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MY LATE-FATHER'S
2xAA MINI MAG

My late-father's 2xAA Mini Mag
Manufactured by Mag Instruments (www.maglite.com)
Last updated 02-21-12

Because this is a very well-used product that was owned by my late father, this will not be a true evaluation -- just an informational web page.

Just about everybody knows what this is. Mag-Lite has long been known for making sturdy metal, adjustable beam flashlights, and they're under millions of sinks, in car gloveboxes, garages, toolboxes, sheds, and pockets. This is their popular 2xAA Mini Mag model, and is commonly available from stores like Fred Meyer and K-mart for around ten bucks - alkaline batteries included.

It comes in an almost all-aluminum body (protected with a Type II anodized finish), and feeds from 2 AA cells.

20th century astrophysicist Freeman Dyson postulated th...er...uh...I POSTULATE

that the rubber band on the barrel was placed there to help prevent the flashlight from slipping & falling out of dad's pocket or to enhance his grip on the obviously-time worn thing because much of the original knurling (crosshatch-shaped texturising on the barrel) has worn off over the years.

Size of product w/hand to show scale

SIZE

Mag Lites are sometimes sold with batteries (Mini Mags always are), and always come with two bulbs.

Once you install batteries, the light itself is easy to use. Just turn the bezel (head) counterclockwise until it comes on, and turn it clockwise until it stops to turn it off.

The beam can be adjusted from a tight spot to a wide flood by turning the head one way or the other.

The Mini Mag (well, new ones that you can buy now anyway) comes with a heavy-duty nylon belt holster; the light fits the holster bezel (head) up. It fits belts up to ~1.75" wide.

To change the batteries, unscrew the tailcap until it comes off. Tip out the old batteries (if any), throw them in the garbage can/recycle/recharge them, and then slip in two new ones, positive (+) end first. Don't hold the light vertically and drop them in because that can damage the lamp & lampholder. Rather, hold the light horizontally and slide them in. This way, they won't smack into the lampholder with any real force.

With both of the batteries in place, screw the tailcap on. The spring may have substantial tension on it, so don't be afraid to push on the end while turning until you catch the threads. Then tighten it until it stops.

Current consumption measures 400mA on my DMM's 4A scale.

Because the Mag Lite is an incandescent flashlight, sooner or later the bulb will pop. But fear not, because a spare bulb is located in the tailcap underneath the spring; enclosed in a protective foam sleeve. Pull the spring off the tailcap and pull the foam thingie out. Carefully remove the spare bulb. Put the foam back in place, press the spring back on, and reinstall the tailcap. Don't forget to pick up another spare bulb the next time you go to the store so you won't be caught with your pants down sometime later.

But now you just want that bulb replaced. With the bulb lying nearby, unscrew & remove the flashlight head. Pull the old lamp straight out, gently place it on the floor, and stomp on it. (love to hear those things pop!)

Reverse the steps to reassemble your light. That is, place the new bulb straight in the two little holes, then screw the head back on until it stops. Now you can turn your Mini Mag on, adjust the beam to your desired focus, and use it to sweep up the old bulb.
(You didn't think I was just going to let you leave broken glass everywhere, did you?)

Because this Mini-Mag was owned by my late father, punishment testing will not be conducted on it. For a true aval. of one on this website, please visit this web page.

Beam photograph on the test target at 12", narrow focus.
Measures mcd on an Amprobe LM631A light meter.

Beam photograph on the test target at 12", wide focus.

Spectrographic analysis of the incandescent bulb in this flashlight.

USB2000 Spectrometer graciously donated by P.L.

TEST NOTES:
Test unit was just banging arond the house after we moved to this new location in early-October 2011; my sister put it with several other flashlights of mine approx. one week ago (near 02-14-12) -- and here it is now.

Since this flashlight was essentially a gift from my late father Norm J. (he passed on 07-01-11), the "

" icon will be appended to its listings on this website, denoting the fact that no abusive or even potentially destructive testing will be performed upon it.

UPDATE: 00-00-00

PROS:
Sturdy, proven design has stood the test of time
Batteries it needs are readily available and reasonably inexpen$ive

CONS:
Dim, dim, dim; extremely yellow as well!!!
Very ringy beam especially in flood mode

Mag Instruments

Small handheld flashlight

Bipin incandescent bulb

Adjustable

Twist bezel on/adjust beam/off

Aluminum

Metal; lamp & reflector protected by plastic window

2x AA cells

400mA

Yes

Yes, to very shallow depths anyway

2xAA cells, spare bulb, nylon belt holster

146mm L x 25mm D (bezel) 17.50mm D (barrel)

Not equipped to weigh

United States

Lifetime

Because this is a very well-used product, the conventional "star" rating will not be used.

My late-father's 2xAA Mini Mag *

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