Hand Crank LED Flashlight
Posted on October 8, 2008You never know when an emergency is going to strike, but when it happens, one of the best emergency tools to have ready is a good, reliable flashlight. Unfortunately, when a standard flashlights sits around too long, the batteries lose power and are weak or dead when you really need a working flashlight.
That is where one of the new generation of hand-crank LED flashlights becomes a handy item. These flashlights have a built-in rechargeable battery pack that is charged using a hand-crank dynamo. The crank usually folds away into the side of the unit. The flashlights typically have one to five super bright LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that can match the light output of a standard flashlight, but drain much less power. LEDs are one of the most efficient sources of light available, but only recently has the technology evolved to the point where they put out enough light to be used as a flashlight.
Hand crank LED flashlights come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can find models that look and feel like a standard flashlight. Some models are about the size of a pack of cigarettes and fit better in a pocket, backpack or the glove box in your car, and they won’t roll away when you lay them on the ground.

hand-crank LED flashlight
with built-in radio
Some models have built-in radios that could be useful during a power failure. Other models can be used to charge a cell phone in an emergency, but you need to have the right connectors in order to charge a cell phone. This could be a useful feature if a storm hits your area and the power is out for several days.
The better hand-crank LED flashlights use rechargeable batteries and dynamos that are very efficient. One minute of steady cranking can produce 15 to 20 minutes of strong LED light output. Most models hold the charge for weeks or months.

hand-crank LED flashlight
with cell phone charger
While a hand-crank flashlight may not always be practical for everyday use, it is great for camping, hunting, fishing, auto emergencies (such as flat tires at night) or to keep around the home just in case you ever really need it. Hunters and campers love these types of gadget gifts because when they have a reliable flashlight, they do not have to carry extra batteries.
You can find Hand Crank LED Flashlights at:


