Sliding track for shop lights ? Need ideas

[CheckeredFlag]

I want to add some lights to the garage to make it easier to see in there, but I have an idea ... Not sure if it will work, so if you see something wrong with this thought, feel free to point it out

My garage is approximately 1 and a 1/2 car deep

Rectangular shaped garage

The ceiling is probably 10 ft up

Here's the thought:

If I mounted something like sliding door track to the ceiling (in the studs), then I thought I could mount a shop fluorescent light on the track, that way I could move the entire light fixture back and forth so it would provide the light where I needed it

I was trying to get something more than just a drop light on a retractable cord

or

something like a barn door track and wheels (but that would probably cost too much)

or

might could also take some fixed wheel casters, and turn them upside down and put a like a metal pipe or something between the wheel and the caster base, (so now with gravity, the wheel is on the top and would roll on the bar, and the 4 holes on the caster base could be used to screw into the top of the light

the only problem with that idea is that the light would swing side to side a little bit ...

totally confused you yet ? LOL

I don't know if the fluorescent lights would last long if I'm moving them back and forth

Got another idea ?

I usually pull straight in because the garage door comes in and up, so that part of the ceiling is blocked ...

work bench is at the end of the garage (roughly where my front bumper of the car would be if I pulled in ... no where close to the actual garage door)


What's wrong with this idea ?

What can I do to make it work ?

If fluorescent lights are the wrong kind ... what would work ?

 

[p_mori7]

I would just add more light fixtures on a seperate switch(s). Will probably be alot faster & more cost effecient.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

If you really want to do the track method, you can use closet door overhead track placed end to end. The roller hardware is cheap and easy to use as well.

Keep in mind you'll have to come up with a similar method for the cable as well since it will have to pull out and retract as well.

 

[CheckeredFlag]

thanks

 

[Journaler]

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned using unistrut/superstrut. It's plenty strong, and can do double-duty as a light hoist.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2542651&postcount=6

 

[djjsr]

Have you checked into track lights? I've never seen tubular fluorescents on a track but there's lots of options for fixtures that use other types of bulbs.

 

[BD1]

Knew a guy that used his old garage door track and rollers.

 

[larry_g]

Dock light

A dock light as linked above could also be a solution. Mounted to the wall it could Illuminati under hood activities and then swing flat against the wall when not in use.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[bdamico]

imo just get more lights on separate banks. sounds like a lot of unnecessary work and money

 

[kbs2244]

By the time you are done with all the messing around, you could buy 3 or 4 cheap "shop lights" and be done with it.

 

[pepi]

I would just add more light fixtures on a seperate switch(s). Will probably be alot faster & more cost effecient.

I must agree with this, it would be a real hassle getting the tracks plum. And you can count on it the lights will never be where you need them at any given time. I can think of many reasons that this track thing would be a huge mistake, for my shop/garage.

Good luck,
Greg