Who Uses Penlight Torches

Several kinds of everyday carry (EDC) flashlights are available on the market and users vary from doctors to engineers. Searching for the right portable flashlight can be challenging because of the wide variety. However, one thing you should consider is your preferred body style.

Since you will have this flashlight on you whenever you go, it is essential to determine the design that best suits you. While some people go for a tactical design, others opt for pocket pen flashlight while others prefer a baton-style penlight. Some may want shorter but wider lights, while others prefer longer and slender ones. It is all about picking a flashlight that best suits your needs and preferences.

This article sheds light on penlights. These lights are versatile, and carrying them around won't feel awkward as it is like carrying a pen.

What Is a Penlight?

A penlight is a small flashlight that mimics the body style of a pen. Often, penlights perform the functions of both a light and a pen. Sometimes, however, they are just lights. Unlike traditional flashlights, you can only use penlights to illuminate small areas owing to their small size.

You may have seen doctors and other professionals like electricians carrying penlights around, and it is easy to see why they are beloved. Their compact size and lightweight nature make it easy to keep them inside your handbag, purse, pockets etc.

Users of Penlight Torches

Penlights can be applied to different fields to achieve different purposes. Users of these torches vary depending on the field.

 

#1. Medical Practitioners

Nurses and doctors have been using penlights for years. They use penlights that have been designed specifically for use in the medical field. For medical practitioners, weight, appropriate brightness, and ease of use are essential factors to consider.

For instance, a penlight designed for use in medical settings may automatically turn on at a lower light setting. This design helps prevent health providers from accidentally flashing their patients with bright lights.

Uses of Penlights in the Medical Field

Medical professionals use penlights for the following purposes:

• Assessing Pupil Response: The main use of a penlight in the medical field is assessing pupil response–the rate at which pupils constrict when exposed to bright lights suddenly. Your doctor may swing the pen flashlight in your eyes to ensure that:

1. The amount of constriction is the same for both pupils
2. Both eyes react no matter which one is exposed to the light

Abnormal pupil response can be an indication of underlying health conditions such as:

1. Alcohol intoxication
2. Injury to the eyes and surrounding nerves
3. Concussions
4. Drug use

• Examining Wounds of the Throat/Mouth Area: The overhead lights in your doctor's officemay not be at the right angle to illuminate your throat and mouth if you have the flu, for instance. This is where the penlight comes in. its compact size and shape make it the best tool for examining these areas.
• Searching in Cabinets or Drawers: It isn't uncommon for health practitioners to store medical supplies, papers and even personal items in their drawers. Because of their busy schedules, they are prone to misplacing their things. The penlight, however, makes finding things easier, especially in emergencies.
• Inspecting Patient Rooms: Some hospital patrols occur during odd hours of the night, so doctors should take care not to wake their patients. A penlight will come in handy in situations like these. Penlight torches are also used for visualizing skin rashes and checking urinary catheter bags for signs of blood.

Lumens Recommendation for a Medical Penlight

Lumens are a measure of light brightness. A higher lumen rating indicates brighter light, and a lower lumen rating indicates dimmer light. Penlights used by medical professionals for physical assessments have a low lumen rating to ensure safety and induce pupil response.

Penlights with Pupil Gauge

Some penlights have pupil gauges printed on the side, while others don't. A pupil gauge is a sequence of circles of various sizes that act as a visual reference guide when determining pupil size. Penlights with pupil gauges are essential tools for medical students and those still learning prompt pupil assessment.

Selecting the Best Penlight for Use in the Medical Field

Here are the options doctors and nurses should weigh between to purchase a penlight that best suits their diagnostic needs:

Metal vs Plastic

Most penlights for medical use are made from either plastic or metal. So before making your purchase, ensure you check the item description. Metal pen flashlights are made from staginess steel or brass. On the other hand, plastic pen flashlights are made from sturdy plastic. However, they may come with metal elements like the clip.

Disposable vs Reusable

While reusable penlights are priced on the higher end, they feature robust construction and higher-quality materials, guaranteeing longevity. They also result in less waste since they aren't thrown out frequently. Disposable pen flashlights are more cost-friendly but also made using lower-quality materials and won't be as durable.

LED vs Halogen Bulbs

Halogen bulbs emit a bright yellow light. However, they run on more battery power than LED bulbs and aren't long-lasting. This is the reason LED bulbs have garnered popularity over the years. Also, halogen bulbs are hot to the touch, while LEDs run much cooler when in use.

Although LEDs have great qualities, they have some downfalls too. For instance, they produce light with a blue or white cast, which may distort the colour of what is being illuminated. LEDs also have a higher initial cost but will be worth it in the long run.

Twist Top vs Tail Click vs Side Click Switches

There are different ways to turn penlights on and off. Most come with a tail click option with a button at the top that you can press. Because these versions are easy to turn on and off, accidental light activation is common.

Twist-top pen flashlights have a cap that does not fall off. Instead, they activate the light through their back-and-forth movements. On the other hand, side click pen flashlights have a switch on one side, often disguised as a pen clip that you can slide back and forth.

Pupil Gauge vs No Pupil Gauge

Many penlights tailored for use in the medical field have a pupil gauge on the side, whose role is to give doctors and nurses a quick visual reference to compare the pupil size of their patients.

In hindsight, light quality and reliability are the most vital features to look for in a penlight for medical use. Regarding reliability, your pen flashlight should be able to power on when pressed. It should also be made of durable material and have a sturdy build to withstand falls.

When it comes to light quality, cheaper penlights emit poor light quality. Blue LED lights, for instance, scatter poorly, emitting an uneven light beam. In addition, the light given off by bright LED bulbs makes it tricky to get a good impression of the throat or skin.

#2. Law Enforcement Professionals

Police officers use penlights to check pupil response to determine whether suspects are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A waterproof penlight with a high lumen rating and excellent durability is ideal for a police patrol at nighttime. Some options even come with reversible clips that allow police you to wear them as headlamps or be attached to baseball caps.

Uses of Penlights in Law Enforcement

Here is how penlights can be utilized in law enforcement:

• To increase the visibility of blood and other bodily fluids
• To blind potential suspects
• Authenticating driver’s licenses and other documents
• Inspecting luggage
• Searching for victims, e.g. when a building collapses

#3. Mechanics

A penlight is also a handy tool for engineers as their daily working days revolve around inspecting sensitive electronics.

Uses of Penlights in Mechanics

Here are some ways penlight torches can be used in mechanics:

• Reliable Lighting: Mechanics often have complicated projects where they work under the hood or vehicle. A penlight will help focus the light on the workspace. For a better view, it can be held at any angle.
• Making Roadside Repairs: In the past, you may have depended on your phone's torch to illuminate the space as you make random roadside repairs. However, holding your phone with one hand and working with the other may be difficult. Penlights designed for use in mechanics are compact enough to fit in your mouth. Also, some are accompanied by a headband, magnetic base or swivelling hook to free up all your hands as you work.
• Illuminating Pathways at Night: Penlights can illuminate footpaths, driveways and garages at nighttime. This way, there is a reduced risk of falling and getting injured.
• Finding Missing Objects: With the help of a flashlight, you can easily find missing tools in your toolbox. Also, if you misplace a small tool in a disorganized trunk, a penlight will help you find it.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Penlight for Mechanical Work

Before finally purchasing a penlight, mechanics should consider the following factors:

• Size: Although most penlights used in mechanics are about six inches long, you can always go for larger sizes if you want to use them for your outdoor adventures. Nevertheless, smaller penlights are recommended as you can hold them with your mouth, and they do not strain your hand.
• Lumens: When it comes to mechanical penlights, all that matters is how well they illuminate your workspace. This is determined by the number of lumens. The lower the lumens, the dimmer the flashlight will be and vice versa. It is, however, essential to note that more lumens can negatively impact the battery power. For mechanics working in dimly-lit areas, anything over 50 lumens is ideal. On the other hand, outdoor work requires as high as 1,000 lumens.
• Beam Distance: Another factor to consider when selecting a penlight for mechanics is how wide and far it can shine in the areas you intend to use it. For tight spaces, you may require a spotlight while. A wider beam is recommended to get a full view of the engine parts. This is why opting for a model with a zoomable focus is advisable because of its versatility.
• Power Source: There are two kinds of penlights: those that are rechargeable and those that use batteries. If you do not want to be bothered with frequent trips to the local store to get new batteries, opt for rechargeable flashlights. On the other hand, penlights running on batteries will be helpful when there are extended power blackouts.
• Durability: A mechanic's hands may get greasy occasionally, so dropping tools is not uncommon. For this reason, consider a sturdy model that can survive a fall. Anodized aluminium is a great option to shield the internal components from damage in case of accidental falls.

Important Tips

• Whenever you use your penlight, ensure you wear gloves. Doing so keeps the device clean and reduces its susceptibility to contamination that may damage its exterior.
• Do not use your teeth to hold the pen flashlight
• After you've finished using the penlight, remove the batteries and store them in the toolbox until the next time you'll need them. This is because even when off, the penlight might drain the batteries, and they may also be damaged by leakage of batteries.
• Shining light directly on your face for extended periods could damage your eyes. Therefore, always protect your eyes when repairing, servicing or maintaining your vehicle using a flashlight.

#4. Outdoor Adventurers

Outdoor expeditions like hunting have become a popular pastime activity at nighttime. For the best tracking and hunting outcomes, you should use effective multi-use equipment. Although experienced hunters may look at flashlights as gadgets that may cause wild game to scamper, carrying a penlight will ensure you have a good dose of outdoor fun.

Uses of Penlights in Hunting Activities

Here are some ways in which penlights ensure greater survival and safety during your nighttime adventure:

#1. Reading Maps and Locating Hunting Posts

Armed with a penlight, you need not stumble in the dark trying to find your posts. A penlight will help you locate your hunting posts noiselessly and without startling your target. In addition, it will help you read and interpret hunting maps to ensure safe navigation.

#2. Tracking Animal Paths

If tracking animal paths during the day can be a nightmare, imagine doing so in full-in darkness. This is why you need compact and hands-free lighting solutions like penlights to allow you to follow animal paths while still having access to vital equipment and tools.

#3. Making Fellow Hunters Aware of Your Presence

If you are hunting in a public place, you need a discreet and effective way to let other hunters know you are present. This way, you avoid safety and security problems like being shot at.

#4. Safe Handling of Weapons

Handling weapons in the dark can pose severe risks to you and others. By carrying your penlight with you, you can ensure you properly operate your weapon without causing harm to yourself and third parties.

#5. Field Dressing Animals

After successfully hunting down your target, you will likely use its meat for food. When it comes to animal meat preservation, field dressing is a crucial step. It helps prevent bacterial growth and should be carried out immediately. Having a pen flashlight makes this whole process easy.

#6. Getting the Animal Out of the Woods

It is hard to navigate darkened woods, so ensure you have a light flashlight. It will help illuminate your path and ensure you get the animal out of the woods without further damaging it.

#5. Sportsmen

When darkness encroaches, running trails can be hard to navigate, and you will likely stumble and hurt yourself. So, if you prefer evening runs over morning runs, you can benefit significantly from carrying your penlight.

Uses of Penlights in Sports Activities

Penlights are used for nighttime running in the following ways:

• Illumination: In low-light conditions, penlights can help runners find their way. You'll be able to locate obstacles like rocks and dodge them. A penlight will also ensure you are visible to other road users, so accidents are avoided.
• Navigation: If you're running on a new trail, a penlight will help you identify landmarks, such as buildings or street signs, so you don't get lost.
• Safety: During your run, you can use your penlight to alert drivers of your presence. Also, if you are in a risky situation, you can flash your light repetitively to send a distress signal.
• Improving Running Form: Did you know that taking a penlight on your run can improve your running form? No? Now you know. A penlight will illuminate the space in front of you, ensuring your foot placement is right, and you are in a good running posture.
• Self-Defence: The darkness may bring with it lots of harm and danger, so it is good that you are well-prepared to counter it. With the help of a penlight, you can temporarily blind your attacker and throw them off-guard before fleeing.

#6. Beauticians in The Jewellery Industry

Here are the common uses of penlights in the jewellery industry:

• Jewellery Inspection: Jewellers use penlights to examine diamonds and other gemstones for colour, clarity and cut. The light illuminates the stone, increasing the visibility of imperfections and minor details.
• Grading Diamonds: Because a pen flashlight can help reveal a stone’s blemishes, it is an essential tool in the grading process.
• Photography: In jewellery photography, penlights are used to accentuate certain features of a piece.

#7. Veterinary Officers

Veterinarians, too, have been using penlight torches while examining their furry patients.

Here is how they use these gadgets:

• Eye Exams: Penlights shine their light onto animals' eyes to check for a pupillary light reflex, an essential indicator of animals' neurological function.
• Oral Exams: They can be used in oral exams to identify oral lesions or dental issues.
  Skin Exams: Vets use penlights to identify skin lesions on animals or parasites like mites, ticks or fleas.
• Rectal Exams: This flashlight will also come in handy when examining animals’ gastrointestinal tract. The light helps identify abnormalities in the digestive tract.

#8. Agricultural Officers

Penlights have various applications in the agricultural sector, including:

• Plant Inspection: Farmers can use them to inspect plants for diseases and pests and take the necessary measures.
• Seedling Evaluation: With the help of penlights, farmers can identify seedlings with abnormal growth and take necessary action.
• Soil Analysis: Penlight torches can help analyse soil conditions so farmers can identify pH levels, nutrient deficiencies etc.
• Evaluating Animal Health: Farmers use penlights to ascertain animals' health by checking their ears and eyes for injuries or infections.

#9. Miners in the Field of Minerology

Here are some of the applications of penlights in the mineralogy field:

• Identifying minerals by illuminating them, paving the way for examination
• Detecting the fluorescence phenomenon in certain minerals
• Examining a mineral specimen’s refractive index
• Illuminating and highlighting a mineral specimen’s specific features
• Illuminating rock formations and mineral veins

#10. Plumbers

In the plumbing sector, penlights play the following roles:

• Inspecting hard-to-reach areas in drains, pipes and fixtures
• Detecting leaks in plumbing systems
• Carrying out routine maintenance tasks like cleaning pipes and fixtures
• Highlighting connections and fittings during the installation of new plumbing fixtures

#11. Bankers

Even in the banking industry, pen flashlights are widely used.

Here are some of their uses:

• Checking the authenticity of cheques, notes and other financial documents to combat fraud
• Illuminating dark areas during night patrols by security personnel
• Inspecting the inside of ATMs to detect signs of skimming or tampering devices
• Maintaining and repairing equipment within the bank premises

How Do Penlight torches Work?

A penlight uses two or three AAA or AAAA batteries. AAAA batteries are a newer thinner battery type common in small electronic devices. The light used in penlights is either a small light bulb or LED. Because most penlights have clips, you can easily attach them to pockets or shirts for hands-free convenience.

Compact size and intuitive operation are some features that assert the popularity of penlights among people of different backgrounds.

Factors To Consider When Buying a Penlight Torch

Before purchasing a penlight, here are the key factors to consider:

#1. Convenience

The main advantage of choosing penlights over regular flashlights is the size. Because of their small size and lightweight nature, penlights are more portable and occupy less storage space. As a result, they are very easy to use. When scouting for a penlight, ensure it can fit inside your pockets, tool bags and backpacks. It should be easily reachable whenever you need it.

#2. Construction Design

Another factor to consider during the purchase is the penlight's overall design. In addition to being compact and portable, it should also be robust and durable. If you intend to use it outdoors, ensure it can withstand harsh external factors. If this is the case, consider shock- and waterproof options.

#3. Runtime

A penlight is a lighting solution that you should be able to rely on in all situations. For this reason, it must have a decent runtime. Nobody wants the light to bail on them when they are in a tricky situation.

Batteries and the number of lumens dictate the runtime, so consider a penlight with adjustable brightness modes. This way, you can save battery power when you don't need to use the brightest light for a task.

#4. Brightness

Always check the brightness before purchasing to ensure the penlight you select can illuminate the areas you want. A penlight's brightness largely depends on the number of lumens; most offer 10 to 250 lumens.

Those with up to 50 lumens are perfect for close-up activities like locating items in dark areas. However, if you intend to use your penlight for more demanding tasks like hiking and camping, one with over 100 lumens is ideal.

#5. Colour Temperature

Again, the task for which you intend to use your penlight will influence the choice of colour temperature. Cool white light is brighter and crisp, while yellow light is friendlier to the eyes. For instance, penlights used in the medical arena should have warmer colours because they are safer and more comfortable for patients.

Read more: What is a Green Flashlight for?

#6. Controls

Your flashlight needs to have different light modes so you can easily switch between them. A penlight's control will determine its accessibility to the operator. While the usual on/off button will do, a clicking button control isn't a bad idea. If you are looking for a more complex control, try the rotating bezel, which you can also use to control the amount of light your penlight gives off.

However, if operating the controls is an uphill task, you won't get the most out of the modes, even during emergencies. This is why you should get an easy-to-operate penlight with intuitive controls.

#7. Battery Type

Whether you use rechargeable or disposable batteries, ensure they can be quickly replaced or recharged. If you opt for disposable batteries, consider those that can be easily found in stores such as AA and AAA.

On the other hand, rechargeable batteries require that you carry a charger with you and always be close to a power source. Rechargeable batteries are ideal for minimizing waste, and disposable batteries are perfect for outdoor adventures.

#8. Bulb Type

A penlight with an LED light bulb guarantees maximum light output and energy efficiency. Besides, LED bulbs have a high impact resistance, meaning they can withstand being dropped from high distances. They also have a longer run time compared to incandescent lamps.

#7. Beam Type

The lens reflectors close to the bulb determine the type of beam your flashlight will emit.

The three types of beams include:

• Fixed or flood beam: This possesses one beam width
• Focused or spot beam: It is a single beam focused into a spotlight
• Adjustable beam: Depending on your needs, the beam width can be switched between spot and flood

The flood beam is the prevalent beam type in standard flashlights.

Benefits of a Penlight

Using a penlight has its perks which include:

#1. Compact Design

This is a pen flashlight's most appealing feature. Thanks to its small size, a penlight can be easily kept in pockets and bags. This makes it more convenient than bulky flashlights, particularly when you need additional storage space for other tools.

#2. Portability

Thanks to its size, you can take a pen flashlight anywhere. The EDC device takes up little space, and features like pocket clips make carrying it around feel natural.

#3. Versatility

The device can be used across different fields like mechanical, medical, engineering etc. it is robust enough for demanding jobs but compact enough to meet your daily needs.

#4. Self-Defence

A penlight can also be helpful when you find yourself in dangerous situations. While you may not be legally allowed to walk around with weapons for self-defence, pen flashlights are allowed. You can use it to temporarily blind your attacker, buy you time to escape or signal for help.

#5. Focused Light

A penlight gives off a focussed spotlight to light up tight spaces. This is why it is convenient for professionals like doctors and electricians who have to light up specific areas to diagnose problems.

#6. Ease of Use

Most penlights have a sleek design. This, combined with the compact size, makes them easy to use. It is this same feature that makes them great self-defence weapons.

Types of Penlights

Penlights can be classified as below:

Rechargeable-Battery Penlights

These are perfect for those that constantly need a penlight. Dealing with disposable batteries can be exhausting when you use a penlight daily or weekly. While rechargeable flashlights may be highly-priced, they save you money in the long run as you won't have to buy batteries from time to time.

Disposable-Battery Penlights

This is the way to go if you don't intend to use your flashlight often. These penlights are ideal for occasional or emergency use and use standard lithium and alkaline batteries. AAA batteries are the most commonly used thanks to their cost-friendliness and wide availability. While lithium batteries have a smaller size and offer more battery power, they are more expensive.

LED Penlights

As the name suggests, LED penlights are those penlights that utilize LED lights. Compared to regular flashlights, they are more efficient and brighter. Also, they are rechargeable and highly reliable.

These are the main reasons behind the reliability of LED penlights:

• Because of advancements in LED technology and battery efficiency, these flashlights are smaller, lighter and brighter than their predecessors.
• The size, brightness and longevity of the bulbs make LED penlights a fantastic tool for manoeuvring the darkness
• They are better than incandescent lamps regarding run time, impact resistance, energy efficiency and brightness options.

Benefits of Using LED Penlights

 

Besides being applicable to different situations such as camping, hunting, outdoor sports and self-defence, LED penlights also have other benefits such as:

Eco- and Cost-Friendliness

The initial cost of an LED penlight is slightly high, but this shouldn't worry you as you'll recover this investment soon. These flashlights require fewer batteries than older versions. In addition, the batteries in LED flashlights last longer than those in non-LED flashlights. LEDs use less energy, helping you save over time and resulting in a smaller carbon footprint.

Reliability and Safety

LEDs have a high impact resistance thanks to their sturdy construction and plastic bulbs. Unlike bulbs with different bulb types, they are shock-resistant and drop-proof. Also, they do not flicker out suddenly. Instead, they dim gradually, giving you enough warning to replace the battery.

Better Battery Life

LED flashlights consume less battery power than typical flashlights, meaning they have an extended battery life. They drain batteries less as they use only a third of the battery power needed by incandescent bulbs.

Different Light Modes

Another perk of employing the use of LED flashlights is that they offer a variety of light modes. Besides the typical high, medium and low modes, you can find other modes such as SOS, strobe, zoom in and zoom out. All of these enhance your vision, a beneficial feature during emergencies.

A Wide Range of Colour Options

Selecting the perfect LED penlight for your needs can be frustrating at first because of the wide range of colour options to choose from. However, this is nothing that a little research won’t fix.

As you shop for an LED penlight, consider the following colour options:

• White: This is ideal for all-around daily use.
• Red: Red lighting is dimmer than white lighting and does not impair your night vision, making them ideal for nighttime use. You can also use it for camping and hunting as it doesn't cause disturbances to your neighbours or scare away wild game. Because red light is the universal sign of sending out danger signals, it is perfect for emergencies.
• Green: Green LEDs are perfect for outdoor activities like hunting. Green light preserves your night vision and doesn’t scare away wild game. Besides, green is the most visible colour at night, so it will ensure fellow hunters do not shoot at you. In addition, it helps you spot other people at nighttime and help them out if they are distressed.
• NVG (Night Vision Green): military pilots flying with specialized equipment optimized for use with NVGs can use NVG-compatible LEDs.
• Blue: Blue LEDs are mainly used by crime scene investigators. This is because they allow the visibility of blood and other bodily fluids which would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye.
• UV (Ultraviolet): Commonly referred to as black lights, UV LEDs have several applications. They help detect leaks and authenticate documents by making the unique marks fluoresce.

Low Maintenance

LED pen flashlights require little maintenance as they generate less heat. Also, unlike traditional bulbs, LED lights do not need filters. Aside from that, LED lights have no fragile filaments, so they are unlikely to break. This means your LED penlight can offer you more years of servitude than traditional flashlights.

Tactical Penlights

A tactical penlight is simply a flashlight that can be paired with a firearm to help with low-light target identification. This allows the soldier, marksman or law enforcement officer to aim a weapon whilst illuminating the target.

Tactical penlights are tailored for professional use by military personnel, security officers and law enforcement officers. Often, they are used together with a firearm. Sometimes, these flashlights can be mounted to a weapon with a sighting laser attached. However, tactical lights can also be used on their own.

Characteristics of a Great Tactical Penlight

Here are the factors to consider when buying a tactical penlight:

Design

Tactical flashlights feature a lightweight design and are highly portable, and what makes them unique is the materials they are made of. The devices come with a tail cap power switch making it easy for users to operate the light in emergencies. The tail cap switch is also perfect when using the penlight with a weapon.

The number one feature to consider in a penlight is the size. It shouldn't be bigger than your palm, so carrying it around is easier.

Brightness

Of course, you want to buy a flashlight with good light levels. Light brightness is measured using lumens. Typically, a tactical penlight should be at least 200 lumens to be effective as a self-defence tool. Generally, the higher the lumen rating, the brighter the flashlight.

Since tactical pens are essential for law enforcement officers, they should have enough level of light to deter or disorient a potential attacker.

Usability

Unlike other tactical tools, a tactical flashlight is tailored to be a flashlight first. This is why they are helpful during threatening situations.

Tactical flashlights can be used as:

• A self-defence tool
• A blinding tool
• A deterrent

On the other hand, your flashlight's user interface should be straightforward so that you can use it easily during emergencies. Your tactical flashlight should have a momentary-on option that lets you turn the light on by pressing the button and turn it off by releasing it.

It should also have a constant-on option that allows you to press the button for some time to ensure the continuous functioning of the flashlight. All these options are must-haves for tactical penlights.

Durability

As mentioned earlier, since the tool is essential for military, police and law enforcement officers, it should be rugged and durable enough to withstand harsh conditions. For this reason, a tactical penlight should be water-, shock- and corrosion-proof.

Battery

The battery type you choose determines your tactical light's overall performance. While there is a wide range of battery types to choose from, lithium batteries are the most preferred as they last longer than their counterparts. An ideal run time for a tactical flashlight is about 12 hours battery exhaustion.

Uses of Tactical Penlights

Tactical penlights are used for the following functions:

#1. Illumination

As you may have read earlier, a tactical penlight’s first role is to offer illumination. If you are walking in an unsafe or dark area with potential dangers, this is a great tool to have with you.

#2. Evading Danger

Attackers are likely to carry out their activities at night, which is where tactical lights come in. by shining the bright light, you can identify potential attackers and scare them away. You can also shine the light into the attacker's eyes to disorient them. This gives you time to come up with an escape plan.

#3. Sending Signals

A tactical penlight will also help you seek help during an emergency. All you need to do is move your hand in front of the light to stimulate an on/off for Morse code.

What Is the Difference Between Tactical Flashlights and Regular Flashlights?

Here are some of the differences between regular and tactical flashlights:

• Weight: Regular flashlights are huge and heavy, while tactical flashlights feature a lightweight design and are portable.
• Resistance to External Factors: Tactical flashlights are waterproof, shockproof and weatherproof. On the other hand, some traditional flashlight models aren’t resistant to corrosion and water and weather.
• Material: Regular flashlights are made from steel, plastic or low-grade aluminium, while tactical flashlights are made from aero-grade aluminium with a graphite anodized finish.
• Functionality: Regular flashlights only serve as flashlights, while tactical flashlights double as self-defensive tools.
• Lumen Count: Regular flashlights have 50 to 100 lumens, while tactical flashlights have 200 to 1000 lumens.

Final Thoughts

From medicine and mechanics to banking and mineralogy, penlights indeed have a wide range of applications in all walks of life. This has everything to do with its compact size, lightweight design and bright light. If you have been struggling with bulky flashlights, it is time to ditch them for this innovative solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Nurses Need a Penlight Torch?

Yes, nurses need a penlight torch to assess pupil response in their patients, examine wounds and the oral cavity, inspect patients' rooms without waking them up, and check drawers and cabinets.

Which Is the Best Penlight To Use in the Medical Field?

The best penlight for use in the medical field is one which is reliable and has excellent battery power and high light quality. It should be able to power on when the "on" button is pressed, and the light it emits shouldn't hurt patients' eyes.

The phrase "there is more than meets the eye" couldn't be truer when it comes to the penlight. Of course, its most important role is to provide illumination, but it does more than this. At NightBuddy, it is our commitment to continue manufacturing lighting solutions that feel natural to carry around. The penlight torch is just but a start. Contact us today to enquire about our range of battery-operated and rechargeable flashlights.