Drop Light Shopping - Corded or Milwaukee

[Spudland_Dave]

Had to swap alternator & idler pulleys last night on the ol pickup and one of the Flourescent tubes in my Craftsman died (2 tube setup) so now in addition of busted hooks and overall hard life i'm gonna pitch it and get with the times...thinkin LED.
My options are Corded or Milwaukee M12 or M18.

I'd almost prefer corded based on prices from a quick google...but the allure of cordless is also strong..

Anybody have any good options on corded LED Worklights?
Anybody with any experience with the M12 or M18 Lantern/Floodlights?

 

[amolaver]

The m12 work / drop light is awesome. Lots of light, great metal hook that can be repositioned (although I wish it locked at the 'other' end of its travel). Run time is amazing - not sure of total time, but even on the 2ah batteries, it's hours. I don't have the lanterns, but my impression is the 18 is to large for most use in automotive. 12v might be good, hard to tell. Doesn't look as durable as the drop/work light.

 

[Jwych]

Idk about the drop lights from milwaukee but I have the m18 flood light and I really hesitated because it was 100 bucks but after owning it for 6 months I would pay that again and again. I work on a service truck though so cordless tools are worth their weight in gold!

 

[rice rocket]

Get the Snap-On 2000 lumen light from Costco for $40, it's about twice as bright as the M18 one.

http://www2.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11981062&whse=BD_115&topnav=bd

 

[stg454]

I have one of these and am real happy with it. They also make one that is corded with or with out a cord reel.
http://www.baycoproducts.com/index.php/productsbayco/led-lights/item/slr-2166

 

[TomB19]

I assume you are considering the Milwaukee stick light. I have the M12 version. The M18 version is said to be stronger, however, I consider part of the allure of the stick light that it is small and light.

I also have the Milwaukee M18 hex light. Another good product.

They are for completely different uses. Troubleshooting... fine detail... working on something specific... stick light. ... lighting a work area... hex light.

My take on the stick light is that it's excellent. In particular, the color of light is outstanding. It's white and bright. I was happy with it, initially.

Then, I picked up some Prime-Lites from Peavey Mart for $10 each.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Primelite-P...6996034?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item4d253954c2

The Prime-Lites have a slight green cast but put out just as much light and they come with magnets. The magnet for the stick light goes for 20 bucks and you have to buy it seperately. The way the Prime-Lite bends vertically is brilliant. You can stick it to a hood, fender, or whatever, and point the light wherever you want. Can't do that with a stick light.

So... stick light. Good quality. Excellent quality light. Amazing run time. Good build quality. ... but not as convenient as the Prime-Lite and not worth 12x the price.

Now Prime-Lite has a light with brighter emitters and the same great format.

Prime-Lite is also available under several different brands on eBay.

Would I buy the stick light again? Yes but only because I'm a Milwaukee guy. I've hardly used it. lol!

 

[CHUNKER]

Get the Snap-On 2000 lumen light from Costco for $40, it's about twice as bright as the M18 one.

http://www2.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11981062&whse=BD_115&topnav=bd

This. I bought one to use in my old house renovation and liked so much went back and got another for the shop.

 

[TomB19]

I believe I am misunderstanding the OP. Are you looking for a task light or a flood light? These are two different tools.

 

[wild cowboy]

never use a drop light anymore - been using these for 20 years:

 

[CNGsaves]

Get the Snap-On 2000 lumen light from Costco for $40, it's about twice as bright as the M18 one.

http://www2.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11981062&whse=BD_115&topnav=bd

Look around as surely there is "private label" brand for $9.99 . .
. . . . instead of 4x markup at $39.99 for the SnapOn name !!!

 

[Ign]

The light from the Milwaukee stick actually is not white; this is the main complaint w LED's but Milwaukee worked hard (and successfully) to make it warmer and more yellow-ish to the human eye. This is not the typical cool LED.

Magnets that fit perfectly and are VERY strong are available for mere dollars on Amazon, it's been covered here and they're working great on my stick light.

That said the stick light is just damn expensive, so it just comes down to what the OP is willing to spend. Corded is unquestionably more bang for your buck, if you don't mind the cord.

 

[rice rocket]

You been on the red koolaid, eh? Worked hard as in they ordered the warm white LEDs?

There's really only a handful of mfgs making LEDs, and the warm whites are just as easy to find, they're just often skipped over for more lumens though.

 

[merbie]

My sig says it all

I'd rather close my **** in a car door than wear a headlamp.

 

[crewchief888]

i use the milwaukee 12v LED flashlight every day.

i need something small i can focus light right where i'm working.

$30 @ any home depot.

 

[01blackl]

I have the V12. I like it a lot. It is small and bright.

 

[CJM8515]

I have several, I have an older plain jane drop light that I got 75wbulbs in (hoarded the good bulbs before they stopped selling them), headlamp, streamlight and my personal fav is an older snap on 18V incandescent cordless.

 

[TomB19]

Yeah, there's nothing wrong with a plain old hook-light. Get a rough service bulb and you're fine. The only issue is they get really hot.

I've seen interiors burned with them but, fortunately, I've never had an incident.

 

[JKady]

I can't speak to the Milwaukee lights but I can tell you what my cordless work light collection consists of as an auto tech.

I have had one of these lights for some time, the new version is much smaller and a little brighter but it's not earth shattering enough for me to upgrade. I use it pretty regularly
http://atdtools.com/80303

I also have two of these, mine are Zeta branded. They're 10 times more useful if wherever you buy it can get you the magnetic feet to add on.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GQNSKC0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Those combined with a good flashlight have proven to be all I've really needed to get the job done.

 

[crazytrain]

I've got one of these that I picked up at wally world. It works great, last a long time on a charge.I use it under the car or in the engine bay. It works great for interior work as well since I don't have to drag a dirty cord through a customers car. I find myself reaching for this one way more than my corded Snap On florecent reel light hanging above my bay. I think it was like 29 bucks as well.

http://www.budgetlighting.com/work-...60-led-flashlight-floodlight-single-pack.html

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I have several, I have an older plain jane drop light that I got 75wbulbs in (hoarded the good bulbs before they stopped selling them), headlamp, streamlight and my personal fav is an older snap on 18V incandescent cordless.

Yeah I've had a couple myself..broke one a while back and my 2nd one is in the attic (Temp lighting). I too stocked up...I've got probably 40-50 Old School 75w & 100w bulbs. Since I'm buying new...thinking its time to upgrade to the LED Technology


Sounds like you guys are referring to the flash-lights. The light I was eyeing was this one:

its mainly for undershood use, throw it under the vehicle when I go do an oil change, etc..
I've got this dis-trust/hate for tools with integrated batteries...so buying a standalone rechargable is a no-go for me. At least with the M series (either one) I know I always got a battery somewhere thats fully charged.

Thing that ***** is I got this SnapOn set as a "sorta Christmas Gift" http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274824...problem is, I dont own the rest of the system (Batteries or charger) and I have no desire to get another battery system. That light is incredible...I've seen it in action, VERY nice. If it would be M12...I'd be happier then a pig in poop.

 

[chrisexv6]

For under/in auto use, I was thinking the M12 stick light would be the best option.

The screw mount on the back (as someone else here showed, can get one of those line-loc magnet bases and then magnet it to any metal)

The ingenious sliding hook setup

The compact size (when used with a 1.5/2.0Ah Red Lithium pack)

I think its perfect for under hood spot lighting, hanging in a wheel well when working on brakes, etc.

I like the M18 lantern you showed the pic of, but I think that might be better for whole area lighting....to me it looks/feels more useful indoors than in a cramped automotive environment.

 

[Trey T]

My M12 Stick Light w/ magnetic loc-line arm

The magnetic arm makes it very useful for various tasks and I never take the arm off.

I upgraded the entire arm to larger loc-line and magnet for better rigidity.

There are five parts to that arm:

1. 1/4"-20 bolt (HD)
2. cold shoe for camera flash (ebay)
3. 1/4" loc-line (ebay)
4. 2"-dia ceramic magnet base (HF or ebay)
5. smaller than 1/4"-20 nut/bolt/washer

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3742034&postcount=12761

 

[CJM8515]

Yeah I've had a couple myself..broke one a while back and my 2nd one is in the attic (Temp lighting). I too stocked up...I've got probably 40-50 Old School 75w & 100w bulbs. Since I'm buying new...thinking its time to upgrade to the LED Technology





Sounds like you guys are referring to the flash-lights. The light I was eyeing was this one:

its mainly for undershood use, throw it under the vehicle when I go do an oil change, etc..

I've got this dis-trust/hate for tools with integrated batteries...so buying a standalone rechargable is a no-go for me. At least with the M series (either one) I know I always got a battery somewhere thats fully charged.



Thing that ***** is I got this SnapOn set as a "sorta Christmas Gift" http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274824...problem is, I dont own the rest of the system (Batteries or charger) and I have no desire to get another battery system. That light is incredible...I've seen it in action, VERY nice. If it would be M12...I'd be happier then a pig in poop.

If only the led stuff wasn't still so expensive

 

[xyster101]

What is wrong with a head light? This one on amazon is super bright and last 3 hours on full. I just keep it on the charger when I'm not using it. Really it is crazy bright.
9 LED Flashlight +1800 Lumens CREE XM-L T6 Led Headlamp,3 Modes Zoomable Comfortable Wearing , Hands-free Head light-For Camping Biking Working Hunting Fishing Riding Camping Walking ;Led headlight Wth 2 Rechargeable 18650 Batteries + Car Charger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NSFVGUW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Anarius]

What is wrong with a head light? This one on amazon is super bright and last 3 hours on full. I just keep it on the charger when I'm not using it. Really it is crazy bright.
9 LED Flashlight +1800 Lumens CREE XM-L T6 Led Headlamp,3 Modes Zoomable Comfortable Wearing , Hands-free Head light-For Camping Biking Working Hunting Fishing Riding Camping Walking ;Led headlight Wth 2 Rechargeable 18650 Batteries + Car Charger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NSFVGUW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

A lot of professional mechanics sneer at them. I used to not want to look like a retard, either. But I bought one from the tool shop around the corner when the lights failed in my bays and corporate took their sweet time getting it fixed....and I loved it. I don't use it every day, but if I have prolonged under car work (fabricating brake lines) or doing alignments it works great!

have you considered one of these? http://www.harborfreight.com/120-led-rechargeable-under-hood-work-light-60793.html

Works fairly well actually, and they go on sale for $19.99 every now and again. Had mine a year, no complaints. Has some pretty versatile attachment methods.

As for the Milwaukee debate, I was given a m18 hex flood by a tool vendor in exchange for some work. I probably would not have bought it on my own. It is a VERY nice piece of kit, but I don't find it useful in the shop for working on cars - its hard to prop it somewhere that it directs its light well and doesn't cause a shadow. It is a freaking godsend elsewhere, though. I will be picking up the m18 light above on my next tool binge.

 

[crazytrain]

I like a head lamp for doing things where you need both hands and have no place to hang a drop light. Especially Volvo fuel pumps on the saddle tanks with dual sending units.

 

[Anarius]

I like a head lamp for doing things where you need both hands and have no place to hang a drop light. Especially Volvo fuel pumps on the saddle tanks with dual sending units.

Not to hijack the thread or anything, but I freaking hate those. And the newer Cadillac RWD/AWD that are the same way.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

What is wrong with a head light? This one on amazon is super bright and last 3 hours on full. I just keep it on the charger when I'm not using it. Really it is crazy bright.

2 Strikes...first off...I'm all set with one, I dont want to poke fun of you guys who use & love em, but i'll just say, I'd rather work in the dark then put one on my head. Secondly I hate battery stuff...ESPECIALLY Integrated Battery type tools & devices.

A lot of professional mechanics sneer at them. I used to not want to look like a retard, either......have you considered one of these? http://www.harborfreight.com/120-led-rechargeable-under-hood-work-light-60793.html

I've seen that light...again the whole "not gonna do integrated battery" thing comes into play...make that light accept M12 and I'd be all over it.
Couple posts above pointed me in the direction of some corded LED...might get one a 25' cord and give that a whirl..or the ol cheapie 12.00 HF

 

[chrisexv6]

Just picked up the M12 stick light today. Will play with it tonight but Im expecting good results.

I was really interested in the ATD Saber light(s), but the built in battery and very dainty looking charger connection had me worried about paying $60+ for a light.

The M12 stick light wasnt cheap, but at least I know I can easily swap batteries in and out and there are no finicky looking connections necessary to get it to charge.

I may pick up the HF underhood light just because its fairly cheap (coupon) to provide full engine bay lighting with the M12 light as a point light depending on what Im working on.

 

[Anarius]

The harbor freight light lasts about 4hrs on a charge, and you can always leave it plugged in, too. I wish it was just a little brighter sometimes.

 

[Banjorear]

I have both the M12 stick and lantern. I really like both of them and they each have their role. The M12 stick gets into some tight spots. I did buck up and get the Milwaukee magnet and that is a great addition to this tool.