On 2011-07-06, zxcvbob wrote:

When that happened with my 35-year-old Maglite 5C, I couldn't get the
last 2 batteries out. I wrote to Mag and got directions for removing
the switch assembly.....

My ML 5C went south after about 2 yrs. The switch failed. I jes
tossed the damn thing. Got a Rayovac that's 3 yrs old, cost $10, ,
made of plastic, and uses either lantern battery or 4 D cells and
still works flawlessly. Of course, I can't hit a pop fly or do a
Rodney King with it, but I can put a Kryton bulb in it and blind an
intruder while I whip out my stun gun.

nb