OK...got the 8w switch apart after an all-night soak in various solvents (Hoppes#9, Kroil, and finally Alchohol) and whacking it again with my brass hammer (just for tradition). Finally came apart using a needle-nose and padded vice-grips. Chewed up the fire button and the button post just a little, but nothing I can't live with. A little polishing will take most of the goobers off the edge of the switch, or I might just knurl it.
The threads on the center post were filled with some nasty nasty glue...even when it started giving way, it was still a bear to keep unscrewing the switch until I got it totally out. I even thought it wasn't working until I looked carefully and saw that the fire button was not turning as I was unscrewing the post with the needle-nose vice-grips. It was still very difficult to turn...I almost thought I was going to break the threads off of the post. I can't figure out why they would put nice finger grooves on that post if you can't use your fingers to unscrew it.... Someone at Sigelei must have a partner in the glue business.....
To be honest, if you don't mind the long/stiff button throw on this thing, or want to put a softer spring in it, there's not much reason to take the switch apart....not really anything in there that needs polishing - it hits pretty well right out of the box. I might play around with a few things (those gold ring-magnets are a perfect fit
), but JMHO...no need to butcher this one.
In 18350 mode, it's a nice little pocket rocket (next to an antique 10 Ga shotgun shell).
Nice little mechanical for the money...can't wait until I get my 18650 tube so I can try it with an 18500 & a Kick.
