DIY Flashlight Power Generator

Knowing how to improvise is an important survival skill. Check out this DIY Video on how to turn a hand crank flashlight into a mini power generator that can power your cell phone or small radios.

Now I know that they sell gizmo’s that do this already, but the point of the video is to show you what you can do with a little bit of work. Knowing how to do little jobs like this can not only help you make do with what you already have, but they are an essential skill for the self-reliant lifestyle.

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14 COMMENTS

  1. I found a very cool lantern at a garage sale it is rechargable by ac or hand crank, has two light settings, is an am/fm/weather radio with an auto weather alert setting and has a dc outlet that accepts all those auto chargers. I love this thing, I bring it on boat trips, bike runs, and keep it plugged in at home for the weather alerts. Best I can tell, It’s made by Power on board.

  2. That was very cool and simple. I’m sure I will make my own tonight. I just have to regulate it to successfully charge my Iphone.

  3. Radio Shack has a Red Cross version that includes: hand crank and solar charger with a USB port, AM/FM/NOAA, flashlight. The average cell phone can be charged for one minute use with five minutes of hand cranking or 8-9 hours in sunlight for a full cell phone charge.

    Another handy device is a car charger that accepts wall socket cords and USB. You can charge phones, lap tops if you keep a flash drive of your survival prep and planning binder, batteries etc.

  4. You can use a cheap yard windmill or old box fan ,any car alternator…the smaller the better and an old extension coed to power a 12 volt battery also.basicallythe props are connected to the shaft , when the wind blows it makes it turn on which produces 12 volts dc. Turn it on its side and have the props in a running water source and it works too….

  5. Solar lights(like you use for the front of your house)are a must!Leave them out all day then bring them in at night.You will never burn your house down with them.They will last longer than a candle or a battery.Put them in a glass cup to hold them.

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