Head torch - warning

[NickJ]

In the truck etc I use Ledlenser head torches (£30 odd) but for stalking a more expensive rechargeable, powerful Nitecore HC60.

Be careful when putting them in a pocket, the Niteocre burnt a hole through my bino harness pocket and then through the pocket on my smock this week.

I used the torch in the dark pre dawn and then put it away but evidently must have switched it back on as I put in in the bottom pocket of my bino pack then saw the circa 10mm holes when I got back to the house at 5pm ish.

I was worried it was acid but could see no leak and the battery was not corroded at all. I emailed Nitecore UK and they came back to me within hours saying, effectively 'yes, if you put it in a pocket it can do that, we recommend taking the battery out.' Obviously that is a bit of a faff so I guess the advice is double check it's not switched on

 

[deerstalker.308]

I has similar with a torch in my (thankfully) hand luggage on a flight to Namibia from Germany, opened it to get something out before stashing in the overhead locker only to discover the torch on full beam and an awful lot of heat being generated by it!!! Doesn’t bear thinking how that could have gone!

 

[finnbear270]

Quality head torches usually have a lock system, combination of switch presses.

 

[Roebuck9]

Certainly worth a check guys, many thanks for both of you posting your experiences.

 

[finnbear270]

????
With the light turned on, press and hold both switches for over one second to switch the light off and enter lockout mode. In this mode, the two switches will not have their respective functions, thus preventing accidental activation. To unlock, press and hold both switches for over one second again.

User Manual - NiteCore Flashlights​

 

[NickJ]

????
With the light turned on, press and hold both switches for over one second to switch the light off and enter lockout mode. In this mode, the two switches will not have their respective functions, thus preventing accidental activation. To unlock, press and hold both switches for over one second again.

User Manual - NiteCore Flashlights​

The HC60 only has one switch Steve!

 

[Firefly]

I had a similar experience with the night core in a jacket pocket. Fortunately stopped it before a fire but not before it had burnt a hole through my pocket and melted fabric to the lens. Terrible design with a switch that can be turned on with very little pressure.(previous version needed more pressure) Nightcore sent me a new lens FOC but I fear for the next time.

 

[finnbear270]

The HC60 only has one switch Steve!

I have a head torch with only one button, PETZL, I hold down the button for four seconds to lock / unlock, OR click the button four times quickly.

 

[NickJ]

I have a head torch with only one button, PETZL, I hold down the button for four seconds to lock / unlock, OR click the button four times quickly.

Tried that, didn't work sadly

 

[finnbear270]

A bit crap if no lockout?.......... other Nitecore stuff has lockout.

 

[Pete6.5]

My phone light came on in my pocket and the torch burnt my leg badly without me even feeling it

 

[Klenchblaize]

Quality head torches usually have a lock system, combination of switch presses.

And/or cable disconnect for a belt & braces approach:


K

 

[tattie]

Quality head torches usually have a lock system, combination of switch presses.

The Black Diamond Icon torch I use has a lock off system that requires a 5 second press of the main button till a blue led flashes and that is it off.

Not wanting to derail or hijack the thread but a tale below

I've never thought about a modern led one burning a hole in things but remember many years ago a pal and I were out shooting rabbits in his dads Simca Van (showing my age now.)
I had shot a few and we parked up and walked over to a rough bit to pick them up. My pal had been using a rectangular spotlight directly wired in to the battery and had inadvertently turned the switch back on when the light had been placed on the passenger seat when I got out.

We returned about 15 mins later and I can still remember the burning smell. Flip Sake!!!
The light had burned itself flush down through the seat in a molten mess.

Aye Those were the days

 

[Foxyboy43]

Yep. Nothing new under the… err…. Sun.
Lots of stories years back of various vehicles being burnt out through leaving assorted foxing spotlights on the back seat.
From memory IRs can be tricky little lamps too - I recall a certain member burning holes in black binbags with one…

 

[Jh1986]

Christ. Some of mine on turbo will light fires.

Most of my lights run Anduril, which is a type of firmware for torches. It includes lockout mode and I have them all set to lockout after 1 minute of inactivity.

If they don't run Anduril, I will physically lockout (half-turn on the battery tube).

 

[pob]

I burnt a nice hole in my shemagh with a fenix after a stalk once. It didn't take very long. Thank Christ I noticed the smoke rising above the back seat before I got on the motorway home.

 

[NickJ]

The Black Diamond Icon torch I use has a lock off system that requires a 5 second press of the main button till a blue led flashes and that is it off.

Not wanting to derail or hijack the thread but a tale below

I've never thought about a modern led one burning a hole in things but remember many years ago a pal and I were out shooting rabbits in his dads Simca Van (showing my age now.)
I had shot a few and we parked up and walked over to a rough bit to pick them up. My pal had been using a rectangular spotlight directly wired in to the battery and had inadvertently turned the switch back on when the light had been placed on the passenger seat when I got out.

We returned about 15 mins later and I can still remember the burning smell. Flip Sake!!!
The light had burned itself flush down through the seat in a molten mess.

Aye Those were the days

Aye, the last time I burnt clothing with a light was with leaky car battery acid. The 12v block was wired up to a lamp on the back of the Hilux circa 1990. Only every wore crap clothes lamping after that