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-   -   My DIY : Cheap Magnetic Light. A not-so-unique solution to a not-so-unique problem (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/diy-do-yourself/100793-my-diy-cheap-magnetic-light-not-so-unique-solution-not-so-unique-problem.html)

Hi,

I regularly travel at night (Almost everyday!) on some good as well as poorly lit roads. The other day, I was thinking to myself, what if, I got stuck (read - Puncture, engine overheating etc) in the middle of the night on a road with no streetlights or with streetlights which are useless. What would I do?

It is difficult to change Tyres at night. Also, my car does not have a light in the boot. This makes it difficult sometimes to take stuff out at night. The engine bay also might need some light when needed. What to do???

Then one day, I went to this store and saw an LED light for Rs.65. I thought it was a nice thing to use as a solution to the problem. But then, How to fix it in the car? I did not want to stick it (double sided tape). Also, for all that I wanted to do with this, I needed something which could be mobile. I thought of velcro strips, but then dismissed the idea. The other day, while cleaning the fridge, one of the Fridge magnets (those things you stick to the fridge) fell and broke and I solved the puzzle!!!

I took the magnet and stuck it to the back of my LED light with some fevi quick. And now, I had a completely mobile lamp, which I could use almost anywhere in the car. The total fix cost me 65 (Light) + 15 (cells) + 20 (Magnet) !

The light and assembly



This now can be used in the boot to light it up, as a map reading light which does not disturb me in case the passenger uses it.


As a light under the bonnet when you need to check stuff at night.

A
warning light in case you are at the side of the road

a light to help you in changing the tyre at night.



I am still discovering more uses for this. Due to the magnet, it can be stuck on almost any part of the car when needed. Hope this helps in case you are looking for a similar fix.

Nice idea.

I had bought Dot-it LED lights. The glue at the back was not useful for automotive purposes as it debonded from any surface in the cabin. Then I tried Velcro. That was also not a good solution either. Abandoned the idea totally. Never tried magnets, thanks for letting us know.

Nowadays I keep a solar powerd LED torch which looks very similar to the LED assembly that you have posted. Bought from IKEA.

Excellent Idea !! Seen many types of torch to use in emergency, but this is something very innovative as you can stick it anywhere you want in the car.

A nice idea which doesn't cost you much but will come handy many times.

Thanks for lettings us know.

You get such lights in bombay for cars. They come with a ring of bright LED lights with a powerful magnet at the base. You have an option of choosing a battery operated light or buy one with long wires and big alligator clamps at the ends to attach it directly to the battery. Costs 150-200 bucks. The casing is water resistant.
Very useful in my jeep.

In a stationary car, the magnet should work all fine, but then I'm not sure about using it as reading lights in bumpy roads.

Neverthless a cheap and useful accessory to be kept in a vehicle.

Good idea, Even I do solo long drives in the night and used to carry a small LED torch (GEEPAS brand - size less than USB drive). Lighting is decent but cannot compare with this one. I'll look for something like this and keep it in the car. Thanks for the useful post.

thanks for sharing this, So simple yet so usefull :)

Thank you for your comments. I will improve the design ;)

Well, I tested this on some bad roads. All you have to do is place it on the corner (not looking down but forwards backwards). Alternatively, you could buy a more powerful magnet for 50 bucks at any speaker shop (I have one pulled from my old computer speakers which went kaput)

@ Tejas - Hey thats nice. Would love to see it once. You can make this assembly water proof by just applying a coat of silicon or Stikfast on the joins.

@ Dot - Solar powered? How does it work at night? If you store it in your glovebox, does it ever get charged?

It is solar powered. However it has a battery inside which gives power at night. Nowadays I keep the torch inside door trim pockets, never faced any discharging issues so far. I am using it for last two years.

Here are some pictures of the torch.





There is a velcro strip pasted at the bottom. During the initial days the torch kept in upright position on the rear parcel shelf of our Ikon, using the velcro and its own handle. So it acted as a rear seat light. Nowadays it stays inside the door pocket.

Here are a couple of pictures:

the best thing about this one is that it uses a magnet, so I am a person going alone, I can use this light and stick it at various places where I need to see light alongwith use both my hands.

Excellent DIY.

Interesting. The magnet is actually a speaker magnet only. Like I said, you can get it for 50 bucks. Also, the light does not seem to be an LED and could burn out when you most need it. JMT.

Everyone - Thanks for the appreciation of my idea! Hope this helps everyone.

@ Dot - The lamp is amazing. Could even use it for Camping.

Now why would you insinuate that I'm lying about my own light being an LED? That too after seeing a pic?

Sigh.

Here, I've opened it up for you; or would you want me to click a pic with it switched on as well?

Hey Tejas, there seem to be 14 LED's connected in series?. Is so, would 12V be sufficient?