Lighting for working in a gut renovation

[branimal]

I've been slowly renovating a 1100 square foot apartment. Right now for lighting I'm using the original overhead lights that were in the apartment. All the BX is ******* neatly and the lights are hung off the walls.

The lighting is pretty in scarce in some areas.

I wanted to invest in a work site lighting solution and I've seen two types that may fit the bill:

1. Multi-Directional LED Tripod Work Light
2. String Caged Work Lights

The tripod light is nice b/c I can light up the area I'm working. Disadvantage is it'll probably be blinding when I turn around to face it.


The Cage lights will provide non-blinding overhead lighting. But it's a hassle to move them around as needed.

Leaning toward the tripod, but wanted to get some input.

Thanks.

 

[C2tuck]

I have that exact tripod light and use the **** out of it when I need light. It’s bright as hell! We usually aim it up or down so that it’s not going to blind us. It’s bright enough to do that and still have plenty of light left over.

 

[sberry]

Some of each.

 

[cgrutt]

I use the Milwaukee tripod best light I ever had. Being blinded by it isn't really an issue the head goes up pretty high and is multi-directional.

 

[branimal]

I’ll pick up the tripod first and see if it does the trick.

Now when 5pm rolls around I can drink beer in the light as opposed to drinking in the dark.

Thx guys.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MattT]

For overhead lights I use outdoor light strings with 60w equivalent LED lamps. They have a hole at each lampholder so they're real easy to hang. IIRC I paid right at $50 for a 50' 15 lamp string and a 16 pack of Phillips lamps. I use 60w equivalents because the 100s are a lot more expensive.

Works out way cheaper than buying construction light strings. Cheap enough you can afford to buy several and leave them up until the job is done. I've even got one running the ridge of my attic.

 

[dogdog]

I just connect a temporary spare used screw bulb socket to the ceiling where the lights goes to and use a cheap bulb for it... It just have to hang there temporary...

The other times, I just use the tripod thing. I have 2 of the huskty ones works fine...

 

[Git]

I bought this light from Costco online several months ago for $125. Very pleased with it and I see it is now on sale - $40 off. This puts out 5,700 lumen, the Husky is 3,200, The Milwaukee is 2000. Also, it collapses down to basically a cylinder, which makes it really easy to carry and transport - see the 2nd pic

As with anything from Costco, if it does not meet your expectations, just return it - they even pay return shipping

 

[cgrutt]

The Milwaukee is 2000

My Milwaukee is 3000 and includes a battery charger, which is helpful because most of my battery operated tools are also Milwaukee. It can run off of 120v or an 18v battery which is cool for projects that don't take too long. I think it runs on battery at high for about 2 hrs.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Tripod definitely. Point it at the ceiling to light a room without getting blinded. For finishing drywall or painting you will see imperfections that you wouldn't notice otherwise.

 

[TomB19]

I’ll pick up the tripod first and see if it does the trick.

Now when 5pm rolls around I can drink beer in the light as opposed to drinking in the dark.

Thx guys.

Keep in mind there are two tripod lights. One has the ability to point the emitters directly down, creating an umbrella of light.

The other light cannot point down. The DeWalt tower light is identical, with respect to not being able to point down. They have a single hexagonal plate with emitters which can point only a few degrees below horizontal.

I own the light with the three emitters which can point down. I can tell you my light is mostly used almost exclusively with the emitters pointing down. This is perfect for almost all work, short of finishing the ceiling. In retrospect, I'm glad I went with the far more expensive light.

IMO, the uber-expensive Milwaukee Rocket Light (2135) is worth it for the light it throws. This is because it can light a room better than any hard wired room lighting I've ever seen. On the other hand, the price is ridiculous from the aspect of considering the cost of materials and assembly of the Rocket Light; it's a $500 piece of plastic with three LED light bars.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Lighting/Tower-Lights/2135-20

 

[cgrutt]

IMO, the uber-expensive Milwaukee Rocket Light (2135) is worth it for the light it throws. This is because it can light a room better than any hard wired room lighting I've ever seen. On the other hand, the price is ridiculous from the aspect of considering the cost of materials and assembly of the Rocket Light; it's a $500 piece of plastic with three LED light bars.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Lighting/Tower-Lights/2135-20

That's the same one I have it's a great light. I paid about $400 but have seen them on sale for high $200s you can also find deals where they throw in a free cordless tool. Great work light IMO but really only makes sense for users with other M18 cordless tools. Believe they also make a less expensive version without the battery charger (battery charger is nice because it allows you to run light off a battery). I have used mostly for drywall and painting. No issues with it and would buy again.

Also the main support is aluminum not plastic and it has decent hardware (clamps etc) but I get your comment...

 

[branimal]

Got the Husky 7000 lumen twin head light. It's a bit flimsy but it's doing the job. Heads can be tilted downward to diminish blinding light factor.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-7000-Lumen-Twin-Head-LED-Work-Light-K40071/207186691