper clip
• Scotch tape
• Small paper cup (bathroom size)

1. Strip an inch of insulation off of both ends of each piece of copper wire.

2. Cut the toilet paper tube to be 4-inches long.

3. Push both of the brads through the side of the toilet paper tube and hook the paper clip to one of them. The paper clip will function as a switch to turn the flashlight on and off.

4. Wrap a piece of the copper wire around each of the brads, on the inside of the toilet paper tube.

5. Tape the two D batteries together.

6. Tape the end of one piece of copper wire to the negative terminal of one of the D batteries.

7. Run the other piece of copper wire through a small hole in the center of the cardboard strip. Then wrap the end of the copper wire around the base of the flashlight bulb and put the bulb into the hole in the cardboard strip.

8. Tape the cardboard strip to the top of the toilet paper tube.

9. Poke a small hole in the bottom of the paper bathroom cup and insert the flashlight bulb into the hole. Tape the cup to the toilet paper roll.

10. Touch the paper clip to the second brad to make the flashlight bulb turn on and off. Enjoy your new flashlight!

Tips & Warnings

• Never attempt to open a battery. The acid inside is extremely caustic and could cause you serious injury.