# How do you routinely use flashlights in and around your home? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 5, 2023, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640 "2023-07-05T13:41:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/21 "2023-07-05T15:07:47Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I have one that plugs into an outlet, so the battery is always charged. Also, if there is a power cut, it goes into nightlight mode, so it’s easy to find . My wife put a few of those aruond the house. Most are gone now, the victim of the grandchildren or use without returning to their spot. There still might be one plugged in somewhere. We rarely have a need for flashlights other than our phone. Sometimes we do, but then it’s hard to find one with batteries that work. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/22 "2023-07-05T15:23:09Z")
Wow. I love that you people obsess over and use flashlights (torches 😉) as much as I do. I also use one for navigating my sock drawer (but not in the summertime when I only wear sandals). Re phone light: my phone is a BlackBerry Key2. The battery (not user-replaceable) life is not the greatest-- by the end of the day, it’s usually down to 40% even if I haven’t had any long phone calls. So it does need coddling. I should have asked for links to your best and brightest flashlights… feel free to add if you want to. Also, I ALWAYS have plenty of batteries on hand. Lots of them. All kinds. I had a battery-deprived childhood, and when I grew up, along with Scarlet O’Hara, I pounded my fists on ~~the ground~~ a desk and swore, _“As God is my witness, I’ll never run out of batteries again!”_ ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/23 "2023-07-05T15:40:19Z")
We have 4-5 small LED flashlights: one in the car, one by the apartment door, two in our bedside tables, and I don’t know where or if there is another one floating around. They are all there in case the lights go out or to use on walks at night to increase our visibility to cars. Even in our urban environment, with street lighting, pedestrians get hit by cars at night and they are usually in dark clothing and have no flashlight to illuminate them. We have often been on the sidewalk and seen drivers react in a startled fashion when they see our lights and then us. We also have a battery and crank-powered lantern, and yes, my partner does observe that whenever I recharge it, it is a “two-crank device.” And we have 2 old Maglites, a 2 D cell and a 3 D cell variety. I changed the old bulbs to newer LED types, and like them because they function as blunt instruments, at least in theory. 30 years on, this function has never been tested. And when the power in our building went out a few months ago, and the emergency lights went out after 30 minutes, the small lights let us go up and down the pitch black stairwells with ease. My partner used the one by the door, and called me to tell me to use the one in the car when I got home. Other than that, the flashlights don’t get much use. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/24 "2023-07-05T15:44:41Z")
I mentioned this in some other thread, but from October until it gets too hot to wear it in the spring, I can be found wearing this hat from sun-up to bed-time: > **[Tutuko LED Beanie with Light (2 Pack), Gifts for Men Dad Husband Him Women, USB...](https://www.amazon.com/Tutuko-Lighted-Rechargeable-Headlamp-Flashlight/dp/B07X6MP5YF)** > > Tutuko LED Beanie with Light (2 Pack), Gifts for Men Dad Husband Him Women, USB Rechargeable Lighted Cap Headlamp Hat, Unisex Warm Winter Knitted LED Hat with Flashlight - - Amazon.com I have one in maize that’s my everyday hat, and one in grey, for fancy occasions. In the spring, it takes me at least a month to stop tapping my forehead whenever I need a light. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/25 "2023-07-05T16:01:09Z")
I’m going to get my husband one of these so I don’t have to hold the flashlight when he’s working on stuff anymore. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/26 "2023-07-05T16:13:40Z")
They also make lights mounted just on a head strap, which won’t keep your head too warm in the summer. I have one of those also, and wear it when I want both hands free to work on something but also want to be able to see it and that’s the best way to keep a light on it. Sometimes I use it just for walking around outside after dark in the winter; but in the summer it sometimes draws a cloud of insects. ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/27 "2023-07-05T16:15:16Z")
I don’t have one. But i know i should ! Trouble is, i so rarely need one that the batteries liquidate before i have to use it… Maybe i should get one of these :- > **[Digiflex Hand Press Wind up Crank 3 LED Flashlight Camping Torch for sale...](https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/1161838463)** > > Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Digiflex Hand Press Wind up Crank 3 LED Flashlight Camping Torch at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products! ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/28 "2023-07-05T16:17:06Z")
Be sure to get the two-pack, he’ll need one for fancy occasions too. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/29 "2023-07-05T17:40:53Z")
We have a bunch of flashlights scattered around. The main use has been to be able to read the sprinkler control in the garage, which was in a shadow and hard to see without one (even in daytime.) We got a new control, so I’m not sure it is necessary. I have a car jumper thing plugged in also in the garage, which has a light and a cellphone charger. When the power goes out, not that frequent, the flashlight just directs us to where the Bell & Howell lanterns are stored (as seen on TV, but these work) which is a lot better for light than the flashlight. When we had a dog and I walked her at night I brought along a flashlight, but that was a while ago. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/30 "2023-07-05T19:40:04Z")
I have a few flashlights around but rarely use them. But I use the light on my phone nearly every day. I have a Motorola phone so I can do a quick chop-chop motion and the light comes on, very handy. Usually I use the light when walking upstairs at night or when looking at something in dim light. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/31 "2023-07-05T19:48:45Z")
I always have a flashlight in my pocket. Given the state of my vision, the extra light is very handy. Flashlights also illuminate things better than my phone and are more convenient to use. ---
**Author:** ![Cardigan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardigan/32/187_2.png) [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/32 "2023-07-05T20:01:08Z")
We have found that the key to flashlights is making them consistently available in predictable, accessible and well-known locations. For instance, we have one upstairs in the night stand and two downstairs; one affixed to the fridge with a magnet and the other kept at the top of the basement stairs entryway. One never knows when the power is going to go out, so when it does the last thing in the world you want to be doing is searching for WHERE the flashlights are. Having a regular battery replacement schedule for those batteries is a different matter and we seem to have less success with this… ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/33 "2023-07-05T20:09:04Z")
I got a bunch of them around. Almost never actually use them because the batteries are always dead. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/34 "2023-07-05T20:11:41Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > I used to accumulate flashlights (whether I needed them or not) but for years I’ve just used my phone. (And I _really_ don’t think using your phone light is a big concern for your battery life.) This. For ordinary day-to-day use, my phone _is_ my flashlight. I do have a supply of both conventional battery- and solar-powered flashlights and lanterns for use in the event of an extended power outage such as post-hurricane. They live in the “Don’t ever touch except in an emergency” box. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/35 "2023-07-05T20:14:54Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > For ordinary day-to-day use, my phone _is_ my flashlight. I also used to accumulate pocket calculators. Those have been replaced by my phone, too. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/36 "2023-07-05T20:49:53Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > One flashlight gets regular use, to check on what’s happening in the garden at night and to see if coyotes or other possibly malign species are in the area when I’m ready to give Pluto his final outdoor excursion of the day. This is why we have a couple of small, but powerful, wide beam flashlights. I’ve never seen a coyote inside our gated community, which is why we never took any of our dogs outside the complex after dark after one was close to being snatched. But inside the complex, we have racoons and possums, and several of our dogs would try to “interact” with them. But we have occasional power failures, so we got the battery lanterns: two for upstairs and two for downstairs. ---
**Author:** ![motu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/motu/32/259_2.png) [@motu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/motu)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/37 "2023-07-05T21:10:36Z")
Pen light in the dash, small flashlight in the glove box, big flashlight in the trunk plus a red/white LED flashy thingy. Keep small flashlight in both work and home desk, I drop stuff constantly. In the basement I keep one by the laundry stuff and several are stored on the tool shelves. I have several other small flashlights that I randomly leave somewhere, find them eventually. When I moved I threw out a battery operated lantern and a hand crank lantern, both were very underwhelming performers. ---
**Author:** ![dougrb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/76d3ee/32.png) [@dougrb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougrb)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/38 "2023-07-05T22:02:02Z")
I have an old habit from incandescent light bulbs. Turning them on was the most stressful on the filament so you should minimize that. Therefore I have flashlights anywhere I might need to turn a light on momentarily. It probably doesn’t matter with LED bulbs which is all I have now. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/39 "2023-07-05T23:42:16Z")
We used to have a half-dozen flashlights strategically placed around the house: under the kitchen sink, bottom drawer of the nightstand by our bed, in the closet by the front door, etc. Invariably when we actually needed one, the batteries would be dead or too weak to actually be of any use. Now we have a dozen of those small LED flashlights from WalMart that cost a buck and are powered by 3 AAA batteries. Several of these flashlights have not yet been ‘activated’ by removing the slip of paper from underneath the bulb, so we should always have a number of working flashlights that are small but powerful enough for our needs. And I’m finding that I use these devices on a regular basis as my eyesight weakens with age. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640/40 "2023-07-06T00:11:14Z")
I have a number of led cranked flashlights, and a solar one. I also have a number of small lights with magnets, to stick to the fridge, & look in the back of kitchen cabinets. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640.md?page=3)