LED bulbs are the next big thing when it comes to flashlights. LED flashlights can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the kind of LED bulb used. However, you can make your own ultraviolet LED flashlight for far less. Be aware, however, that once your friends see it, they may want you to make them one also。

Preparation

• 1

  Find an ultraviolet LED (Light Emitting Diode) from your local electronics store or online.

• 2

  Purchase a 1/4 watt 100 ohm resistor. This also should be available at your local electronics store or online.

• 3

  Buy a flashlight that requires up to 4 1.5 volt batteries to run when making your own ultraviolet LED flashlight.

• 4

  Remove the bulb from the flashlight you purchased. You may have to use a scissors clamp to remove the bulb from the flashlight without breaking it. Be sure to grasp the bulb by its metal collar, and gently pull the bulb up out of its setting.

• 5

  Hold the bulb by its collar with the scissors clamp, and heat up the base of the bulb with a soldering iron. Make sure you use eye protection as you do so.

• 6

  Wait for the solder to cool, and then tap the scissors clamp, as it's still holding the bulb, against your work bench. You may have to do this rather sharply. By tapping the scissors clamp in this manner, you dislodge any melted solder from the bulb. You can choose to use a solder wick instead of tapping the scissors clamp against the workbench and achieve the same result. Basically, you want to get rid of any excess.

Creation

• 1

  Check the bottom of the bulb to see if you made a small hole in the bulb's base when making an ultraviolet LED flashlight.

• 2

  Solder the 100 ohm resistor to the positive lead on the flashlight you are using to make your own ultraviolet LED flashlight.

• 3

  Bend the shorter negative lead on the LED about 90 degrees. It should extend away from the LED base.

• 4

  Shorten the lead that's the longest by clamping a pair of scissor clamps. The clamps should rest against the LED. Clip off any excess of the lead, leaving only a little protruding beyond the scissors clamp. Shorten the leads on the 100 ohm resistor so they're up to ? inch long.

• 5

  Attach the 100 ohm resistor to the positive lead by soldering it. You can use the scissors clamp as a heat sink as you do this. Do not allow the solder to flow for more than two seconds.

• 6

  Insert the longer lead through the base of the LED bulb and through the hole you created.