Flashlight Retention Accessories

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For most users flashlight retention is something that is done with the hand: simply hold the light for as long as it’s needed. The challenge arises when the hand holding the light is needed for another task. Examples include needing to open a car door while carrying a bag of groceries, using a cell phone while holding a dog leash, or changing a pistol magazine. Having the light hit the pavement is certainly an undesirable outcome.

While some people have large enough hands and enough dexterity to hold a flashlight while performing other tasks, it remains difficult to do and the chances of dropping the flashlight are high. For most people when both hands are needed the flashlight is stowed in a pocket or purse. Some may resort to an improvised method of retaining the light, such as holding it in the mouth or under an arm, but in all such cases varying degrees of fumbling are involved.

The use of a flashlight retention accessory makes this task easier and less stressful with far less fumbling. Here are three accessories work well;

Finger Ring



This is a simple yet effective means of hands-free light retention. It consists of a rubber O–ring and split ring attached to a lanyard loop through which the index finger is placed. Along with fumble-free retention, this accessory is the least bulky and least likely to get snagged on an object. It also serves as a convenient means of pulling the light from a pocket.

The finger loop works well on small lightweight lights, such as E-series one or two cell models. It’s now included on all EDCLB lights equipped with a lanyard loop.



Fist Bungee





This method works well on 2-cell E-series lights. It consists of a short loop of shock cord attached to the light via a lanyard loop. In use the fist bungee wraps around the fingers and loops over the head of the light, retaining the light on the hand in a stable, non-dangling fashion. The fist bungee can also be used as an improvised wrist lanyard.



Wrist Lanyard



This has long been a popular method of flashlight retention. Usually made of paracord, it’s an effective method of retention when both hands are needed. The EDCLB Custom Wrist Lanyard is adjustable to accommodate hand size and use of gloves, and is offered as an accessory on all EDCLB lights.

The primary advantage of the wrist lanyard is that it does the best job of completely freeing the hand. The downside is that the light is usually left dangling below the hand where it’s more likely to hit other objects or even become entangled with them. The lanyard itself is also prone to getting snagged when not used. For this reason, an effective break-away link* should always be used when attaching a wrist lanyard to the light.

It doesn’t take long to become accustomed to and reap the benefits of any of these retention accessories. Once you do, the light will seem incomplete without one.

*Regardless of retention accessory used, a break-away link is highly recommended for safety reasons. EDCLB uses a small split ring which will fail (uncoil) with a firm tug on all retention accessories.