More adventures with batteries. I can't remember how many MAG-LITE flashlights I have ruined because of leaky batteries. This particular 4 cell model was spared because every time I finished using it, I removed the batteries. That was a pain in the neck but a necessary move to preserve the device. While I was looking for stuff the other day I came across these D-cell adapters which use a AA cell. You insert the battery and screw on the base. VOILA! How simple is that? Now I have NiMH powering the flashlight. NiMH batteries don't leak.

Sure enough the flashlight works just fine. The only drawback is that these cells are a nominal 1.2 volts vs. 1.5 volts for the alkaline cells. The result of the 20% differential in voltage is that the light isn't quite as bright. It is plenty good for a utility flashlight. I figure that if I ever REALLY need a brighter light (like hunting troglodytes in caves) I can substitute some alkaline batteries which will brighten it up quite a bit. The excitement never ends at this house because we are all easily amused.