What are you using for LED head-based work light?

[hailwood1965]

I'd like to wear something on either my head or my cheaters to illuminate where I am looking/working when under a bike. I have full LED in my little shop which works great most of the time, when I am working on the side of the bike or on top of a bike. But when I am under it's no go.

Suggestions welcome!

 

[redwrench60]

Streamlight Bandit Pro.

Compact, light weight, rechargeable, affordable.

 

[Pexto]

I have a couple of Zebralights (H600 and H52) that see a lot of use in the shop, out on the trails, and so on. One of them takes 18650 batteries and the other takes AA or 14500.

For the last 40 years or so I've been buying headlights every 1-2 years as better ones became available. However I've had these Zebralights about 7-8 years and see no real reason to upgrade. They are not cheap, but worth every penny!

 

[javyLSU]

I bought this last year, and have really enjoyed it. It's adjustable, removable, and magnetic, so if you need a different angle to light something up, you can just pull it off the headband and stick it to something ferrous. Plenty bright, and rechargeable by USB-C.

 

[GeoBruin]

I have a couple of Zebralights (H600 and H52) that see a lot of use in the shop, out on the trails, and so on. One of them takes 18650 batteries and the other takes AA or 14500.

For the last 40 years or so I've been buying headlights every 1-2 years as better ones became available. However I've had these Zebralights about 7-8 years and see no real reason to upgrade. They are not cheap, but worth every penny!

I won't go into my whole background on flashlights - suffice it to say I was a real addict for a long time, owning at least a hundred different lights at one point - but after I decided to pair back my collection to just the most used, most essential lights, I'm basically left with some Zebralight headlamps and a few other specialty lights.

They really are that good.

 

[gahrajmahal]

Panther vision ball caps. I first found them in the checkout isle at lowes. They carry everything you mentioned. Lighted cheater glasses, ********, hand held, beanies

Buy LED Hands Free Lighted Solutions - Panther Vision

Shop the Panther Vision Store to find LED hand-free solutions like POWERCAP, BUTTON LAMP, LIGHTSPECS & FLATEYE Unround Flashlights!

www.panthervision.com

 

[Radio Flyer]

I have this one, It was given to me from a guy in Alaska. He said all his friends use them. i have several rechargeable batteries for it, so I never have to wait to use it.


seo-7r

 

[M6erfan]

I have a couple of Zebralights (H600 and H52) that see a lot of use in the shop, out on the trails, and so on. One of them takes 18650 batteries and the other takes AA or 14500.

For the last 40 years or so I've been buying headlights every 1-2 years as better ones became available. However I've had these Zebralights about 7-8 years and see no real reason to upgrade. They are not cheap, but worth every penny!

I won't go into my whole background on flashlights - suffice it to say I was a real addict for a long time, owning at least a hundred different lights at one point - but after I decided to pair back my collection to just the most used, most essential lights, I'm basically left with some Zebralight headlamps and a few other specialty lights.

They really are that good.

Another Zebralight user here. Excellent lights.

 

[Shootinok]

I have the Sloink headlamp that takes an 18650 battery.
like it enough to have one at work and one at home in the shop.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KNK1424/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Indexmill]

Only one intelligent option. Fenix headband headlight with rechargeable 18650 Li-Ion battery from Amazon Try one, you'll never go back. You will love it so much that you will by a second one to have wherever the first one won't be... (like work and home) Seriously, you will be amazed that you ever lived without them.

 

[david3921]

I have the Sloink headlamp that takes an 18650 battery.
like it enough to have one at work and one at home in the shop.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KNK1424/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have one also...um...somewhere in my garage. I'm sure it will turn up soon as I'm completing more of my summer projects. Anyway, the light is nice in a number of ways. It's mostly aluminum so it takes a beating. This is especially nice when working under a vehicle and bumping the light into low hanging stuff. The 18650 battery is nice as I have two more and a charger. The battery seems to last quite a while so it isn't often that I have to swap a cell. On board charging is another plus. Twist the button end and the charging port is exposed. All in all a nice low weight headlamp.

 

[Steve_P]

the headlamp standards in the hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering world are either Black Diamond or Petzl. I started with Petzl and am currently converted to BD.

 

[paulsomlo]

Fenix HM50R

 

[Specracer]

I have a head lamp, but discovered a neck light, and find I use it much more.

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

 

[decableguy2000]

Fenix HM60r for a general purpose light.
Fenix HM65R in a mount on my hard hat for night work
Stream light bandit for in the house and quick tasks very light and compact

All of these are USB rechargeable.

I also have older stream light headlamps that a put in rotation for taking dogs out at night (non rechargeable)

 

[Jakemedic]

HM70-R from Fenix would be my choice. Rechargeable, multiple power levels and lasts a long time. Beware of counterfeit ones, get from a reputable dealer. Have had mine for a number of years, and it would be hard to have a complaint about it. Fenix USA has world class customer support too.

 

[Rinspeed]

I've been EDC a Zebralight for over 10 years and they are an awesome little light. I have many, many lights and the Zebralights I have are a very top choice.

 

[bwringer]

I follow a "big" and "little" strategy.

The "big" is a rechargeable light (I don't even know the brand; just poke around on Amazon) that uses two 18650 cells mounted in a pod on the back. It has high, low, and flash, and can be focused. Nice, even light of a very useful, neutral color temperature (not too blue like so many LEDs). Tons of light, even on low, and lasts for hours. If I need a LOT of light, I turn it on high for a bit, but I mostly use it on low. Fairly comfy, although it does leave a forehead spot like any such light.

For quicker jobs, I have a few "little" lights scattered around that use 3 AAA batteries.

 

[glend123]

I have a Milwaukee head lamp. made for a hard hat but works fine without.
similar to this with multiple light output options.

Milwaukee head lamp

 

[Citation]

I have two different headlights I use. If I want longer range/run time then I have a Wowtac A2. It's an 18650 powered light. It uses a rather traditional reflector and gives lights a large spot in front of you. Good for outside when what you want to see is a ways off.

For up close work I really like these no-name headband lights (seller picked only as an example, I think I paid half as much for a pair)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09336CW6B/?tag=atomicindus08-20

What I like about these is they have a series of lights so you are less likely to get shadows from your hands/tools etc as you work. They have decent run time and if you look around you can probably get two for $14 off Amazon (lots of sellers of the same basic light). The run time is pretty good but I like having two so one can charge as I use the other one. They are cheap enough to not worry if they get damaged. I don't like the red lights in the back. I ended up getting my hot air rework station and removing all the red LEDs on the back. Why waste the power? Anyway, there are a lot of variations on this band light concept. No idea which ones are good/bad. I will say these have a strobe effect if you run them at less than full power. Not a show stopper but annoying.

 

[pizzabooty]

I have a head lamp, but discovered a neck light, and find I use it much more.

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

Seconding this. I love this light, it can sit on your head or neck, brightness adjustable (although it doesnt remember the brightness once you turn it off), 2 separately controllable lights, and imo the best part is that the individual lights are magnetic so you can pop em off the band and use them as little flashlights.

 

[Rockable]

This lamp is essentially tthe same as tthe Snap On at 1/3 the cost. Mine has worked great

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VF9R1PQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[darkzero]

This lamp is essentially tthe same as tthe Snap On at 1/3 the cost. Mine has worked great

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VF9R1PQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have the same exact one & wear/use it everyday. I couldn't justify the cost of the Snap-on which is made by EZ-RED. But the outdated micro-USB ports annoy the heck out of me, Snappy is USB-C. And the detachable lights with magnet base on the Snappy is really handy.

I want/need a second necklight to get me through the day so I have a Snap-on one on order. Unfortunately our SO guy takes for ever to get stuff & only come every other week.

All my co-workers have the Snap-on neck lights. Never had a need or realized how useful they are until I started this new job. I wear it around my neck & more often above my ears. I inherited a Milwaukee headlamp at work and only use it when my neck light need recharging. I prefer the necklight over the headlamp.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I have two different headlights I use. If I want longer range/run time then I have a Wowtac A2. It's an 18650 powered light. It uses a rather traditional reflector and gives lights a large spot in front of you. Good for outside when what you want to see is a ways off.

For up close work I really like these no-name headband lights (seller picked only as an example, I think I paid half as much for a pair)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09336CW6B/?tag=atomicindus08-20

What I like about these is they have a series of lights so you are less likely to get shadows from your hands/tools etc as you work. They have decent run time and if you look around you can probably get two for $14 off Amazon (lots of sellers of the same basic light). The run time is pretty good but I like having two so one can charge as I use the other one. They are cheap enough to not worry if they get damaged. I don't like the red lights in the back. I ended up getting my hot air rework station and removing all the red LEDs on the back. Why waste the power? Anyway, there are a lot of variations on this band light concept. No idea which ones are good/bad. I will say these have a strobe effect if you run them at less than full power. Not a show stopper but annoying.

I was gifted a pair of these over a year ago and they have performed well. The kids ripped off the micro-usb flap doors. And one got left in rain. No problem with it. They charge quick and last long enough to use for fishing, bike rides and yard work.

The switch cycles through hi, lo, strobe, and off.

 

[AEAdam]

the headlamp standards in the hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering world are either Black Diamond or Petzl. I started with Petzl and am currently converted to BD.

I started with petzl, but all the back packing lights I owned produced a strong beam of light best for illuminating the trail to the toilet. When used for work, these ”good” lights produce a blinding white ball ( at 1-2’) that makes me feel as tho I’ve just blacked out and am on my way across the rainbow bridge.

The COB headbands, cheap and robust, easy to wear, produce a gentle flood light so broad, I sometimes forget I’m working in the dark. I think they are ideal for work. I imagine they are terrible for backpacking.

 

[KnurledNut]

This lamp is essentially tthe same as tthe Snap On at 1/3 the cost. Mine has worked great

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VF9R1PQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have the same exact one & wear/use it everyday. I couldn't justify the cost of the Snap-on which is made by EZ-RED. But the outdated micro-USB ports annoy the heck out of me, Snappy is USB-C. And the detachable lights with magnet base on the Snappy is really handy.

I want/need a second necklight to get me through the day so I have a Snap-on one on order. Unfortunately our SO guy takes for ever to get stuff & only come every other week.

All my co-workers have the Snap-on neck lights. Never had a need or realized how useful they are until I started this new job. I wear it around my neck & more often above my ears. I inherited a Milwaukee headlamp at work and only use it when my neck light need recharging. I prefer the necklight over the headlamp.

I have the Caterpillar version. Very useful.

 

[cannuck]

I am a Milwaukee headlighter now. Kids would buy a new Chinesium light for me every second Christmas or so, and I still have and use some of them, but the Milwaukee is companion to their magnetic based LED worklights that I use extensively.

 

[mike93lx]

I've been buying inexpensive energizer headlamps for years, mainly for camping, but I use them when working around the house and garage too. Maybe one has failed in the last decade, but they are cheap enough that I have them all over the place instead of just expensive ones in one or two spot.

I do want to grab one of the COB strips to try out. Does seem perfect for working on cars, under cabinets, etc.

 

[bwringer]

In the year+ since this thread started, I've been on a quest to rid my life of micro USB stuff and move to USB-C. I've lost count of the devices with failed micro USB ports, yet I've never had a USB-C failure; it's a far superior standard, plus on more advanced devices it allows for much faster PD charging.

Anyhoo, it can be surprisingly difficult to determine what kind of port or charging standard a rechargeable device uses. More and more are finally starting to use and specify USB-C and PD fast charging.

Most recently, I needed a small rechargeable cranium-mounted light to carry on my motorcycles, and after several micro USB dead ends I ended up with a "Smiling Shark" brand light.

The light is cheap, works great, and at least "Smiling Shark" is pronounceable and comprehensible by English speakers.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CC94TPV8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mike93lx]

In the year+ since this thread started, I've been on a quest to rid my life of micro USB stuff and move to USB-C. I've lost count of the devices with failed micro USB ports, yet I've never had a USB-C failure; it's a far superior standard, plus on more advanced devices it allows for much faster PD charging.

Anyhoo, it can be surprisingly difficult to determine what kind of port or charging standard a rechargeable device uses. More and more are finally starting to use and specify USB-C and PD fast charging.

Most recently, I needed a small rechargeable cranium-mounted light to carry on my motorcycles, and after several micro USB dead ends I ended up with a "Smiling Shark" brand light.

The light is cheap, works great, and at least "Smiling Shark" is pronounceable and comprehensible by English speakers.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CC94TPV8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Micro USB can't go away fast enough. I won't buy anything that uses it.

I love that the "large" version is just a two pack

 

[cannuck]

I have had micro failures, but what I have had in MUCH shorter service life is USBC cord failure (not the wire, but the plug that contacts into the receptacle).

 

[mike93lx]

I have had micro failures, but what I have had in MUCH shorter service life is USBC cord failure (not the wire, but the plug that contacts into the receptacle).

What cables are you buying? I almost only use anker and haven't had one go bad yet

 

[cannuck]

What cables are you buying? I almost only use anker and haven't had one go bad yet

No idea what brand name is/was (cable in garbage where it belongs). Will watch for Anker brand - where are they made and sold?

 

[shakenfake]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL3ZVLLH/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Best headlamp ever. Direct Matco ripoff. The only thing I do not use is the hand sensor but I just find it annoying anyway. USB-C charging as well.

@cannuck Anker is made in China and sold on Amazon or you can find them in any store.

 

[mike93lx]

No idea what brand name is/was (cable in garbage where it belongs). Will watch for Anker brand - where are they made and sold?

China, like probably every cable on the planet.

Amazon.

 

[RonnieMac]

I have two of the Steelman Pro for my DIY automotive work.

I have the rechargeable model. This instrument has a wave-on, wave-off feature that is not particularly helpful when working under the dash. But the useable charge is very strong and the headlamp is comfortable and secure to wear.

Steelman Pro Slim Profile Rechargeable LED Motion Activated Headlamp, 250-Lumen, 3 Brightness Settings, Illuminates up to 20 Meters, Removable Hard Hat Clips, Water-Resistant

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

I just switched to a nebo rebel about a month ago and I’m very happy with it so far

 

[Skyman]

I bought a couple of the ones shakenfake linked in post #34. I had low expectations, but was pleasantly surprised at how much I like them. I haven't used any of my older headlights since, and don't expect to in the future. These things really are good.

 

[Nutria]

I have a Black Diamond Icon for other activities, and I use it in the garage. Nice and bright, but the battery pack is no fun when lying on my back. I use a 3 AAA Petzl without a separate battery pack when I get on the creeper (if I remember).

Icon 700 Headlamp | Black Diamond® Headlamps

Black Diamond Icon 700 headlamp, bright and waterproof with 700 lumens of power. Your headlamp for multi-day backcountry trips or big wall climbing.

www.blackdiamondequipment.com

 

[Pexto]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL3ZVLLH/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Best headlamp ever. Direct Matco ripoff. The only thing I do not use is the hand sensor but I just find it annoying anyway. USB-C charging as well.

@cannuck Anker is made in China and sold on Amazon or you can find them in any store.

Just to add another data point, here's a seemingly identical light: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3RJHR1Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

These cost a little more but come with a case which is actually pretty nice. They claim to have a 1500mAh battery as opposed to 1200mAh, but I'd guess that both those capacities are overstated.

I bought a couple of these not too long ago (somebody had posted the link here on GJ) and they've been great. They will not replace either of my Zebralights for general outdoor activities, but for working in the garage or anything within arm's reach the diffuse light from the COB headband is very useful.