Droplight Woes - Light is Never Where I Want It

[danieldd]

Sigh....

I've got a couple of droplights, one is incandescent and the other is a long tube flourscent. I prefer the incandescent simply because it has better light output, but the real problem is directing the light onto the work area efficiently. If I'm under the car (car on a lift) and I need to suspend the light on something, no matter where I hang it, the light is not where I want it or its shining right in my face.

Then if you try to cram it into a spot to hold it, you find it won't fit cause its too big, or its too small and falls out (I'm still talking about the light, okay?).

I guess my only option at this point is to get a light source that is on a stand that is rollable and you can articulate the light in just the right place without holding on to it.

Anybody got any ideas here?

 

[Chitown_hillbilly]

You're using a corded light I assume? What about something like this?

Matco Magnetic base light

 

[senlow]

Try a headlamp.

 

[WVBrady]

You're using a corded light I assume? What about something like this?

Matco Magnetic base light

HF used to have ones that looked just like that, but I can't find them now.

 

[WVBrady]

I have one that I got from Sears a few years ago with a hook that pivots, so that you can turn the reflector. That helps some.

 

[WildwoodChuck]

I got a clip on light for Christmas I thought was petty useless, coin cell battery 5 LED thing like 3/4 bucks. I used it when I swapped the 4L in my jeep. Man that thing was the BEST it always pointed exactly where I needed the light it wasn't like daylight but it was more than enough in exactly the right spot the clip always held strong.

 

[volvo]

..
Convert head to LED type ( complete head not just cheap bulbs) , Lots of light to spare.

 

[finn]

Cordless LED.

I also found that the give away HF LED (rectangular package) with the magnetic backs are surprisingly useful.

 

[mikec35]

Buy 10 of these. Their magnetic. Stick them on your lift, garage door rails, tool boxes, etc. Then you always have lights wherever you are working within easy reach and enough of them to illuminate where you need them to. They come with batteries and you can even get them as a freebie with purchase sometimes.

 

[finn]

Those are the freebees I was talking about

 

[Olafur]

Consider a quality headlight for close up work.

I had the same problem and I didn't care for headlights.
Until I got frustrated enough to buy a professional one - because I was so fed up by droplights.

Just to point out headlights are NOT created equal - one prominent manufacturer of headlights is Petzl and they produce wide array of all kind of headlights.

But if you go to their website and look for professional work light the selection drops to only 3 models. So even if the produce plenty of lights for outdoors activity of all sorts they don't recommend them for professionals (electricians, mechanics e.t.c)

I got the pixa3 from Petzl and it is basically stuck to my head when I am working and has been for the past 2 years now.
http://www.petzl.com/en/Professional/Compact-rugged-headlamps/PIXA-3?l=INT#.VFB_jEN6j9E

Wile I am no expert on lighting here are few points WHY this light didn't go to the scrap bin like so many before it.

1 It has good adjustable band and even if it is quite heavy it is still comfortable to wear.

2 Easily adjustable with big knob to turn on or switch between modes (seldom needed).

3 It has wide uniform beam with excellent light distribution. No shadows no glares.

4 It is bright enough to work on cars in pitch black environment, but not to bright to tire the eyes. Very important if you are using it a lot.

5 It takes 2 AA batteries and with Ni-CAD it burns for 2-3 full work days depending on use.

All in all - comparing this light to the cheap (China) lights you can pick up anywhere makes little sense. This is a different experience.

And of course the main point of headlight is it always shines in the right direction, and leaves your hands free. It is always where you want it!

 

[bad_idea]

I have a water tight fluorescent light fixture I installed skate board wheels on w/ a long extension cord. I am laying on my back under stands, but I imagine you could mount it on a rolling stand to lift it higher up. Plug the light in, roll it under the car, illuminate the whole bottom side of the car.

 

[Dugan]

 

[dlcwent]

Sigh....

I've got a couple of droplights, one is incandescent and the other is a long tube flourscent. I prefer the incandescent simply because it has better light output, but the real problem is directing the light onto the work area efficiently. If I'm under the car (car on a lift) and I need to suspend the light on something, no matter where I hang it, the light is not where I want it or its shining right in my face.

Then if you try to cram it into a spot to hold it, you find it won't fit cause its too big, or its too small and falls out (I'm still talking about the light, okay?).

I guess my only option at this point is to get a light source that is on a stand that is rollable and you can articulate the light in just the right place without holding on to it.


Anybody got any ideas here?

This is why they have always been referred to as trouble lights.
The headlights work well.

 

[Ray-CA]

Quick Google search: https://www.google.com/search?q=mag...3.8969j0j4&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8

Ray

 

[danieldd]

Thank you gentlemen. All very good suggestions. I think I'm going to try one of the more quality headlights as was suggested by Olafur above...

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

Making your own clamp light to attach to the lift arm or underframe of the vehicle might be one option:



As for drop lights shining in your face, I have found just using black electrical tape on the plastic tube housing the fluorescent to make it directional has been handy for my needs.

 

[Davefr]

Try this. Just add your favorite LED flashlight:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/lil-70440?seid=srese1&gclid=COvVzOzJ18ECFciGfgodUAMAEg

I also have a scrap piece of steel for the base when needed. A neutral light/floody LED light works best.

 

[sberry]

I make some hangers too and often use a flashlight. On my short list is some better lighting, we have 500 on stands too.

 

[rsanter]

Buy 10 of these. Their magnetic. Stick them on your lift, garage door rails, tool boxes, etc. Then you always have lights wherever you are working within easy reach and enough of them to illuminate where you need them to. They come with batteries and you can even get them as a freebie with purchase sometimes.

He'll I have 10 of those that I have gotten for free.
I use the hell out of them. Great for under the dash and for under the car.
I have 2 stuck to each toolbox so there is one nearby all the time

Bob

 

['71 VW 1302]

I use this:

http://r-pal.rtg.com/

the 1/4-20 mounts on either end can attach to a magnet, or any camera tripod style mount.

 

[brass89]

There's a multitude of options. Headlamps as have been suggested though I really haven't used one much. When working in a shop situation (automotive) there were pretty much only 2 lights I ever used. An underhood light like this one - I believe it's 30w, atd makes them for like $100. Spring loaded curved clips are rubber coated and don't scratch the hood. The light's directional and can be pivoted once hooked.

The other is a small handheld led (the one I use is a stinger). A third option would be a plug in halogen style with the tilt option on the base. For using on the floor aimed upward if a car's on a lift. Mostly just the underhood (can be rigged up under a car as well, or left on the hood and has a long enough cord to raise the car and leave it there) and the handheld. Not saying it's right or wrong, but that's what 90% of the techs I knew used as well. No trouble lights, no incandescent bulbs to melt or catch things on fire, none of that stuff. Just general lighting and location lighting. Hope this helps.