Battery powered lights. What are you using?

[impactims]

Snap on flex light.

My favorite hand held flashlight. The long flexible neck if absolutely perfect for inspection of all things. It flexes nicely and stays exactly where you put it. The length is perfect for inspecting in front of, behind, next to anything. Lots of output and about 4 hours of battery life. Very ergonomic. Nice handle. Light weight. An absolute joy to use.

Far superior to a typical hand held flashlight for automotive use. Snap on hit the nail on the head with this one!

 

[impactims]

Coast xph34r headlamp.

Very nice! I use it a lot, often time in conjunction with band style headlamp.

Lasts for 8+ hours, has a nice magnet on it for easy storage (stick it to the side of the tool box), lots of output.

Only complaint is its size. It’s a bit bulky and it’s easy to forget about that. One time I bumped the light onto the side of the gas tank on my motorcycle. So, needless to say I was pissed about that.

 

[impactims]

Cornwell light band.

Small, compact, light weight, 4hours of life, lots of light. I like to use it with the coast head lamp.

 

[impactims]

Cornwell Blueion Cyclops knockoff.

Pretty nice. But not as nice as the Maxxeon Cyclops. Inferior in output and build quality.

But it is smaller. So when I want a Cyclops but they are too big, this is the go to. Otherwise, no reason to use this. Might as well just use the Cyclops.

 

[impactims]

How to store the lights?

Inside of the tool box hutch via magnet.

 

[zendriver]

I have the HF neck light. The lights are not removeable, but it's well built and the battery lasts pretty good.

Use it for truck inspections and dog walking.

 

[richfinn]

O-Light perun 2 (rechargeable headlight)

O-Light Arkfield Pro (rechargeable flat torch/UV light/laser pointer)

I love these little lights, the magnetic charging port is a game changer and they are tough well built products.

 

[Kmp259]

Astro….very durable….my guys try to brake everything I get them…

 

[Wrench97]

The Icon foldable has been the best light I've had yet, for under $40 they are tough hold up very well have a good magnet base and last most of the day on lower output settings, I also have stream light stingers, and switchblades they have a life time warranty that I've used several times.

https://www.harborfreight.com/800-lumen-led-rechargeable-magnetic-handheld-foldable-slim-bar-work-light-black-59103.html?hftm_sc=&hftm_source=google&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21901739174&campaignid=21901739174&utm_content=171677807662&adsetid=171677807662&product=59103&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21901739174&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4frpdfO73jWqlaS1cG-VzCdD&gclid=CjwKCAiA3rPKBhBZEiwAhPNFQAV3cWzx8_JEqgSK2DrhFaXFhCT1YouJ68T2g2kM9jUT5FbstJMQ1RoCj6YQAvD_BwE

 

[rharman]

I like these. You need to supplement them with a heavy 3" x 5/16" steel disc for situations where you don't have a ferrous surface.

Has anyone tried flashlight gloves for working in tight spaces where it's difficult to aim a light??

Never tried the flashlight gloves but, years ago, I got a hat like this as a vendor freebie. It works surprisingly well except the battery is always dead when I go to use it - which is VERY rarely - hence, why the battery dies.

 

[DGersic]

I have a variety of flashlights, because there isn’t just one tool for the various jobs where I need a flashlight.

For general flashlight use, where I just want to temporarily put some light on something, I use a AA MagLite. I have a couple of original ones, upgraded to LED bulbs and tail cap switches. Fits easily in a pocket, easy to use, bright enough to light up whatever I point it at. I also have one of their AA LED lights, and it’s ok, but not great.

Because I normally work alone, I have a modified microphone stand with a home built holder for AA sized MagLites. This allows pointing it at something, and letting the stand hold it. Works better than a small child that would rather be elsewhere, even if I had a small child available.

I have a Petzl Pixa 3 headlamp, for when I want hands free light on whatever I’m looking at.



Unlike the current trends to extremely high output (claimed or real), this has a useful level of flood light in close quarters, as well as higher output spot light. And no stupid blinking mode. With a side switch knob I can work even with gloves on. This one has a band, so works with almost anything, but also can be hard hat mounted with a different clip.

I have a couple of the HF folding flat stick lights.



Lots of light, easy to stick to something, good strong magnet. I like these a lot, and they get a lot of use. Adding a piece of 1/8” flat steel to the bottom works well as a “stand” when working around something that isn’t magnetic.

I don’t know the brand, something inexpensive from Farm & Fleet, but it’s about 3” long, with the light on a right angle. Not this one, but essentially the same design.



I threw the strap away, and used some 3M mounting tape to stick the bracket to the chin of my welding helmet. It helps put some light on the welding area.

I have a bunch of other lights, ranging from tiny (single AAA MagLite) and kinda useless, to cheap LED lights that were free and are ok but not great, to bigger things like the 2D, 3D, and 5D MagLites with LED and 18650 upgrades. These don’t get as much use as they’re smaller brethren, unless there is some reason to use them where size, weight, or light output outweighs small size convenience.

All of my lights use easily replaced batteries, so battery life isn’t a great concern. I keep a bunch of spares charged and ready to swap in as needed.

 

[dchawk81]

I got the Milwaukee tower for big portable light. Otherwise any cheap flashlight, headlight, or magnet light will do.

 

[plinker]

Streamlight microstream pen light, have a couple, the USB charging saves on triple A's. Used constantly.

Amazon.com

ATD 80340's had been my go to lights for a long time, great magnet & they were fairly inexpensive, now they run around 50$ and are harder to find for some reason.

I picked up a couple of the Maxxeon cyclops lights and have been using them most of the time since buying. I like that they have a low battery warning so they dont go for a ride when they go dead. Decent magnet, pretty durable. https://www.amazon.com/Maxxeon-MXN0...-Workstar/dp/B07WJHGL82/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have an M12 underhood light that see's regular use. Also have the M12 2126-20 under body light, I should try to use it more. https://www.acmetools.com/milwaukee-m12-underbody-light-bare-tool-2126-20/045242599455.html?msclkid=0b080f85db7813b1957466cb67a6f2bb&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping-National-Search+Only-Profit+Margin+Target-26-27&utm_term=4581527534201722&utm_content=Profit+Margin+26%+-+27%

Mainly for UV light needs , I've got a Matco light that is really good, stupid bright with normal LED/non-UV. I think it's this one use.https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/search?searchText=light&facets=sale_price:[80+TO+150]&p=0 and Streamlight switch blade.

I have a couple of the ATD 80360 saber lights, 60 smd. I had used these a lot and actually ran one over with the duals on a semi truck (oops, but still worked) Not used much in a while but very good lights.https://www.jbtools.com/atd-tools-80360-saber-ii-li-ion-cordless-worklight-60-smd-led/

Also have a Snap-on neck light I have yet to use after having it a year.

 

[KnurledNut]

My OG Braun was a good light. It survived riding under one of the fleet vehicles overnight during a rainstorm. About a year after that, the switch started acting up and its not usable now. HF discontinued this and replaced it with the double fold hinge style. RIP little buddy.

This HyperTough from Walmart has some nice features. I like its size and the magnets are strong. It also has a reverse carabiner clip. Lightweight. Battery life is decent. USB-C rechargeable. The light is exposed and susceptible to getting scratched, probably not the best for rough environments, but large and offers a good flood.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tough-1000-Lumens-Rechargeable-Work-Light-with-Aluminium-Plastic-Housing/1218651665?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=689&adid=222222222921218651665_0_0000000000_569516217&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=o&wl2=c&wl3=72843111714422&wl4=pla-2324642460507122&wl5=85912&wl6=&wl7=&wl10=Walmart&wl11=Local&wl12=1218651665_0&wl14=Hypertough 1000 work light&veh=sem&gclid=7f22c6b9eaca185ddc88aff72d4ce0cf&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=7f22c6b9eaca185ddc88aff72d4ce0cf

I have the FEIT model zimman showed above and wasn't greatly impressed. It's built well but my battery life is subpar. Maybe I got a dud.
https://www.feit.com/collections/ha...echargeable-handheld-led-worklight-work500bat

My old school MSHA-approved Pelican Super SabreLite Submersible from my mining days still gets used occasionally around explosive gases and if it might accidentally take a swim in water or when I need to use one in the rain, snow, mud. Love the extra large heavy duty spring clip too. Its also somewhat sentimental.

Not too long ago, I picked up the Matco 2-in-1 Tire Gauge Pen Light for my small work kit. There is a lot going on in that little thing! It has a large bright strip light on the side and a tip light that helps illuminate the valve locator in the dark. Digital gauge is backlit. It will read low and high pressure tires from 3 to 150psi. Will also do KPA, BAR, KG/CM2. It has two magnets, on the tail above the pocket clip and on the side opposite the strip light. Battery life has been good even in cold temps and it has a level indicator. USB-C rechargeable. I do wish the auto-shutoff was a few minutes longer. The ON button does have a slight delay that can be annoying if in a hurry. Because of that, I wouldn't recommend this as a daily use gauge for a mechanic. Did I mention there is a lot going on in this little thing?! Excellent travel kit tool.
https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/dtplg851/digital-tire-gauge-with-led-lights-and-magnets

I think it may be a rebranded Cal-Van, but I haven't used that one and can't say its exactly the same:
https://cal-vantools.com/products/2-in-1-digital-tire-gauge-with-pen-light/

Here's my Klein hard hat and light. LOVE this little thing. Extremely compact and bright. Good runtime. Easy to remove and can be used separately with its magnet. Battery gauge and USB-C rechargeable.
https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/...amp-and-work-light-300-lumens-all-day-runtime



More to follow...

 

[KnurledNut]

Part 2/2:

As I mentioned earlier, I largely prefer lights with removable batteries, as this allows me to keep using it without waiting on it to charge.
This is where the power tool brands shine. (Pun fully intended.)

I used this little Dewalt 12v worklight for several years secularly and really liked it but it is better as a spot light than close up flood.
Same for the 20v. Excellent for distance. It has become a dedicated dogwalking light and works great for that.
https://www.dewalt.com/product/dcl510/12v-max-led-worklight
https://www.dewalt.com/product/dcl040/20v-max-led-work-light?tid=577766


I have both Milwaukee Trouble Lights and they have both been great. Disadvantage is they are large and awkward for downlight use. Preferable for setting down and lighting up a large area. The adjustable 180-360° lets it be used more like a lantern. High definition neutral white color is a plus. Integrated 2.1A USB port allows for charging other devices. Recommend.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/details/m12-trouble-light-w-usb-charging/2362-20
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/details/m18-trouble-light-w-usb-charging/2363-20



My go-to shop light is my Snap-on CTLAR761. The magnetic battery boot add-on is a must have and makes it much more versatile. Excellent design and has been reliable. Unique variable brightness adjustability. It flashes when the battery needs charged before dying. Very bright clean light. Rugged IP65. Friendly size.
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Pow...less-Angular-Light-(Tool-Only)-(Red)/CTLAR761
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Acc...-V-Cordless-Battery-Pack-(Black)/CTLMAG-BOOTM



Saving the best for last, my most favorite greatest-of-all-time general purpose lighting option is my 18v Makita DML801. Bar none. I have put this thing through about everything, tradeswork, automotive, outdoors, etc, and it just keeps working perfectly. Runtime is amazing. Its been abused, drenched, dropped, soiled, covered in dust and used as a hammer. Mine is 10 years old and works as good as the day I bought it new. If I wanted a new one today I can still buy one because Makita still makes it. The rubber overmold is showing its age.
https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/DML801

The 12v CXT light next to it is a recent purchase as I needed a very basic no frills ON/OFF light in a compact form with a long runtime for use in some locations I do service work.
https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/ML103



If you made it this far, thanks for reading!

 

[sparky 1971]

I'm not going to bother with pictures but I almost always have some type of light on me. At work I have plenty o' lights within reach from little Coast stand lights to a few different styles of Milwaukee but there is always a AAA Maglite in my shirt pocket along with a Sharpie, pen, mechanical pencil and my readers. Around the house I usually have a Coast tactical style light on my belt. For goin' to town it's a MagTac complete with the bezeled crown DNA collector. Somewhere close to all three doors to the house is a Coast G90, both doors to the shop have a 3D Maglite next to them, and all of the vehicles have a 2D Maglite in the drivers door pocket. In the shop I have a plethora of nonsense. The most used is an old light I bought at Menards, I don't know the brand but it's yellow and was perfect but too many shots of brake clean have fogged the lens over. When HF had the 40% off Icon lights I bought three of the smaller Icon stick lights (by the time I got there, the big ones were long gone), those seemed amazing at the store but as far as I'm concerned, they bend the wrong effing direction. They'll get used eventually but I picked up a couple of the Braun versions and while not as bright, they are much better in my humble opinion. For well over a year I've had the Braun underhood light as well as the Icon with both of the magnetic lights for it but haven't used either one; I usually remember having them about the time I slam the hood shut. There are also more of the little Coast stand lights like I have at work out there, they only last about three hours so I keep about five or six on the van and four more in the shop and rotate as needed. There are others out there, but they don't count and probably don't even work. I've been telling myself for months that I need to go through that mess and figure out what is what and what works, maybe I will do that tonight. Probably not.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

StreamLight Microstream USB flashlight

No headlamp, just clip the Microstream on my hat brim.

For slightly bigger handheld lights I use a Milwaukee M12 Rover and a cheapo rechargeable magnetic light from Walmart.

 

[Wamsutta]

Have you ever liked a tool so well that you consider it your friend?

 

[SCWOOD]

Hand held flashlights? To me they are kinda useless unless they have a magnetic base. A light must have the ability to be hands free to be useful. If you hands are ******* holding a light, what can you beyond look? Not much.

Headlamps? I always use one not matter what it seems like. Which one do you like? I am guessing most here find them as useful as I do.

Little rectangular lights that pivot and have a magnetic base? They have been getting popular lately. I have a few.

Goose neck lights? I have one. It is not as useful as it looks like it would be. But I keep it around.

I will take some pics tomorrow.

What are your go-to battery powered lights?

sofirn Headlamp, 1200 Lumen Rechargeable Head Lamp with Two Bright LEDs. Runs off 18650 battery. $27.99. I have batterys taken from power tool packs from work that had good cells.https://www.sofirnlight.com/products/h25s-rechargeable-headlamp?spm=..collection_1e687207-64a3-4368-97a2-7aa1082d1b81.collection_1.6​

 

[engineer2]

Has anyone tried flashlight gloves for working in tight spaces where it's difficult to aim a light??

I got the ones you show for Christmas. I have yet to use them. I think they'll be great for under-hood work.

Olight has some new models that look interesting. OLIGHT ArkPro 1500 lumen. I have older Olights and love them.

 

[impactims]

Have you ever liked a tool so well that you consider it your friend?

I have such a hard time finding a good use for these kinds of lights. They are so tall and narrow. For hand held use "point and shoot" style, yes, they can work. But outside of that, I just can't figure out how to use them and if you are working on a car, truck, tractor, industrial equipment or anything like that, I find that these lights are no as useful as other options. How can you work with one hand ******* holding a flashlight? In my experience it isn't easy! So, I can not for the life of me understand how these get used.

 

[impactims]

Part 2/2:

As I mentioned earlier, I largely prefer lights with removable batteries, as this allows me to keep using it without waiting on it to charge.
This is where the power tool brands shine. (Pun fully intended.)

I used this little Dewalt 12v worklight for several years secularly and really liked it but it is better as a spot light than close up flood.
Same for the 20v. Excellent for distance. It has become a dedicated dogwalking light and works great for that.
https://www.dewalt.com/product/dcl510/12v-max-led-worklight
https://www.dewalt.com/product/dcl040/20v-max-led-work-light?tid=577766
View attachment 2461517

I have both Milwaukee Trouble Lights and they have both been great. Disadvantage is they are large and awkward for downlight use. Preferable for setting down and lighting up a large area. The adjustable 180-360° lets it be used more like a lantern. High definition neutral white color is a plus. Integrated 2.1A USB port allows for charging other devices. Recommend.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/details/m12-trouble-light-w-usb-charging/2362-20
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/details/m18-trouble-light-w-usb-charging/2363-20

View attachment 2461518

My go-to shop light is my Snap-on CTLAR761. The magnetic battery boot add-on is a must have and makes it much more versatile. Excellent design and has been reliable. Unique variable brightness adjustability. It flashes when the battery needs charged before dying. Very bright clean light. Rugged IP65. Friendly size.
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Pow...less-Angular-Light-(Tool-Only)-(Red)/CTLAR761
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Acc...-V-Cordless-Battery-Pack-(Black)/CTLMAG-BOOTM
View attachment 2461519


Saving the best for last, my most favorite greatest-of-all-time general purpose lighting option is my 18v Makita DML801. Bar none. I have put this thing through about everything, tradeswork, automotive, outdoors, etc, and it just keeps working perfectly. Runtime is amazing. Its been abused, drenched, dropped, soiled, covered in dust and used as a hammer. Mine is 10 years old and works as good as the day I bought it new. If I wanted a new one today I can still buy one because Makita still makes it. The rubber overmold is showing its age.
https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/DML801

The 12v CXT light next to it is a recent purchase as I needed a very basic no frills ON/OFF light in a compact form with a long runtime for use in some locations I do service work.
https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/ML103

View attachment 2461520

If you made it this far, thanks for reading!

Does the physical size of these ever become a problem? I always find myself needing something compact and with a magnetic base. Although the battery interchangeability and the ability to install a new battery instantly does sound nice!

 

[impactims]

I got the Milwaukee tower for big portable light. Otherwise any cheap flashlight, headlight, or magnet light will do.

Thats pretty impressive!

 

[impactims]

What do you think of this kind of light?Been pondering it for a while. I can get one for about $80 new and it looks interesting.

 

[KnurledNut]

Does the physical size of these ever become a problem? I always find myself needing something compact and with a magnetic base. Although the battery interchangeability and the ability to install a new battery instantly does sound nice!

I often have access to a smaller light but I can usually make a bigger one work.
Sometimes I will use my neck-light by itself to get in odd spots.

 

[DGersic]

I have such a hard time finding a good use for these kinds of lights. They are so tall and narrow. For hand held use "point and shoot" style, yes, they can work. But outside of that, I just can't figure out how to use them and if you are working on a car, truck, tractor, industrial equipment or anything like that, I find that these lights are no as useful as other options. How can you work with one hand ******* holding a flashlight? In my experience it isn't easy! So, I can not for the life of me understand how these get used.

Stick the magnet to something nearby. When doing front brakes, or ball joints, stick it to the frame. Rear brakes, stick it to the frame, or the axle housing.

I use them lots of places. No pics right now, though.

 

[jsaw]

I have such a hard time finding a good use for these kinds of lights. They are so tall and narrow. For hand held use "point and shoot" style, yes, they can work. But outside of that, I just can't figure out how to use them and if you are working on a car, truck, tractor, industrial equipment or anything like that, I find that these lights are no as useful as other options. How can you work with one hand ******* holding a flashlight? In my experience it isn't easy! So, I can not for the life of me understand how these get used.

The magnetic base, You can stick the lght so that it shines right where You need it.

 

[jsaw]

Have you ever liked a tool so well that you consider it your friend?

How rugged are these lights will they withstand hitting the concrete from 6 feet? The Braun lights from Harbor freight do not. I am tough on lights.

 

[impactims]

Stick the magnet to something nearby. When doing front brakes, or ball joints, stick it to the frame. Rear brakes, stick it to the frame, or the axle housing.

I use them lots of places. No pics right now, though.

The light has a small footprint and is very tall. One bump sends it tumbling when it is set on it's magnet and in use. That's the problem I have. And being that tall, there are many limitations as to where it can go. I have a very similar light. Snap on's version of that light essentially.

 

[oldmachinenut]

My Wife got me one of these for Christmas, it’s a very nice light/laser/UV illuminator. My Son teaches machine shop/CNC and has had one for a couple years. His still works flawlessly and he says the laser pointer in it is very handy to safely point to rotating machinery during class.

ArkPro Series Flat EDC Flashlight 4 in 1 UV Laser Seven Mode Tool - Olight

Olight ArkPro Series: The ultimate 4-in-1 Flat EDC Flashlight. Features UV, Laser, and 7 modes for maximum versatility. Perfect for any task. Shop now!

www.olight.com

 

[impactims]

My Wife got me one of these for Christmas, it’s a very nice light/laser/UV illuminator. My Son teaches machine shop/CNC and has had one for a couple years. His still works flawlessly and he says the laser pointer in it is very handy to safely point to rotating machinery during class.

ArkPro Series Flat EDC Flashlight 4 in 1 UV Laser Seven Mode Tool - Olight

Olight ArkPro Series: The ultimate 4-in-1 Flat EDC Flashlight. Features UV, Laser, and 7 modes for maximum versatility. Perfect for any task. Shop now!

www.olight.com

$130.

Is this what you would consider a fairly high end flashlight?

I’ve never seen a mini flashlight like that sell for so much.

 

[dante2]

I think the Braun 1st gen lights are really hit or miss on quality. I have one that gets used almost daily. It's been dropped countless times and probably tossed a few as well I'm sure. Of course It's been on many a test drive forgotten until I need it again. I did spill half a quart of paint on it once. Cleaned it off and It's now black with some gray color in the knurled handle but it still works. I had a 40v battery go belly up on me so now I have a ton of spare batteries for quick changes. I have a couple of the gen 2 lights that are waiting for this light to just die already. Not in It's vocabulary apparently.

 

[KentheMailman]

Milwaukee M18 LED Search Light for outdoor use - lights up 40 acres.
Astro 725SL for inside/auto/tractor use.

 

[Steel_Rain]

What do you think of this kind of light?Been pondering it for a while. I can get one for about $80 new and it looks interesting.

Is that the same as this Husky?



If so, buy the Husky:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-2500-Lumen-LED-Rechargeable-Infrared-Touchless-Work-Light-7906802330/335452401

This is a great light. I wish it was built a little more heavy duty, but it's been good for me the last few months. USB-C, 2500 lm, magnetic and small enough to be an underhood work light or even underdash.

 

[WhataTool]

Have you ever liked a tool so well that you consider it your friend?

Have you tried the newer 52SLMAX, stronger magnetic base among other upgrades

 

[Callelle]

Main lights I use, M18 boom light and Astro 100SL. I also use an Astro 52SLMax, Olight Arkfeld/Streamlight Wedge, and a Milwaukee Pen light.

 

[willf650]

What do you think of this kind of light?Been pondering it for a while. I can get one for about $80 new and it looks interesting.

I swear I saw a Husky Branded one of those at Home Depot in the past few days in the isle displays as you walk in.

Here it is.

 

[willf650]

Here is a very nice flash light which I have 2 of. It's supposedly 2000 lumens as a flash light and has a built in work light and a magnetic base. As a single light to keep in the truck it's awesome.

The model is a Nebo Slyde King 2k.

 

[impactims]

Is that the same as this Husky?



If so, buy the Husky:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-2500-Lumen-LED-Rechargeable-Infrared-Touchless-Work-Light-7906802330/335452401

This is a great light. I wish it was built a little more heavy duty, but it's been good for me the last few months. USB-C, 2500 lm, magnetic and small enough to be an underhood work light or even underdash.

Definitely looks similar, but I don’t think they are coming off of the same assembly line, only difference being the name on them. Different designs, different specs but aimed at the same application. I like it though. I’ll definitely take a look!

 

[Wamsutta]

Have you tried the newer 52SLMAX, stronger magnetic base among other upgrades

I have a new 52SL and it's brighter than more older 52SL. Can't figure that one out but I'm not complaining.

That inductive twin charger is awesome.