Flat top 18650 flash lights

[TxWelder35]

Looking for flashlights and IR lights that will accept a flat top 18650 battery. I know a lot of flashlights can take the regular 18650s but these batteries are 1/4” shorter than those. Wanted to see if there was any flashlights out there that will work with these. I have a bunch of em so I would like to buy some more stuff to make use of them.

 

[KeithStone]

Cloud defensive, either rein 3.0 or mch-hc depending on if your after handheld or weapon mounted.

 

[Darryle]

Flattops don't have the overload protection of button top according to candlepower fourms

 

[Rocketvapor]

The difference in length, in addition to the button top, is the lack of a protection circuit.
The INR cell is in the middle of safe type cells. IMR, INR, ICR.
IF your application is a "safe" device you could use a spacer or current limiter (shown at top of photo).

 

[TxWelder35]

The difference in length, in addition to the button top, is the lack of a protection circuit.
The INR cell is in the middle of safe type cells. IMR, INR, ICR.
IF your application is a "safe" device you could use a spacer or current limiter (shown at top of photo).
View attachment 8538115

What exactly is a “safe” device? My thermal is what uses these and got a bunch of em for it. What does the circuit protection actually do?

 

[Rocketvapor]

The circuit protection circuit board at the neg end of the cell and a connection to the pos end has an overcurrent/short circuit cutoff, an over discharge limit, an over charge limit.
If your device has these built in protections then a protected (longer) cell might not be needed.

The protection boards are designed for low, med, high current drawing devices.
Each Mosfet switch on the board will have a continuous rating of "about" 2, 4, or 6 amps.
Short term maybe a little higher. HIGH current like drill motors, saws use unprotected cells in packs with built in protection.

I could say "IF your device has this or that safety features" then you could use unprotected cells and not worry.
But I won't. Consult the manufacturer for cell recommendations.
SOMETIMES long battery compartments are INTENDED for longer cells with protection.

 

[Rocketvapor]

This might help with a hint as to what the manufacturer intended for protected vs unprotected.
If a protected cell is too long,
If the positive contact is flat, button top required.
Tail switched flashlight needs insulation without nicks or tears.
If the device has a raised positive post a flattop is indicated.

If a stack of 18650 cells is needed, button top. Might take long (Protected) or shorter (Unprotected).

 

[Rocketvapor]

I'm gonna guess for the price and able to use flat/button, protected/unprotected the REIN 3.0 or the mch-hc has built in protection circuitry.

Some tail switched lights have a battery tail spring that will collapse with a short circuit disconnecting the battery.