9 Best Hand Crank Flashlights for Emergency Use [2024 Upd.]

 Last Updated on December, 2024

Crank it to light it!

Lighting candles is romantic, but not during a sudden power outage or when you get stuck outside, and it is dark. 

All you have to do is crank it to light it! 

I am talking about the hand-crank flashlight! 

Experienced trouble with a hand-crank flashlight before? There are plenty of low-quality products available on the market. So we experimented to find the best hand-crank flashlights out of all the available hand-crank flashlights on the market.

Brightness, Charging, and runtime, the unique features, pros, and cons, we investigated all of them. 

“What you are looking for is looking for you!” Hence you have found the right site where you can get genuine reviews to make wise decisions in choosing the best hand-crank flashlight you require. Keep reading and be informative!

Editor’s Choice
Readywise
Brightness
Beam distance
Runtime
Durability
Price

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

Overall Score

5.0

#2nd Best Choice
WeatherX WR383R
Brightness
Beam distance
Runtime
Durability
Price

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

Overall Score

4.9

#3rd Best Choice
Stansport Dynamo
Brightness
Beam distance
Runtime
Durability
Price

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

Overall Score

4.8

How Does a Hand Crank Flashlight Work? 

A hand-cranked flashlight is an electric device that generates the current required to light the bulbs by turning an electric generator with the user’s muscles. When you have a hand crank flashlight, you don’t need to worry about the battery charge. 

A hand crank flashlight consists of a crank, electric generator, gears, electronics components, battery, and LEDs. 

As you crank the handle, the gears inside the flashlight rotate and charge the battery. Then the electrical energy lights the LEDs. 

Here are the nine best hand-crank flashlights available in the market. Read on and find the best suitable one for you. Let’s check all nine!

9 of the Best Hand Crank Flashlights

1. Readywise Multi Function Flashlight (Editor’s Choice)

Readywise hand crank flashlight is a multifunction flashlight much recommended due to its functions.

So, what flashlight functions can you get from the Readywise Multifunction Flashlight? You can make a list out of it! Here you go:

  • A seat belt cutter
  • Hammer to break the windshield
  • An LED flashlight
  • Flashing Red alert lights
  • A mobile phone charger

Readywise multifunction flashlights have ultra-bright LED lights, making them ideal for usage during power outages. The flashlight consists of white beams and flashing red alert lights. Anyways, it is advised not to point the flashlight toward your or anyone else’s eyes. 

The Readywise multifunction flashlight weighs 2 lbs or 907g. The flashlight is easy to carry at 2.5 x 3.75 x 9.25 inches. 

Readywise multifunction flashlights require your muscle power to charge. You better crank it for not more than 3 minutes continuously if the light has some battery power. Crank it for not more than 10 minutes if the light has no power at all. 

Even though you don’t get a chance to use the hand crank flashlight, you better crank the flashlight for at least 1 minute once a month.

By doing this, the battery life of the flashlight can be protected. The Readywise multifunction flashlight is a durable device that comes with high magnetic force to adhere to metal for practical/accessible storage.

Pros

  • Multipurpose gadgets for use during emergency scenarios
  • Rapid phone charging
  • Easy to hold with handle and crank for practical application
  • Can charge the mobile phone during emergencies

Cons

  • Over-cranking could harm the drive system

The hand crank flashlight Readywise is a highly recommended product that comes in handy during emergencies, without a doubt. 


2. WeatherX WR383R (#2nd Best Choice)

WeatherX WR383R directly tunes AM/FM Weather Band Radio with Flashlight and Lantern. Inside the package, you will get a WeatherX WR383R device, charger, and manual.

This flashlight device has exciting features.

The device WeatherX WR383R comes with an LED flashlight and LED lantern that provide bright light in times of need.

The WeatherX WR383R with a hand-crank flashlight weighs 1.95 pounds or 907 grams. It follows that you can take this adorable gadget with you everywhere you go.

The device has the following measurements: 11.10 inches long, 5.70 inches wide, and 3 inches high. With these features, it looks adorable.

The device has a built-in rechargeable NiMH battery, dynamo hand crank power, and a solar panel. If you use the lantern mode only, the battery can stand for 45 hours. If you use the radio only, the battery can stand up to 25 hours.

You can also charge using solar power. When assessing a solar panel, it is advised to charge it longer than 15 hours. As you can see, you can get plenty of power sources when using WeatherX WR383R.

Pros

  • Weather Band
  • Direct tuning AM and FM
  • Solar-powered rechargeable flashlight 
  • Emergency Siren option available

Cons

  • Build quality could’ve been a little better

If you are looking for a hand crank flashlight, you better try WeatherX WR383R. You will not be disappointed. 


3. Stansport Dynamo Solar Flashlight (#3rd Best Choice)

Stansport Dynamo Solar Flashlight is a tiny hand-crank flashlight that can be used during emergency power outages. The flashlight is also ideal for camping activities.

Stansport Dynamo Solar Flashlight provides a white beam of bright light, which is handy in times of emergency.

This emergency hand crank flashlight is small and can be carried and kept inside your pockets.

The flashlight weighs only 80 grams. The flashlight dimensions are 3.5 inches in length, 2 inches in width, and 1.25 inches in height. 

The flashlight can be powered by solar and hand cranking. It has a built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery. Having multiple power sources is what I like the most about this flashlight.

Pros

  • Solar power option
  • Has dynamo
  • Manufactured with strong plastic material
  • A carry strap is attached for convenient carry

Cons

  • Flashlight so small, cranking can be harder at times

For a simple emergency hand crank flashlight, Stansport Dynamo Solar Flashlight is recommendable. If this flashlight suits your requirements, you can go for it without any hesitation.


4. Daringsnail Emergency Hand Crank LED Flashlight

DaringSnail Emergency Hand Crank Radio with LED Flashlight is a well-known hand crank flashlight that earned the trust of its users.

This device has multiple functions and is easy to carry. This hand crank light tool is a highly recommended tool that can be useful in times of emergency.

DaringSnail Emergency Hand Crank Radio with LED Flashlight has a 1W LED light source.

Having this flashlight light up in dark places or during a sudden power shortage at your house is good.

This good-looking flashlight weighs 218 g, or 0.48 pounds. The device has measurements of 5 inches long, 1.70 inches wide, and 2.60 inches height. It also has a charming exterior and is significantly lighter to carry. 

Three power sources are available to power up the DaringSnail Emergency Radio device. This pocket size device has a built-in Lithium-ion rechargeable battery, Solar panel, and hand crank.

The device requires about 3-5 hours of charging using a micro USB to charge the radio fully. You can get the output of light for 18 minutes of time or a radio for 6 minutes of time by cranking the device just for one minute. 

Pros

  • Weather radio that alerts emergency weather situations in advance
  • Phone charging capacity with power bank option of 2000mAh current
  • Three-way power sources
  • Easily carryable radio along with a bright flashlight
  • Comes with 18 months of warranty

Cons

  • Only a charged battery can be maintained by solar exposure
  • Charging via USB port doesn’t work properly 

DaringSnail Emergency Hand Crank Radio with LED Flashlight may come in handy in case of an emergency. It is also convenient to store. 


5. MECO Hand Cranking Solar Powered Rechargeable Flashlight 

MECO Hand Cranking Solar Powered Flashlight is a simple and emergency-use flashlight that is also rechargeable.

This tool had good customer reviews as I was researching before buying.

Meci has pretty good brightness. It is good enough to use during unexpected power outages. 

The main plus points about this product are its size and weight. With 4.8 x 1.8 x 1.3 dimensions in inches, the MECO Hand Cranking Solar Powered Rechargeable Flashlight weighs only 3.04 oz.

The MECO Hand Cranking Solar Powered Flashlight has a built-in NiMH battery. In times of emergency, if you crank it for 6 mins, you can get the output of bright light for about an hour.

Pros

  • Highly effective conversion
  • The simple and fancy outer look
  • Comes in unique colors
  • Comes with a carabiner clip (you can clip it on your backpack)
  • Money back guarantee within a number of days option is available

Cons

  • Not waterproof 

If you are looking for the best hand-crank flashlight that is fairly priced and easily portable, then you may try MECO Hand Cranking Solar Powered Flashlight. Consider your requirements and make a choice. 


6. ThorFire Hand Crank and Solar Powered Flashlight

ThorFire Hand Crank And Solar Powered Flashlight is one of the best hand crank flashlight products you can find in the market.

The company might have used the term “Thor” to represent the durability, power, and capacity of the flashlight.

ThorFire has many exciting features that most other hand-crank flashlights should have included.

During crises, blackouts, or any other time you require light, this crank-powered flashlight with high energy conversion efficiency is ideal.

The ThorFire hand crank flashlight uses high-quality LED bulbs and features three lighting modes which are mid, high, and flash to accommodate various lighting needs. Ideal for usage in vehicles, outdoor adventures, camping, hiking, travel, for home, and more.

The ThorFire Flashlight weighs around 176 grams or 0.39 lbs. The flashlight comes with a length of 5.81 inches and can be included in your survival kit. With this size and dimension specification, the flashlight is easy to carry. It also has an attractive outer look. 

This hand crank flashlight tool is solar powered too. You can also use a USB charger to charge it. This should be the necessity of any emergency flashlights

If you power up the flashlight under direct sunlight, you can get light output for about 120 minutes or 140 minutes of flashing. 

By hand cranking the gadget, you can get the power of 1 LED for 80 minutes or power of 3 LEDs for 60 minutes, or flashing for 110 minutes. In anyways, the power source of the flashlight is excellent. 

With a full charge, the flashlight can stand for about 4 hours. 

Pros

  • Solar and hand crank power up gadget 
  • High efficiency of energy conversion
  • IPX6 standard waterproof 
  • Types of light modes available

Cons

  • Durability needs to be improved

I love this product for its power-supplying capacity. Panicking during a sudden power outage doesn’t fix anything. The ThorFire Hand Crank and Solar Powered Flashlight is the best tool during an emergency requirement for light.


7. LifeLight LED Emergency Flashlight

The LifeLight LED Emergency Flashlight has a stylish exterior and is available in orange-black.

Surprisingly this flashlight has many exciting features making it ideal for hiking, trekking, and camping.

The LifeLight LED Emergency Flashlight gives powerful flashing light and bright beacon light. You may find this flashlight very useful during a sudden power outage.

Let’s not hope for a power outbreak; being prepared in times of emergency is a wise choice that anyone can make.

The LifeLight LED Emergency Flashlight weighs around 280 grams or 0.61 lbs. The flashlight has a 10.83 inches length and is easily portable.

The Lifelight hand crank flashlight comes with a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. The battery can stand for 5 hours after a full charge.

If you find yourself in a dark place with the LifeLight hand crank flashlight without any charge, you can power up the light by cranking it for a few minutes. Even one minute of cranking can give you a sound output for several minutes.

Pros

  • Charging a mobile phone option is available
  • Hand crank power-up option
  • Bright LED flashlight
  • Multipurpose tool

Cons

  • Poor runtime

The added advantage of this standard hand crank flashlight is that you won’t need to buy batteries or replace it for an extra long time. Without the need for extra batteries, it delivers timely illumination. 


8. PrimalCamp Hand Crank Solar Powered Rechargeable LED Flashlight

PrimalCamp Solar Powered Rechargeable LED Flashlight is one of the best hand crank flashlights in the market. As is being said, the flashlight is ideal for hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. 

The PrimalCamp flashlight is one of the known Solar Powered flashlights that consists of a good quality LED light bulb. 

This Flashlight has a 5.51 inches of length. The flashlight is lightweight and weighs about 87 grams.

This flashlight is very easy to carry, included in your backpack, and comes in handy in times of emergency requirements.

The PrimalCamp Hand Crank Flashlight comes with an NIMH rechargeable battery and can be powered up using solar power and a hand crank. If you leave the device in direct sunshine for around two hours, the battery will be fully charged. You can use either natural or artificial light to charge the solar panel.

If you have no charge in the flashlight, you can get a light output for about 8 minutes by cranking it for one minute. Seven minutes of cranking can give you an output of one hour long.

Pros

  • Nicely fits inside the pocket
  • Comes in bright yellow color
  • Efficient
  • Compact and portable

Cons

  • Light output is bit lower

The PrimalCamp Hand Crank Solar Powered Rechargeable LED Flashlight is a good choice for an easily carryable rechargeable hand crank flashlight.


9. FosPower Emergency Weather Radio and Flashlight

Another great hand crank flashlight that comes in handy during emergencies is the FosPower Emergency Weather Radio And Flashlight.

This little flashlight tool is quite good if you’re trying to build a bug-out bag on a tight budget. 

This little item is quite good if you’re trying to build a bug-out pack on a tight budget.

With the emergency weather radio from FosPower, you can access two light sources: a reading light with four LEDs and a 1W LED flashlight that can be used in any emergency circumstance. It gives enough power to light a dark room.

The FosPower Flashlight weighs about 10.5 ounces or 309 grams. The gadget consists of 6.2 inches in length. The hand-crank flashlight gadget is fair in size and easily portable. 

The FosPower Emergency Weather Radio And Flashlight comes with a Lithium-ion battery. The gadget can also be powered up using solar power, a hand crank, and a battery charge. The device includes a 2000mAh power bank that can charge any tiny tablet or phone in an emergency.

When the battery is empty, one minute of handle cranking at 130 rpm will provide 30 minutes of far-beam illumination or 6 minutes of radio listening. 

Pros

  • Water Resistant
  • Built-in SOS alert switch
  • Multiple power sources
  • SOS alert switch

Cons

  • Runtime can be better

The FosPower Emergency Weather Radio And Flashlight is a highly recommended emergency flashlight gadget. The company providing a very good customer service is another added advantage of buying this flashlight tool. 


What is a Hand Crank Flashlight?

An excellent tool for providing emergency illumination without having to worry about batteries is a hand crank flashlight. Using kinetic energy the electricity gets produced here.

When left idle for extended periods of time, battery-operated regular flashlights can occasionally lose their brightness, and those that are used continuously can quickly run out of power.

Modern crank flashlights typically include LED lights that are very brilliant, sometimes even outshining the illumination provided by conventional flashlights. These are inexpensive gadgets that are handy for emergency kits, cars, and residences.

Why Buy a Hand Crank Flashlight?

Hand Crank Flashlight on the table

You can involve yourself in trekking, hiking, and camping activities, or you may be unexpectedly stuck in a dark place or experience a power outage with all lights going off; the first thing you will need is light. 

You can use your cell phone, but there are possibilities that you may run out of charge during an emergency. 

You might have forgotten to recharge your torch light and panic if you cannot find a light source and a way to contact any person to ask for help.

This is where a hand crank flashlight acts as a life-saving gadget. If you have a hand crank flashlight in your emergency tool kit without any charge, you can still power up the gadget by cranking it for a few minutes.

As listed in this article, many of the best hand crank flashlights come with additional tool kits and power backup sources. The features of the hand crank flashlights are beneficial during an emergency. Emergencies include disasters like tornadoes and hurricanes. 

Hence, buying a hand-crank flashlight and keeping it along with your emergency tool kit is a wise decision that you can make.

Final Thoughts

A hand-cranked flashlight is an electric gadget that uses the user’s muscles to operate an electric generator to provide the current necessary to light the bulbs.

In this article, the nine best hand-crank flashlights have been analyzed and reviewed. The listed flashlights have an excellent outer look and are easily portable. Each of the flashlights consists of unique characteristics and features.

Every product does have pros and cons, and so do the listed flashlights. I recommend the number one flashlight from the list that is Readywise hand crank flashlight due to its multipurpose functions

Before buying a flashlight, I advise you to conduct your own research on hand crank flashlights that meet your needs. 

FAQs

Yes, hand-crank flashlights work. When you crank the gadget, the system generates the current required to light the bulbs by turning an electric generator on.

Hand crank flashlights offer the advantage of providing light and power output during power outages, achieved by cranking the gadget for a few minutes. However, their disadvantage is that they can only provide power for a limited time.

You will need to crank the flashlight device for at least one minute. The output duration from one minute of cranking varies between different flashlights, but can last for several minutes.

Not necessarily. Most hand-crank flashlights do not require batteries to power up. But some hand-cranked flashlights do have batteries as a backup power source. 

OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION
Readywise
Brightness
Beam distance
Runtime
Durability
Price

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

Overall Score

5.0

visa, master, amex, paypal
Pros
Multipurpose gadgets for use during emergency scenarios
Rapid phone charging
Easy to hold with handle and crank for practical application
Can charge the mobile phone during emergencies
Get the BEST PRICE until the end of December
Cons
Over-cranking could harm the drive system

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Author
Dillon Morrison
I have been involved in the flashlight community since 2007. My brother has a flashlight shop from where I have tested and reviewed more than 600+ different types of flashlights. You can find more about me here.

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