Underhood lights w/pics

[brassgod]

I've been looking for a good underhood light, but I haven't found much info or comparisons between the most popular models. So I ended up getting a hold of a couple of them to compare.

Model: Mountain MTNUL39

This is the brightest of the five I compared. It comes with a thick 25' cord so it should be enough for your needs. The light direction is adjusted by swiveling at the end hooks. The hooks are covered in a spongy material which helps prevent damaging the paint. The casing looks sturdy, but the bulb fixture looks weak. Several Amazon reviewers have complained that the bulb gets easily loose. Also, it might be hard to find 39W T5 bulb replacements at your local hardware store. I couldn't find any at my local HD. All they had was 54W and 12W bulbs. It's something to consider.

Model: ATD 80050

This is the second brightest light. This comes with a 25' cord and 30W fluorescent bulb. The included bulb is more a soft white than the Mountain bulb, but you can probably get a whiter bulb. The light direction is adjusted by rotating the ratcheting hooks/extension rods. The extension rods seem weaker than the Mountain and Nightstick. Also, the hooks materials is not as spongy as either the Mountain or the Nightstick, and it hangs lower than both of those.

Model: ATD 80355

This is the cordless LED light. It is brighter than the Nightstick, but not as bright as the other two. Also the light casing is coated with a white film (diffuser?), which makes it look like a fluorescent light bulb. It has a battery charge indicator, which lights up when you press the button. The light has a low and high setting, which stopped working when I was trying them out. I tested it with a full charge, and I did not notice any change in brightness when I plugged in the power cord. The hooks and adjustment are the same as the ATD 80050, but the hooks are longer so the light hangs lower than any of the others.

Model: Bayco Nightstick SLR-2120

The Bayco has the least light output with or without being plugged in. The light has a high and low settings. High = two rows of LEDs are on. Low = one row is on. Also, the light output has a very slight blueish hue to it. There is no coating on the light casing so that might explain why the ATD's light is whiter. Unlike the other lights, the bar is detachable from the cradle so the light direction is adjusted by rotating the light bar. It is also the lightest. The hooks are covered by a similar spongy material like the Mountain, but the hooks have a smaller radius so it hangs closer to the hood. The light bar has magnetic ends and they are able to swivel perpendicular to the bar so you can stick them to the underhood.

Mode: Harbor Freight 60793

This is the dimmest of all of them. It has a very blueish LED hue. It has a low and high setting, but I don't see why you would even bother with the low setting. It is that dim. Compared to the others, it is very troublesome to set it up because you either have to use the small hooks or the magnetic base to hang it from the hood. Also the ends are just attached to a piece of cord which makes it difficult to keep the light stationary. IMHO, it's not worth buying it. I would rather use a conventional work light.

Side by side

Rank based on light output:

1. Mountain
2. ATD 80050
3. ATD 80355
4. Bayco Nightstick SLR-2120
5. Harbor Freight

None of them are Made in the USA

I took the pictures with my phone so it might not do the lights justice. Also, the some light was going too much into lens so it caused the picture to come out grainy and hazy. Hopefully it's enough to give you an idea.

Other underhood lights to consider:

- Central Tools Underhood Lite Made in USA (Cord)

- Mountain MTNUL150 (128 SMD LED Cordless)

- Snap-On CTLUH761 (Cordless)

- Blue-Point ECUB128A (Cordless)

 

[rmsg0040]

I have the ATD 80050, I cut the 25ft cord for easier storage + gained an extension cord

 

[jvlyons99205]

Great write up, seeing the light output and color on the same engine is really helpful.

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

 

[gdocktor3]

I agree. Very nice write up. Could you possibly get yourself one of those cheap HF lights to throw in as a comparison? Then return it when done. I think that would make a big difference in choice since so many people are interested in buying them.

 

[General Geoff]

Does the Mountain MTNUL39 run with 54W T5 bulbs? I imagine it would be super bright if it runs with them.

 

[kctyphoon]

You should edit and include the prices..

 

[brassgod]

I agree. Very nice write up. Could you possibly get yourself one of those cheap HF lights to throw in as a comparison? Then return it when done. I think that would make a big difference in choice since so many people are interested in buying them.

Got one to see how it compares, and I added the pictures to the post. The engine picture is closer to how it really looks, but the other pic makes it look better and I think it might be misleading. I tried it with a full charge so it would be displayed at its best. It's about a third of the price so I guess you get what you pay for.

Does the Mountain MTNUL39 run with 54W T5 bulbs? I imagine it would be super bright if it runs with them.

I was considering trying it out, but didn't get around to it.

You should edit and include the prices..

I thought about it, but I figured everyone can shop around for the best deal for them. Prices vary and then you have to take into account shipping + taxes.

I have two of the ATD 80050 lights. I grabbed them when the Amazon price tanked to around $46 each for a few hours a while ago. I have used them about 10-12 times now under various circumstances. One light by itself can be a little on the dim side if you are working on a vehicle engine in the dark or in an otherwise poorly lit room. When that happens I get out the second one and hook it to the hood bottom as well. Having two lights also helps eliminate the sharp shadowing one light will often create deeper down in the engine compartment. If you can swing the purchase of two ATD lights and a headlamp you will be ready for total engine bliss, your ex-wife will apologize for leaving you and beg for you to take her back, your children will tell you they love you, and your long lost dog will come running home.

I found the ATD light also works great spanning the windshield inside the vehicle (when both front doors are open). It will easily light up the entire dashboard area for interior work, as long as the roof geometry doesn't place the light right in your way.

I was thinking about how great it would look with two lights, but it might be a lot at ~$100 a piece. At $46 a piece, I would take the ATD over any of them.

 

[kctyphoon]

This is a great thread... I have the HF one.. It's not impressive to say the least.. My Capri tools light is better than the HF that's 3 times the size..

Speaking of - I ordered another Capri tools light and never got it.. Now I gotta find the thread where I got it from.

 

[NewShockerGuy]

OLD thread but wondering where one might find the bulbs for the Mountain MTNUL39?

Looks like it is right around 34" T5 39 watt.... Can't seem to source it anywhere? I really like this light as I've had it for several years. Seems wasteful to throw out the light because I can't find a bulb..lol

UL39 Replacement Fluorescent Bulb
https://www.toolsource.com/work-lig...acement-fluorescent-bulb-4-pack-p-148956.html

No one carries the bulbs anywhere online.

-Nigel

 

[Kartman]

OLD thread but wondering where one might find the bulbs for the Mountain MTNUL39?

Looks like it is right around 34" T5 39 watt.... Can't seem to source it anywhere? I really like this light as I've had it for several years. Seems wasteful to throw out the light because I can't find a bulb..lol

UL39 Replacement Fluorescent Bulb
https://www.toolsource.com/work-lig...acement-fluorescent-bulb-4-pack-p-148956.html

No one carries the bulbs anywhere online.

-Nigel

I did a quick search and found a online source. Price seems reasonable but can't vouch for the store as I have never ordered from them:

http://www.bulbs2u.com/sunlite-30429-su.html

 

[NewShockerGuy]

I did a quick search and found a online source. Price seems reasonable but can't vouch for the store as I have never ordered from them:

http://www.bulbs2u.com/sunlite-30429-su.html

Thank you so much!! I was doing a google search for 34" t5 and everything was popping up either 2' lengths or 3-4' lengths. I figured this was a bulb that only the manufacture made and since I can't find them anymore figured this was done.

So awesome! Thank you!

-Nigel

 

[Kartman]

Thank you so much!! I was doing a google search for 34" t5 and everything was popping up either 2' lengths or 3-4' lengths. I figured this was a bulb that only the manufacture made and since I can't find them anymore figured this was done.

So awesome! Thank you!

-Nigel

No problem. Really hope it works out as I agree the Mountain light is a good one and worth saving. Keep us posted on the outcome!

 

[Qualitytools]

Anyone have an updated recommendation on under hood light, it's getting darker sooner and I could use one. Thanks

 

[oilslick]

I have a snap on, it’s been great.

 

[M635_Guy]

Anyone have an updated recommendation on under hood light, it's getting darker sooner and I could use one. Thanks

I have and love the Milwaukee M12 light.

It's pricey, but great. (I already had M12 stuff, so batteries aren't an issue)

The light preserves colors (no mixing up wires from badly-colored light), pads are nice to prevent scratches and the ability to slide it on the mounting track is really useful to get light to the side you're working on. I also dig that it pops off and becomes a big inspection light - it's spent a lot of time with me under the car, and the hex ends let me put light (mostly) where I want it when it's on the floor.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

I used the older version of this hanging from chains on my rust dodge. Have to modify it for a nicer vehicle to not scratch the paint. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commerc...ght-with-Power-Cord-SHOP-3X1-840-HD/305059320