Battery Junction Blog - The Ultimate Flashoholic Resource

Beginners Guide to Jewelry Cleaning Devices

July 25, 2016July 1, 2016 Gavin Reeves Leave a comment

As time goes on things become old and dull, and your jewelry is no exception. Luckily you can do something about it! That expensive ring may not shine like it used to, but you can bring back its luster with the right tools.

Ultrasonic Jewelry Bath:

Cleaning jewelry with ultrasonic waves is a common practice that produces great results. The GemOro Spa Pro Cleaner utilizes this technology by combining the look and performance of a high-end jewelry store cleaner, and the price point of a personal use machine. The GemOro cleans jewelry by producing 42,000 ultrasonic waves per second, which places intense pressure on contaminants such as dust, rust, grease, bacteria, fungus, and general slime. The piece of jewelry being cleaned must be suspended in water or a cleaning solvent for the process to work at full potential. This method of jewelry cleaning is particularly effective because it is able to clean blind holes and cracks that would normally be unreachable, and most times requires nothing but the machine and some tap water to effectively work.

Vapor Steam Cleaning:

Vapor Steam Cleaning is another commonly used cleaning method, and in some cases is used in conjunction with ultrasonic cleaning to get the best possible clean. This method of cleaning involves placing the jewelry in the vapor stream of pressurized water. It’s great for tarnish removal. The combination of the water’s temperature and the pressurized method of delivery is the main cleaning agent. The GemOro Ultraspa 50 PSI Ultrasonic & Steam Cleaner is a 2 in 1 cleaning system that uses both the ultrasonic and vapor cleaning methods. The vapor cleaning method is cited as being an environmentally conscious cleaning option due to its lower amount of water usage, and lack of chemical cleaning solutions.

Magnifiers:

Jewelry cleaning magnifier — iView LED Magnifier

Many people often opt to use a magnifier to clean their treasures, whether in combination with an ultrasonic/steam cleaner, or on its own for a spot clean. Magnifiers allow you to focus on a specific spot that may be dirty, or make adjustments with screws or placement. For a nice, higher end magnifying tool take a look at the GemOro Magnifier Light which comes with a bench clamp and a 22 watt light. For a cheaper magnifier look no further than the GemOro iView LED Magnifier, which is a handheld magnifying glass with built-in white and UV LEDs. Both magnifiers will give you at least 2.5x zoom, and the LEDs help spot imperfections or blemishes in your jewelry.

Using any of these cleaning products with a brush or buffer will help get your jewelry’s shine back and will keep new rings or necklaces looking great for the future. Come by Battery Junction and get all you’ll need to keep your valuables looking shiny and clean!

Must-Have Boat Essentials

July 18, 2016July 1, 2016 Gavin Reeves Leave a comment

Take a Real Good Look at the Gear on the Boat

Going out on the boat can be a fun time, but can also turn dangerous depending on the weather or boat malfunctions. In order to ensure that everything goes right on your day out on the water, we have put together a few must-haves for your next boating trip.

UK Protective Cases:

Underwater Kinetics is mainly a brand servicing divers, however many of their products are also very useful for casual boating functions. Specifically, the Underwater Kinetics Weatherproof UltraBox is a great device for keeping your electronics safe from water damage. The UltraBox is available with or without a padded liner, is waterproof, moisture proof, dustproof, and is submersible to depths often exceeding 16 feet. This UltraBox is a great place to put your phone, keys, or other small electronics while on your boat to keep them safe.

Titanium Innovations Fender Friend:

This handy light accessory is a perfect item to have on your boat when in low light situations that require use of both your hands. The Fender Friend features a magnetic tripod and a flexible neck, allowing for hands-free illumination. While intended for use with cars, this accessory is great for fixed lighting around the boat, for late evening fishing, or map/book reading assistance. Simply pair the Fender Friend with your preferred spotlight and prepare for all the hands-free lighting you can handle.

UK Super Q:

The Underwater Kinetics Super Q is a high quality waterproof light with a USB rechargeable power source. Another product made with divers in mind, this light will stand up to as much water as you can throw at it and more. Made of ABS high-impact rubber and a stainless steel frame, this light is durable and dependable. There is no more better light to have with you on your boat, and it can even be used to go underwater should you drop something off the boat. The Super Q has a 90 lumen output for 4 hours and comes with a USB charging cradle.

These are just a few of many boating excursion products that will greatly improve your maritime experience. If you are looking to upgrade your next fishing trip or are just trying to find a quality flashlight to keep on your boat, Battery Junction is the place for you!

Olight’s Newest Product Releases!!!

July 15, 2016July 15, 2016 Gavin Reeves Leave a comment

The new Olights are here! This blogpost will highlight a couple of the newest and best Olight products that are available hot off the assembly line.

Olight Headlamps:

First up are the brand new Olight H05 and H05s LED headlamps.

H05:

The Olight H05 Active is the perfect headlamp for a late evening bike ride, nighttime hike, or for just navigating in the dark with your hands free. The powerful 150 Lumen LED light features high, medium, and low lighting levels, as well as two red indicator lights which help keep you easily visible to others. Living up to its Active name, this light will withstand drops of up to 1 meter and also has a IPX-4 water resistance rating. The H05 will light will illuminate your surroundings up to 55 meters away, and runs on only 2 AAA batteries which are included with a purchase. The H05 comes in Orange, Purple, Green, and Blue colors.

H05s:

The Olight H05s is the H05’s older, more serious brother. The H05s boasts an increased 180 lumen output, 3 brightness outputs, and red lights for when you want to keep a low profile. Coolest of all, the H05s can be activated by waving your hand in front of the light in addition to the physical power switch. This light features a run time of 8.5 hours on medium, and an impressive 24 hours on the low setting. The CREE LED light has a beam throw of 60 meters, and also features an indicator light for when battery power is getting low. For an extra $10 when compared to the H05 this light is a no-brainer upgrade whose only drawback is it’s lack of vibrant color options.

Olight Every Day Carry:

S2A Baton:

The Olight S2A Baton is a great option if you are in the market for a dependable everyday carry flashlight. This pint-sized light is just over 5 inches and weighs less than 2 ounces, but still produces up to an astounding 550 lumens of light. Cased in a hard-anodized aluminum body, this light can be submerged under 2 meters of water and will withstand drops of up to 1 meter without taking any damage. The S2A boasts some impressive light outputs as well, with 4 constant brightness settings and a strobe function for self defense or distress signaling. This light has the potential to illuminate targets up to 110 meters away and can run on a pair of AA batteries for 100 days on the lowest output setting. Available in black, gray, yellow, or fluorescent blue, this light is a great everyday illumination device to have with you for most any circumstance.

Olight High Performance:

R50 Seeker:

Need some high lumen outputs from your flashlight? Then check out the Olight R50 Seeker. Capable of producing a blinding 2500 lumens, this flashlight can light up the darkest of spaces. This light is equipped with a USB rechargeable Lithium Ion battery pack making re-powering convenient, cheap, and environmentally friendly. The Seeker is also built to hold up to some tough beatings. The R50 features a body made of aircraft grade aluminum, is IPX-8 waterproof rated, and can be fully submerged underwater without breaking. A true powerhouse for your next search and rescue mission, with this Seeker you won’t have to look low and high.

These new Olight products join an already robust catalog of great flashlights and headlamps, come take a look at Battery Junction today!

Gun Care and Maintenance Essentials

July 11, 2016June 30, 2016 Gavin Reeves Leave a comment

Guns require a ton of maintenance to keep working in top shape, and can become dangerous when they do not function properly. Luckily we have a number of ideal cleaning and maintenance items for your gun here at Battery Junction!

Leatherman MUT:

The Leatherman MUT is a top of the line multi-tool used both by civilians and in a more tactical capacity by members of law enforcement and the military. The MUT is designed to be the one-and-done tool for anyone who owns a firearm. It comes with 16 different tools including brushes and threading tools for keeping barrels clean, and screwdriver components that are made to fit standard military and civilian gun sight adjustment. And with standard attachments such as a 420HC steel knife and wire cutters, this multi-tool will cover your gun maintenance needs and more.

Gun Butter – Firearm Lubricant:

Gun Butter is a top of the line firearm lubricant manufacturer from the USA with a wide range of products. Gun Butter’s products can help keep your guns from jamming in harsh conditions such as snow, rain, or even dust clouds. It’s built to work in temperatures anywhere from -20 to 400 Fahrenheit and will provide 2 years of rust protection for your metal to metal, metal to plastic, or plastic to plastic mechanisms. This lubricant is a must have for extending the useful life of your firearm.

Maxpedition Carrying Cases:

Maxpedition cases go a long way to ensuring that your gun keeps working by providing quality protection for your firearm while you are not using it. Maxpedition bags are made from high strength 1000 Denier Nylon, reinforced at pressure points with composite thread, use YKK zippers and slides, and finally given a triple coat of polyurethane for water protection from the elements. Maxpedition makes bags specifically suited to carrying and storing guns, and produce some of the best carrying holsters for tactical weapon use. A big part of taking care of your gun is how you store it and Maxpedition offers some of the best protective bags money can buy.

If taking care of your weapons is a top priority for you, or if you are just trying to keep your guns in working condition, stop by Battery Junction and look at our selection of high quality products.

Best Phone Charger for Your Next Road Trip

July 5, 2016June 17, 2016 Gavin Reeves Leave a comment

Whether you’re using GPS on a road trip, taking pictures, sending emails, using apps, or even playing games, we can all agree that there is nothing worse than running out of battery and not having a phone charger handy. In this blog I will look at a couple of quality options you have to power up your device and keep it fully charged.

eGear Freedom USB Charger Kit:

The eGear charger kit is a great product that you can bring with you anywhere to fulfill your USB charging needs. The kit comes with both a wall and car adapter as well as a full size USB and mini USB tip. The kit includes a mesh bag that can carry all the parts and includes retractable wires which means no more frustrating untangling. Available in both black and white, this phone charger is a great companion on your next vacation.

Tenergy Lite3000 Mobile Powerbank Charger with Flashlight:

This combination charger/light is a great power supply, and because of its small size is perfect for travel. The Tenergy Lite charges via a USB cable and has a 3000mAh capacity making it perfect for iPhones, tablets, and other USB charged mobile devices. The light is available in multiple color options, comes pre-charged and includes a power indicator letting you know when the powerbank needs to be recharged!

Wagan Tech TravelCharge Companion:

The Wagan Tech TravelCharge is a great car charger for multiple devices at the same time. The TravelCharge features two USB power ports and two DC sockets as well as a swivel plug that allows for optimal positioning of the charger. Perfect for your phone, tablet, GPS, or E-book reader, this charger is a great car accessory which also boasts an LED power indicator. Plus, it looks like Johnny 5.

ReTrak

ReTrak is another manufacturer that makes a series of high quality retractable charging cables which extend and coil up automatically. Because of this feature you never have to deal with annoying tangling. The standout product from ReTrak is the retractable universal USB charging cable which includes four different adapter tips: USB-B, Mini 5-Pin, Micro 5-Pin, and Mini 4-Pin. One charging cable can tackle multiple mobile devices.

Wagan Exec Duo-Solar Phone Charger/Case:

Wagan Solar Phone Charger Case — Wagan Solar Charger/Case

Last up is the solar-powered iPhone charger/case from Wagan, which is a great case even without the added benefit of built-in solar charger. This case will charge your iPhone via two mono-crystalline solar panels when placed in direct sunlight or when plugged into a power source. It also has its own internal backup battery, a a 2,000 mAh capacity cell that can hold a large amount of charging power. Solar power will charge both the iPhone’s battery and the internal batteries within the case. This leather case includes a mini USB cable and folds into an elegant travel holster when it is not being charged.

These are just a few possible charging products that are available for purchase. Come visit Battery Junction to look around and see which best suits you!

Ultimate Survival Technologies Lensatic Compass

5 Ultimate Survival Technology Products For Camping

June 27, 2016June 21, 2016 Gavin Reeves Leave a comment

Going into the woods for a camping weekend without the correct gear can have disastrous results. Thankfully that is where UST (Ultimate Survival Technologies) products come in. UST provides quality, inexpensive survival products for everyone from beginners to experienced survivalists.

Find Your Way

First up is the UST Lensatic Compass, probably the most basic and commonly used survival tool. It’s perfect for finding your bearings after you’ve lost them.

This tough, pint-sized compass features a compact design, adjustable lens, shock resistant casing, and even includes glow in the dark directional letters for compass use at night. If you don’t already own a compass this is a dependable choice and an absolute must-have instrument for nature excursions.

Start a Fire

Next on the list of survival must-haves is the UST Trekker Stormproof Lighter, which is built to provide fire even in the most testing conditions. The Trekker contains an extra-large fuel tank that will provide over 1,000 ignitions on a single fill, and a catalyzer coil which provides flames that can withstand winds of up to 70-80 miles per hour.

If you find yourself in wet conditions where wood will not light, then you will be happy that you brought along the UST WetFire Firestarting Tinder. This handy tinder will help you get a fire going in wet weather, and will even burn longer when the material is wet or moist. The tinder packs come wrapped individually and only require a small amount of shaving to start the fire, which can be a lifesaver when you’re stuck in cold wet weather without the proper gear.

Survival Cutlery

Next up is the UST SaberCut Para Knife which is a great cutting tool to have with you for your next camping trip. The SaberCut has a partially serrated blade which is useful for stabbing and cutting, and includes a handle wrapped in 5 feet of glow-in-the-dark paracord which can be unwound for a number of uses. With a titanium coated 440C steel blade and an included nylon sheath, this is the perfect companion knife for your survival needs.

Dependable Lighting

Surviving nature is difficult enough during the day, but when night comes around you will want to have some long-lasting quality light sources with you. Luckily UST has you covered. The UST 30-Day LED Lantern just what you need for long-lasting light. This lantern features a high mode of 700 lumens for 30 hours or a low/dim mode that will last up to 30 days off of three D cell batteries! This lantern is durable with impact resistance up to 1 meter and an IPX4 water resistance rating which allows lighting in conditions that are normally hazardous for other lights.

These are just a few of the great survival items by UST that we offer. Come over to Battery Junction and gear up for your next nature expedition!

Jetbeam 3M Pro – Quick Look from Battery Junction

June 22, 2016July 14, 2016 D.J. Leave a comment

The new Jetbeam 3M Pro is a great buy for those looking for a quality tactical flashlight on a budget. The new version of the 3M features a retro finish or matte black finish and comes with a holster, pocket clip, lanyard, rubber tail cap, and spare O-rings. The 3M boasts dual turbo light outputs, as well as a high, medium, low, eco, and strobe mode making it perfect for any level of lighting. At $69 for the matte black and $84.45 for the retro finish this 3M is a great tactical light at an affordable price point.

Effective Self Defense With Your Flashlight

June 20, 2016February 7, 2018 Gavin Reeves Leave a comment

When people think of self-defense tools items like pepper spray, whistles, or weapons come to mind, but not flashlights. This blog post will explain the possible benefits that a flashlight can give you in a situation where self-defense is required.

Bezel:

The bezel is usually found in the front area of a flashlight in a ring around the lens. Some bezels are more specialized for striking would-be attackers. These are known as crenelated bezels with the word “crenel” coming from the rocky outcrops seen on the top of the battlements of old castles. Bezels come in varying sizes and shapes with the more weaponized bezels being larger and sharper. Crenelated bezels are good for smaller tactical flashlights because they’re discreet and portable. The majority of flashlights make removing and replacing bezels simple, with most simply screwing on to the lens cap.

Using the Light:

There are a multitude of ways that you can use your flashlight’s standard functions to help ward off attackers.

Identification:

The majority of muggings and assaults occur at night, so simply having the ability to expose an assailant before they get close enough to attack you may be
all you need to defend yourself. Using the light to properly identify your attacker should also double as an attention grabber for others to help you if you’re in a populated area.

Stun/Blinding:

Another function that can be used for effective self-defense is the strobe or high mode on your flashlight. Shining a strobe or high-powered beam into an attackers eyes is a great way to stun or blind the assailant. Stunning your attacker can give you the crucial few seconds needed to either escape, or fight back while they are unable to defend themselves. Low kicks or jabs are effective as the attacker will most likely raise their hands to cover their eyes leaving the lower half of their body exposed. Also, if your flashlight has a crenelated bezel attachment, this is the perfect opportunity for you to use it. Your flashlight should be sufficiently bright (over 100 lumens) in order for it to be truly effective in disorienting an attacker.

Use with a Gun:

Many people exercise their right to carry a firearm to defend themselves, but in dark situations, gun use may be dangerous or ineffective. Having a small tactical flashlight on your person is an easy fix to this problem because it allows you to light up your surroundings with one hand and use the gun with the other. It is important to note that you will not want to have your flashlight and gun pointing together, like on TV, or you may accidentally fire your gun if you are startled by something that your light beam uncovers.

Take it with you Anywhere:

Another big advantage to carrying a flashlight for self-defense is that you can take it with you almost anywhere, which cannot be said for other forms of defense like firearms and knives. The only situation that might cause you trouble is if the flashlight is fitted with a bezel that is deemed too dangerous, but this rarely happens if the bezel teeth are within reason. Most flashlights are small enough to be carried on your belt or in your purse and if you never end up needing to use it for defense, you will always have a high quality light source when you need it. Come visit our tactical flashlight section at Battery Junction and see what flashlights interest you!

The Best Protective Cases For You!

June 13, 2016June 9, 2016 Gavin Reeves Leave a comment

This blog will introduce you to the variety of high performance protective cases that we have at Battery Junction and why they are a great way to keep your valuables safe. Both Pelican and Underwater Kinetics offer top of the line protection for your valuables and will keep your equipment safe in most any circumstances. These cases are wonderful for everybody from divers and extreme sports enthusiast who will be enduring some of the harshest conditions, to bands looking to keep their sound equipment and instruments safe, to regular consumers who just want to keep their firearm from rusting or getting clogged. These cases provide the highest quality protection for your most valuable possessions.

Pelican Cases:

Pelican protective cases, like UK cases, are produced and tested under the toughest conditions in order to make sure your equipment stays safe no matter the situation. Pelican Protector Cases are airtight, watertight, dustproof, and constructed from the highest quality plastic and stainless steel materials. From micro cases for your smallest gear, to long cases for keeping your guns dust and moisture free, chances are Pelican has your storage needs covered.

Pelican Coolers:

Pelican also offers arguably the most high quality coolers on the market from 20 quart to 250 quart sizes covering all your
refrigeration needs. Pelican claims to have the thickest wall insulation in the industry which allows the coolers to keep ice for up to 10 days. As with the other cases, the cooler includes locking latches, handles, and wheels for easy transportation.

UK Ultrabox Protective Cases — UK Ultrabox

Underwater Kinetics:

Underwater Kinetics is a premier brand in the protective case market because of the high quality materials and design that goes into the company’s dry cases. The cases are constructed using high strength ABS plastic that can operate effectively anywhere within the temperature range of -20°C and 80°C. UK cases come with silicone O-rings for waterproofing and provide the option for foam inserts, custom coloring, or electrical instrument panel installation for in the field use of equipment.

Transit Case:

UK’s transit protective cases are great for safely transporting larger fragile gear, making them a favorite traveling case for band equipment, medical supplies, photography equipment and more. Transit cases are dust proof, waterproof up to 1 meter and have 3 inch wheels with an extendable handle for easy transportation. The transit case is a great option when you need to transport large and fragile materials to their destination damage free.

UltraCase:

The UltraCase, similar to the Transit case is perfect for keeping medium-sized gear damage free wherever it needs to go. The UltraCase is made with the same strong ABS material as the other UK cases and is also dustproof/waterproof. The case is also outfitted with venting latches that equalize pressure from the exterior with pressure in the case when it is opened, while also keeping the case airtight while it is closed. The UltraCase is stackable with other cases of the same model providing a safe and efficient way of transporting your medium-sized gear.

DryBox:

The DryBox is very similar to the UltraCase in construction and materials used, but is meant for more of a protective carry as opposed to travel. The DryBox offers many of the same features including being watertight, dustproof, crushproof, and airtight in order to keep gas from entering the case. The DryBox has customization options including clear or solid colored lids and different foam inserts.

UltraBox:

The UltraBox is the smallest option of the four protective cases and is meant for small electronics while providing the same protection that larger cases offer. The UltraBox is waterproof, airtight, dustproof, and boasts a lighter weight than its larger counterparts. The UltraBox gives the option of either a clear or solid lid, nylon mesh pouches, or shock-absorbent rubber liner. The UltraBox is the perfect high protection case for small electronics and gear that you need to bring with you on the go.

If you have sensitive equipment that needs transporting, or if you just need a quality cooler to bring to the tailgate then come by our protective storage cases section on Battery Junction and take a look at our selection. For further information about case materials, construction, or ratings visit either the Underwater Kinetics website or the Pelican site.

Relax and Help Beat the Heat with Cool Gadgets!

May 27, 2016August 23, 2016 Molly Leave a comment

Based on the heat wave this these past few days, it is safe to say summer has officially started. Relax! Need some help on keeping cool? Battery Junction has the solutions to all of your problems!

Don’t let your drinks get cold!

Relax

If it’s 85 degrees and sunny, you definitely want to head to the beach to get your tan on. Though it can be nice to relax and lay out in the sun, it is also dehydrating, and you’re going to want to enjoy a nice bottle of cold water at some point. Beat the snack bar lines without ever leaving your chair with the the Wagan 7 liter personal cooler (and warmer)! With the capacity to hold roughly 9 cans ( 7 liters) of space, this cooler will allow you and your friends will be able to enjoy cold beverages throughout the day. Need more space? Check out our vast selection of other coolers here.

Staying out of the sun?

Bottle Opener, Relax

If you’re one of those lucky souls who has a working air conditioner, it you can simply relax indoors with some friends and crack open a few cold ones. Don’t get caught without a bottle opener. Introducing the Mil Spec 25mm bottle opener from MikeMikeART. Using genuinely fired rounds from war machines, this bottle opener makes for a fantastic conversation piece, as well as a useful tool when you wish to enjoy a cool drink. Standing at an impressive 8″ tall, it can open bottles without difficulty.

Keep your devices going when you travel to cooler climates!

Traveling to beat the heat? Don’t let your phone battery die! Check out the Tenergy Dual Port USB Power Bank. Whether you are left without wifi, or spend hours taking photographs of your beautiful vacation, your device’s batteries are going to drain. Recharge with 8000mAh high capacity that lasts through over 500 cycles! In addition to this, the Tenergy Power Bank is portable and convenient. It gives you the peace of mind knowing you’ll never be without a source of power. Plus, the power bank offers dual USB ports so you and a friend can charge devices at the same time!

So, wherever you’re going, you can always count on Battery Junction to assist you in your endeavors to beat the heat.

Let us know what you do to keep cool, comment below!