Crank flash lights are great in an emergency and they have other uses as well. The crank charges and subsequently powers the flashlight along with a variety of parts that may come with the flashlight depending on the make of the unit.

One may keep a hand crank flashlight on hand for any purpose for which an ordinary flashlight would be appropriate, but without the need for batteries. During a power outage or camping trip, it’s useful to have a crank flashlight on hand.

A crank flashlight works by turning a hand crank affixed to the flashlight body – as the crank turns and creates a magnetic field that is pushed against a negative magnetic field created by a static field coil. The conflicting currents generate electricity used to power and light up the bulb.

The crank flashlight is convenient because it is powered by the user and it will work as long as the bulb lasts, and bulbs need replacing much less frequently than batteries. Crank flashlights are sometimes combined with a radio which makes for an even more useful product.

A crank flashlight may also have a built-in radio to provide portable entertainment without requiring batteries. The built-in lamp produces a thicker ray of light, which is great for rooms, vehicles, and tents. The emergency value of the crank flashlight is immensely important because, by making the flashlight battery-less, the crank flashlight can be stored and left almost anywhere to allow for immediate use.

A crank flashlight would be good to have in such places as your car, dresser drawer, your purse or pocket as well as in your attic and/or basement. Because the flashlight may or may not have a multitude of attachments, the size may vary and more portable units are much smaller with a small light bulb and handle, while others may be as large as a 2-liter bottle of soda as more than just carry the lantern.

A crank flashlight can be carried around all the time for when you need it. What puts crank flashlights over the edge from normal flashlights is the dependability. A normal flashlight needs new batteries every few months; hand crank flashlights, never. It’s perfect for that one time that you forget the batteries while its pitch black and you’re stuck without a light.