Looking for a good rechargeable flashlight around $50 range. I use a stream light at work but don't really want to spend $100+ for another flashlight. Wanting led light with a docking station or something so I can mount in my shop.
Recommendation for rechargeable flashlight for the shop
- Thread starter free07110
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Locker537
Well-known member
Are you already invested in any of the big power tool brands? Dewalt, Milwaukee, even Snap-on, etc?
All of them have pretty good lights that run off the same batteries.
All of them have pretty good lights that run off the same batteries.
one9gt
Well-known member
driftpin
Well-known member
I use my Craftsman rechargeable and am very satisfied w/it. Thirty-five LED's, regularly $45, now 19.99 in the Sunday 2/26/17 circular, item #03473904. It comes with a magnetic clip to hold it.
Description Item # 03473904000PModel # 73904
The Craftsman Cordless Rechargeable LED Work Light Brings Light to Any Job
The Craftsman cordless rechargeable work light with 35 LED lights is the last utility light you'll ever need. It's lightweight, compact and cordless, allowing it to be used in hard-to-reach and tight spaces like behind appliances and under cars. With 35 LED lights you can use it as both a work light and spotlight, shedding light on projects of all sizes.
The Craftsman cordless rechargeable LED work light is perfect for the shop, garage or job site. The light boasts both a swivel hook and a magnet, making it easy to hang it exactly where you need it. Since it rotates 360 degrees, once it's placed you can easily adjust it till you achieve the right angle. The rechargeable light comes with both AC and DC chargers, so you can charge it at home or from your vehicle.
•Get work done day and night with the handy Craftsman cordless rechargeable work light with 35 LED lights
•This utility light weighs just 2.5 lbs., making it easy to move and transport
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-cord...anization & shelving?sid=ISx20140327xNonBrand
Description Item # 03473904000PModel # 73904
The Craftsman Cordless Rechargeable LED Work Light Brings Light to Any Job
The Craftsman cordless rechargeable work light with 35 LED lights is the last utility light you'll ever need. It's lightweight, compact and cordless, allowing it to be used in hard-to-reach and tight spaces like behind appliances and under cars. With 35 LED lights you can use it as both a work light and spotlight, shedding light on projects of all sizes.
The Craftsman cordless rechargeable LED work light is perfect for the shop, garage or job site. The light boasts both a swivel hook and a magnet, making it easy to hang it exactly where you need it. Since it rotates 360 degrees, once it's placed you can easily adjust it till you achieve the right angle. The rechargeable light comes with both AC and DC chargers, so you can charge it at home or from your vehicle.
•Get work done day and night with the handy Craftsman cordless rechargeable work light with 35 LED lights
•This utility light weighs just 2.5 lbs., making it easy to move and transport
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-cord...anization & shelving?sid=ISx20140327xNonBrand
jerseykat1
Well-known member
I did a work light shootout comparison video with a write up about each light. click the pic below. These are all lights that I own and have put through the paces. I recently upgraded the battery in the 40sl for longer runtime (seems brighter too) i will be posting a video of that process soon. be sure to subscribe.
jerseykat1
Well-known member
I use this as my inspection light and it's perfect.
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I had 3 of the previous generation lights they all failed. No longer holding a charge, switch failures. i had to warranty one of them within a month.
Not sure how good the newer version is but. i would not use them daily in a auto repair setting, the previous generation EZ-red rechargeable lights were not durable enough.
exploringnh
Member
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2015
- Messages
- 16
I use this Presa light every day. I love it. Battery life is good enough for all day use and it is very bright. Brake cleaner does eat at the rubber a little bit but it stills cleans up well. It has a very thin profile which is great for fitting into tight areas.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017C2ZX8C/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017C2ZX8C/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Many people here are recommending much larger work lights/ task lights/ drop light style lights.
Do you want a traditional flashlight? Like the kind you can put in your pocket?
Because if so, I am a flashlight addict and can give you some actual FLASHLIGHT recommendations.
Olight is one of my favorites for really high quality rechargables. $70 range. Just a magnetic stand, no plugging and unplugging connectors. Just grabbed this older pic, there are other models now too. I might recommend the S30RIII
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anndel
Well-known member
Are you looking for a flashlight or cordless LED light? I have 3 Astro Tools 40SL lights.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018R0XQPA/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018R0XQPA/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Heavy Metal Doctor
Well-known member
I have found the mag base charger set ups are not great if your in a really dirty working shop and not gentle on the light. It gets to be a hassle to make it connect to charge when you put it on the charger when there's grindind dust / weld spatter on it, or just plain dirt / grease on it.
Even after buying a few other lights, I still use these a lot:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EOJKHH4/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Ultrafire 502b -- pretty bright and takes a beating around the shop fairly well. Not bad for 16 bucks. The only down side is the batteries are not really long life - maybe a couple of hours use, but if you keep one fresh on the charger, it's no big deal. I usually swap in a fresh battery the first time I grab it for the day.
Even after buying a few other lights, I still use these a lot:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EOJKHH4/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Ultrafire 502b -- pretty bright and takes a beating around the shop fairly well. Not bad for 16 bucks. The only down side is the batteries are not really long life - maybe a couple of hours use, but if you keep one fresh on the charger, it's no big deal. I usually swap in a fresh battery the first time I grab it for the day.
jerseykat1
Well-known member
I did a work light shootout comparison video with a write up about each light. click the pic below. These are all lights that I own and have put through the paces. I recently upgraded the battery in the 40sl for longer runtime (seems brighter too) i will be posting a video of that process soon. be sure to subscribe.
the 40sl really is a good light.
I agree with the difficulties of rechargable, I just recommended the rechargable because OP asked for it. I would have different recommendations if he is willing to give up built-in recharging. Though I would not recommend the 502b that strongly if you want a high-output light. The design of the head will the pill and the spring mean that the 502b can't shed heat very well and in my experience the ground spring is just difficult and finicky.
If you need all-day battery, you are looking at a light powered by eiher 26650, or multiple 18650s. But then you are talking a larger flashlight (still smaller than the work lights pictured/suggested earlier) that is really stretching the boundaries of "pocketable". If you need pocketable size and all day runtime, you are probbly looking at a 1x18650 light and a spare battery or two that you can swap out in a few seconds of unscrewing the tailcap and dropping in the new battery. carry one or two spares cells and you can have lots of light all day. keep a 4-bay charger back at the "home base" to charge all the cells overnight.
As a flashlight geek, I would always recommend a high CRI (color rendering index) LED in the flashlight you choose. After you see the difference between a traditional cold blue nasty low CRI LED, you will never want anything other than high CRI ever again. It is not just a flashlight geek thing, the high CRI is functional too - it ***** trying to determine wigh tiny wire is light purple with blue stripe and which is light blue with pink strip when your light source is 7000K blue color temp, and has bad color rendering on top of that...
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firebox40dash5
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2012
- Messages
- 4,185
I've used a bunch of those and the older ones. I loved them when they worked, but they were/are too damn fragile for me. Too easy to break the hook socket and send it tumbling to the concrete, and then half the time it went **** up very shortly after... as well as no longer having a hook. A work light that can't be dropped doesn't work too well for me.
I got a couple Milwaukee stick lights. Not all that cheap, but I haven't broken one in several years of use. Got a neodymium magnet off Amazon with a countersunk hole, since you can adapt about any kinda mount with the 1/4-20 socket... magnet, spring clamp, flexy tripod, combination of those...
Plus, swappable rechargeable battery means no waiting a couple hours for a built-in battery to charge.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
I've been more than happy/impressed with my Bayco led light. I have the 34 led light linked below, but in yellow. They make a 66 led light which must be insanely bright. It has magnets, a hook, a hex handle to prevent rolling and a flashlight beam in the base. Battery lasts a long time and comes with wall and cig outlet charging cords. Really well made light. https://www.walmart.com/ip/24689296...75035&wl11=online&wl12=24689296&wl13=&veh=sem
jerseykat1
Well-known member
That's exactly why I like the Milwaukee.. I mentioned that point about swappable batteries as well in my video review/comparison posted a few posts back.I've used a bunch of those and the older ones. I loved them when they worked, but they were/are too damn fragile for me. Too easy to break the hook socket and send it tumbling to the concrete, and then half the time it went **** up very shortly after... as well as no longer having a hook. A work light that can't be dropped doesn't work too well for me.
I got a couple Milwaukee stick lights. Not all that cheap, but I haven't broken one in several years of use. Got a neodymium magnet off Amazon with a countersunk hole, since you can adapt about any kinda mount with the 1/4-20 socket... magnet, spring clamp, flexy tripod, combination of those...
Plus, swappable rechargeable battery means no waiting a couple hours for a built-in battery to charge.
I did upgrade the 18650 battery in the 40sl and i can now get about 4 hours on full bright before it becomes very dim.
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jerseykat1
Well-known member
You have to consider work flow and versatility when selecting a light.. Typically flashlights don't work well because you need a way to position the light over your work while you work. The 40sl, the Bosch fl12, and even the pocket COB have magnetic bases. The Milwaukee can be mounted to any mount you choose. The fl12 has a magnet and a built in carabiner. My review covers why those lights are ideal for getting work done... The flashlights might be okay to keep in your pocket for a quick peak at something but you can't work and hold the light.
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Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
torqueman2002
Well-known member
I just received this one from Amazon - $59.42 w/Prime.
Eric O. at South Main Auto uses the Atro 40SL adjustable LED, in a lot of his YouTube videos.
Have you thought about using a good, high quality head light?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053GV2T4/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053GV2T4/?tag=atomicindus08-20
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one9gt
Well-known member
Really? I use it everyday and I work on construction/ag/turf equipment. Not one issue in the past 6 months
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jerseykat1
Well-known member
New version as pictured in the thread or old version? If it's the old version just give it more time it will fail. I can't speak for the new version.
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vettex2
Banned
I have 2 C3's with lithium batteries. I also upgraded the bulb
I like the swivel head and the battery provides a stable base
I like the swivel head and the battery provides a stable base
jerseykat1
Well-known member
I still have one of the old versions it works but won't hold a charge for longer than 20 minutes run time. I purchased it a few years back, not sure at what point it failed. But i know it was less than a year in. It's usually the switch or battery that stops holding a charge.
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one9gt
Well-known member
New version. It's also repair friendly for end users as all replacement parts available and easily taken apart.
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jerseykat1
Well-known member
That's awesome. Glad they improved it. I may have to do a review on it.
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sberry
Banned
It cost 50
$ for a Milwaukee LED that fits my batteries on my tools. I have 5 lights, it was a pain with old bulbs but the new are a thing of beauty. You may not need 5 but like all the cordless tools its well worth the 50 if you have batteries. They work super, better than anything we ever used.
$ for a Milwaukee LED that fits my batteries on my tools. I have 5 lights, it was a pain with old bulbs but the new are a thing of beauty. You may not need 5 but like all the cordless tools its well worth the 50 if you have batteries. They work super, better than anything we ever used.
DFB
Well-known member
Well since we all get to add our .02 here I have to say I really like the Milwaukee 49-24-0146 M12 LED for a rechargeable flashlight.
Using a compact battery it has a streamline shape like a standard flashlight unlike other lights that use slide packs. Its only sold as bare tool though normally being an accessory to other items in that line, so a battery/charger starter kit would have to be purchased separately which at normal retail of 69.99 would make it a fairly cost prohibitive package although one could most likely find chargers and batteries on Ebay an such. The light alone is $39 if vested in the lineup.
I own Milwaukee flashlights and sticklights in both platforms (along with other styles of cordless lighting). The convenience of having removable and quickly rechargeable batteries is well worth it to me.
Obviously this all may be more than the OP is looking for but just as an FYI for anyone looking at Milwaukee their product pricing is weird at best.
An example being for the same retail price as battery/charger starter kit 69.99 one could purchase a 2401 cordless screwdriver kit and get a power tool along with charger battery and carry case or for $10 more their BT speaker with starter kit.
Using a compact battery it has a streamline shape like a standard flashlight unlike other lights that use slide packs. Its only sold as bare tool though normally being an accessory to other items in that line, so a battery/charger starter kit would have to be purchased separately which at normal retail of 69.99 would make it a fairly cost prohibitive package although one could most likely find chargers and batteries on Ebay an such. The light alone is $39 if vested in the lineup.
I own Milwaukee flashlights and sticklights in both platforms (along with other styles of cordless lighting). The convenience of having removable and quickly rechargeable batteries is well worth it to me.
Obviously this all may be more than the OP is looking for but just as an FYI for anyone looking at Milwaukee their product pricing is weird at best.
An example being for the same retail price as battery/charger starter kit 69.99 one could purchase a 2401 cordless screwdriver kit and get a power tool along with charger battery and carry case or for $10 more their BT speaker with starter kit.
ScottyB
Member
It's more than your wanting to spend but I have 2 of these and love the hell out of them!! I worked in a shop that I stuck them on the frame with the magnet while installing something and the light drove off with the truck. Called the customer a few days later and it was still stuck to the frame. Dead but magnet is a life saver sometimes lol
https://store.snapon.com/High-Outpu...eable-High-Output-6-SMD-LED-Blue-P824406.aspx
https://store.snapon.com/High-Outpu...eable-High-Output-6-SMD-LED-Blue-P824406.aspx
one9gt
Well-known member
Fenix, GearLight, and J5 are all good things. Prices from high to low, Fenix is about 60 US dollars, is the second highest quality brand after Streamlight. Well-made, can usually be used for more than 2 years. The GearLight and J5 are priced at about $ 20. Their biggest advantage is that they have the same lumens and quality as higher-priced flashlights.
homebuilt burner
Well-known member
I like my Saber light 80304A, work light, and flashlight combo. If you shop around you can find them @ $50. battery time is @ 3-4 hours of use.