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How to Make LED Glow Sticks

Reusable LED glow sticks present an environmentally friendly alternative to regular glow sticks. They are particularly handy as skill toys because you can turn them on or off whenever you please and the lights come in a variety of fun colors.

Things You'll Need

6-inch glow sticks, unused
Microlight with a "constant on" feature
Permanent marker
X-acto or other precision knife
Electrical tape
Shoe laces

Instructions

- 1
  Carve out the bottom of the glow stick with the knife. Empty the contents of the glow stick, being careful not to break the glass vial inside. Wash the interior of the glow stick thoroughly.
- 2
  Draw an X on the bottom of the glow stick. Use the X as a guide to draw four evenly-spaced marking lines. From the base, the lines should be 2.25 inches long.
- 3
  Cut the thin plastic along these lines with the X-acto knife. Do not cut through the base.
- 4
  Cut one of the sections in half, perpendicular to the glow stick. This will make a little door. Repeat this cut on the opposite side.
- 5
  Spread the flaps open and slide the light in. The LED should be pointing toward the top of the glow stick.
- 6
  Hold the light in place with the electrical tape. Remember that you'll need to replace the batteries at some point, so don't use too much tape.
- 7
  Press the sides of the glow stick to turn the light on.

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