Low-cost LED caps for repurposing nearly-dead 9V batteries

A user mentioned, "I wanted to get some of these..." and expressed a desire to use 9V batteries from smoke detectors that "weren't quite dead" for lighting around the house. Another commenter pointed out that a similar existing product is too pricey ("It's like 20 bucks"), but they might consider it for "$10." This shows there's a need for a very low-cost solution.

Product Suggestion: An ultra-low-cost, minimalist LED light attachment for 9V batteries.

  • Design: Extremely simple, with one or a few small LEDs, a current-limiting resistor (if needed), and a standard 9V battery snap connector. The casing could be a very small, basic plastic enclosure or even just heat-shrink tubing over the soldered components to keep costs minimal.
  • Target Price: Significantly below existing options, aiming for a retail price in the $1-$3 range per unit, or offered in multi-packs (e.g., 3 for $5, 5 for $7) to encourage purchase for multiple repurposing uses.
  • Function: To provide basic, low-intensity illumination suitable for small tasks, as a simple night light, or for finding things in a dark space, specifically designed to get residual use out of 9V batteries that are no longer potent enough for their primary device (like smoke detectors).

Expected Benefit: This product would serve a niche market of frugal and environmentally-conscious consumers looking for practical ways to maximize battery life and reduce waste. By addressing the specific pain point of existing similar products being too expensive for such a simple repurposing task, this ultra-low-cost alternative has the potential for high-volume sales. It could be an attractive impulse buy or a practical utility item, particularly for using up partially depleted 9V batteries that would otherwise be discarded.

Origin Reddit Post

r/edc

what are your guys opinion on this thingy? its like as minimal as it gets

Posted by u/akiva2306/02/2025
i was watching waypointsurvival's youtube and he showed one of these things. i know its not super common to carry around 9 volts these days and they look like pretty small LEDs but i thought

Top Comments

u/fezcabdriver
I wanted to get some of these to use around the house for 9v batteries that weren't quite dead from a smoke detector. I suppose as an edc it would be cool because you can use it as a fire st
u/Friendly_Rooster7645
nice novelty depending on how cheap it is, but no better than the moonlight mode on a good edc flashlight with option to light up the sky if you need it
u/akiva23
I think too much according their website. Its like 20 bucks. But if i ever find one for like 10 id probably go for it. Maybe its more worth it if it coomes with a battery but i didn't check.
u/akiva23
Well you don't really need the light to start a fire with a 9v but i guess it gives you an extra excuse to carry one in your kit.

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