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Under lift LED lighting: Gimmick? Godsend?

Lelandwelds

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My aging eyeballs need help so often I EDC a little CR123a flashlight constantly. I do get tired of the taste of aluminum though. (Head lamps drive me crazy.) What do lift owners think of these?
 

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txvwnut

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Bedford, Texas
At the day job we have some portable post lifts that have lighting on them. You end up getting light right in your eyes when they’re on. I like the idea of the led strip on the runner of that four poster but again its at eye level.
 
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Lelandwelds

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At the day job we have some portable post lifts that have lighting on them. You end up getting light right in your eyes when they’re on. I like the idea of the led strip on the runner of that four poster but again its at eye level.

My flashlight-in-the-mouth trick gets old. LED hats and headlights dont work for me. My light stuck in my watchband doesnt point where I need it if I need both hands.

If I rig a slot light with a sanded lexan cover and embed it in the floor, would that overcome your objections? (I have never had a day job using this stuff?) I have 13 watt LED can lights in my house. I can comfortably stare into those.

Or stick a low profile like the above light in a floor junction box? Or, relamp a low voltage outdoor lamp?
 
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Lelandwelds

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I carry one of these even in my bathrobe. I want something wired to the mains that cant walk off.

Anyone use a corded work stool or jack stand? Some kind of arm mounted folding light on a two post. Maybe a four post with a hole drilled and reinforced with a gimble mounted light or angled light trough? I saw a bridge jack with light mounted in a deep skinny box. You couldnt even see the LED.
 

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Lelandwelds

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I just saw the $200 Milwaukee light. Anyone have a homebrew alternative?
 

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Eriehunter

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I have a 5x10 trailer that has a wood floor, many times I have to load up my golf cart or four wheeler at night. I routed a channel in the center of the floor and put some led rope light in the channel held in place with some clear silicone. It was cheap and works well.

For an experiment I would get a 2x6x12' and rout a channel in it put led rope light in it and lay it on the floor. that way you could move it around and you will find an ideal location, then if you decide you could then channel the concrete and make a more permanent installation.
 

59 wagon man

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light always has to be moved so unless you only put 1 car in the exact spot everytime it will be a 50/50 chance that it works right. ryobi 18+1 has a light similar to the milwaukeee is cordless or plug into 110v lots of light about $50. this will easily light up what you need
 

Chevy-SS

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I'm definitely watching this thread closely. I find that adequate lighting while working on vehicles is almost always a PITA. I'm still waiting for that 'perfect' mechanic's light that will allow me to see exactly where I need to.
 
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Lelandwelds

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I have a 5x10 trailer that has a wood floor, many times I have to load up my golf cart or four wheeler at night. I routed a channel in the center of the floor and put some led rope light in the channel held in place with some clear silicone. It was cheap and works well.

For an experiment I would get a 2x6x12' and rout a channel in it put led rope light in it and lay it on the floor. that way you could move it around and you will find an ideal location, then if you decide you could then channel the concrete and make a more permanent installation.

Would a rope light, tape light, or mini LED mounted in the concrete glare in the eyes? Would something like glass block or thick sanded Lexan help?

What about hooded 4 ft ceiling fixture mounted on the wall or under a workbench? It could reflect off the floor under the lift like cove lighting.
 

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kj_mustang

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I just bought one of these from HF on sale for $20 but I have not tried it out yet. Seemed like a good idea for auto work, has a magnetic base and a folding, swivel head with 390 Lumen Leds.

63958_w3.jpg
 
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lakeroadster

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I have an old school floor lamp with an edison based LED. Simply move it around wherever you need it.

attachment.php
 

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Lelandwelds

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I have an old school floor lamp with an edison based LED. Simply move it around wherever you need it.

attachment.php

While I have used drop lights for years, none have had as much personality as yours.

Not to whine, but I am really trying to cut down on extra or not strictly necessary steps. I have had three employers over the years switch to a quality process. ( 5S is the best known.) I am a fan and think everyone should drink the kool-aid.

I want something mounted where it takes no action to put into operation . I can flip a switch if I must.
 

427HISS

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My flashlight-in-the-mouth trick gets old. LED hats and headlights dont work for me. My light stuck in my watchband doesnt point where I need it if I need both hands.

If I rig a slot light with a sanded lexan cover and embed it in the floor, would that overcome your objections? (I have never had a day job using this stuff?) I have 13 watt LED can lights in my house. I can comfortably stare into those.

Or stick a low profile like the above light in a floor junction box? Or, relamp a low voltage outdoor lamp?

"My flashlight-in-the-mouth trick gets old"

LAUGHED MY *** OFF ! :beer: (been their, done that)

Anyway, I have a MaxJax lift and my 55 year old eyes can always use more light in under and around it, so I'm in search of better lighting too. I don't know what you've posted, but interesting.

I do have a few cordless LED wand type and corded reel lights, that have a magnet to stick to any metal surface. Really like them and work very well.

Below is a Jegs (Eastwood also has one) LED bar that can attach to under a engine hood. I've wondered if it would work under a chassis as well ?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-cord...DmjI0IPDZZ9GMPlPcNXTiUa88iP6CEQCjngV1lq3NnLw-
ThoCadUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CKGP0r_rq9gCFQ7J4wcdxZcFtA

http://www.sears.com/es/us/craftsma...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CPDxmNnrq9gCFRHI4wcdwiMHFQ

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performa...v_x-Q_54iUnad-g_dzIG5me_hCzhkdqhoC4LAQAvD_BwE

YouTube-

Here's many under the hood brands and a few DIY's .

https://m.youtube.com/results?q=Flexible Underhood Work Light &sm=3
 
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lakeroadster

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I want something mounted where it takes no action to put into operation . I can flip a switch if I must.

The "flip side" :drool: is that sometimes an electrical device can be a hazard. Like when a fuel line dumps gasoline down onto it.

Lighting under a lift is just problematic as others have stated. Any fixed location light will shine in your eyes....
 
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Strouty

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Southern Maine
I have one of those Milwaukee lights and it works very well. It is one of the only lights that I have where the switch is actually on and of, it has a secondary switch to change brightness. I hate having to push a switch multiple times and go through cycles to turn the thing off. I loath my Snap On lights because of that, I don't know why they can't figure out that most people just want a light that turns on and off.
 

Chevy-SS

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I just bought one of these from HF on sale for $20 but I have not tried it out yet. Seemed like a good idea for auto work, has a magnetic base and a folding, swivel head with 390 Lumen Leds.

63958_w3.jpg


I wish you had some feedback from actual usage. However, the light does look interesting and for $20 I'm gonna buy one. EVERY time I work on a vehicle there's a spot or two where a traditional light just can't penetrate. This light does look like it might work for those odd situations.......
 

GNX423

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Central, NJ
I wish you had some feedback from actual usage. However, the light does look interesting and for $20 I'm gonna buy one. EVERY time I work on a vehicle there's a spot or two where a traditional light just can't penetrate. This light does look like it might work for those odd situations.......

I purchased this Braun light from HF he other day. Magnet on the base is very strong and it is bright for the size. 2 light settings on the longer side and a few bring leds in the end of the wand, for directional lighting.

only used it to peek around under the hood so far, but I like it. replaceable lithium cell also.

Mike
 

dkroth

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Rochester, New York
I just bought one of these from HF on sale for $20 but I have not tried it out yet. Seemed like a good idea for auto work, has a magnetic base and a folding, swivel head with 390 Lumen Leds.

63958_w3.jpg

I wish you had some feedback from actual usage. However, the light does look interesting and for $20 I'm gonna buy one. EVERY time I work on a vehicle there's a spot or two where a traditional light just can't penetrate. This light does look like it might work for those odd situations.......

There are a couple threads on this light going on right now. Here's one of them. Members are very complimentary.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=379119




.
 

T_R

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Jul 2, 2015
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Location
Maine
I would break those LEDs if I installed them. I can just see something get dropped or go flying and that would be the end of them.

I have a corded droplight with a florescent tube bulb and various LED flashlights. Usually hanging the droplight under the car is plenty.
 

427HISS

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I have one of those Milwaukee lights and it works very well. It is one of the only lights that I have where the switch is actually on and of, it has a secondary switch to change brightness. I hate having to push a switch multiple times and go through cycles to turn the thing off. I loath my Snap On lights because of that, I don't know why they can't figure out that most people just want a light that turns on and off.


I have a Craftsman that has three different light settings, but I don't mind because itsaves battery power. If it was a plug in, I'd be with you.
 

427HISS

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I would break those LEDs if I installed them. I can just see something get dropped or go flying and that would be the end of them.

I have a corded droplight with a florescent tube bulb and various LED flashlights. Usually hanging the droplight under the car is plenty.

LED's are tough. We are saltwater reef hobbiests and have several LED lighting systems over various tanks. Their tougher than fluorescent tubes, last much,....much longer and are a better crisper white light (kelven of 4,500 -5,500) than fluorescent's. They cost much less to operate than any other lighting as well.
 

Jack Olsen

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Los Angeles
I keep a 500W halogen trouble light stored down under the lift itself.

I've thought about a permanent install of some type in the floor or attached to parts of the lift, but it seems like I would be forever facing issues where my body would be blocking the light where I need it.

Since this is a light application where energy savings are a lower priority (how many hours am I actually under there?), the halogen unit was super cheap and is very bright. It can be positioned anywhere I'd like, so it's focused on the thing I'm working on without my hands or body being in the way.
 

427HISS

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Messages
758
With some of these 6' long or so, led lights with magnets, if we either stuck them on our lifts or under the car at any point we need the light, wouldn't they work out very well ?
If the light is too brite, just spin the body of the light.

Scroll to click on any of this type manufactures. First one is HF.

 

cory58

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Dec 23, 2015
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Charlotte, NC
Picked up one of the Braun lights yesterday with the $19.99 coupon. Two still on the rack at Pineville, NC HF.

One thing I don't like - the instructions say not to charge for more than 4 hours or the battery will get damaged. Very inconvenient that you can't just leave it plugged in until you need it.

One question: I will be using the light at a remote garage with no computers to charge from. Can I just use an iPhone or other generic phone charger that plugs into 110v, or do I need to worry about the specific requirements of the light (5VDC 1A)?

Thanks, Cory


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
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06switchback

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Sep 17, 2015
Messages
139
On a 4 post lift why couldn't you have a light that moves on the rails that the jack rides on you could put it where you need it or easily remove it

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk
 
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Lelandwelds

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On a 4 post lift why couldn't you have a light that moves on the rails that the jack rides on you could put it where you need it or easily remove it

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk

I couldnt find the photo but i saw a euro bridge jack with a deep skinny box with a BRIGHT led shining up.

I am wondering about a light grey epoxy floor with standard 48" LED mounted under the four post runners shining on the floor. Or, a two post with twenty 5 w LEDS mounted on the underside of the arms. The steel would make a good heat sink and all the arms I have seen stop about an inch above the concrete.

That would keep the glare out of eyes and diffuse the light enough so your body wouldn't block it. It could power up with the lift like a good 5S idea. You could power it from low voltage to make the safety paranoid happy.
 
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