Adjustable Flashlight Holder

Not having to hold a flashlight while working at night frees up both hands, useful if you are changing a car tire at night for example. Pointing a beam of the light where you want is the objective of this project. This is achieved by creating a flexible joint from a couple of beverage cans. A flashlight placed on top of the joint can be adjusted to point the beam of light where required.

The flexible joint is made by cutting off the base of a drink can, inverting it and attaching it to another can. Then the base of another can is placed on top - creating a ball and socket joint. A slot cut into base of the top can and a bolt mounted through the bottom can allows for the flexible joint to position the light beam where required.

Concrete poured into the base provides stability.

Four empty aluminum beverage cans

Bolt and nuts

gaffer tape

Concrete

Small piece of packing foam

Flashlight

1. File off the bottom of a beverage can with a Bastard file.
2. Cut another can 45mm from the base.
3. Invert the filed off bottom and place on the other can, forming a dome. Drill a hole thought both and secure with a bolt and nut.
4. Cut a third can 45mm from the base, drill a line of holes across the bottom and create a slot the same diameter as the bolt used to attach the dome to the previous can.
5. Place the slot over the dome's bolt and check it slides freely and can be position in place with a second nut.

Pour cement into the base of the can with the fitted dome. As it has a bolt sticking out the top, place it on to top of an empty can until the cement sets. The concrete creates a sturdy base.

Once the cement has set, place the can with the slot on top of the dome, place a small piece of packing foam and secure with a washer and nut. The washer was made using three beverage can tabs. The foam acts as a spring washer and helps secure the joint into place.

Insert in a fourth can in the top can and check the joint will travel smoothly, while at the same time stay in place where required.

Attach a flashlight to the top can with a length of 'gaffer tape' and move the joint to position the light beam to where you need it.