Best M12/M18 work light

[Widgeon]

Looking to replace by HF Braun light, on my third one, they just don't hold up that well, otherwise I love the light. Therefore, looking for a recommendation a Milwaukee light that is most similar to the Braun light. What do you guys recommend.

My initial search led me to this light.
https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-220-Lumen-Tool-Only/dp/B07MB39XP9/ref=asc_df_B07MB39XP9/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=343227730929&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16588683554760575028&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007761&hvtargid=pla-712231274319&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=69721953315&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=343227730929&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16588683554760575028&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007761&hvtargid=pla-712231274319

 

[2manytools]

Looking to replace by HF Braun light, on my third one, they just don't hold up that well, otherwise I love the light. Therefore, looking for a recommendation a Milwaukee light that is most similar to the Braun light. What do you guys recommend.

My initial search led me to this light.
https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-220-Lumen-Tool-Only/dp/B07MB39XP9/ref=asc_df_B07MB39XP9/

First, don't buy that there if you do decide on that. It's only $50 at HomeDepot, an actual authorized reseller.

If you aren't into the M12 line, ie you have to buy batteries, you may be happier with their USB flood light, and right now you can get a promo pack that includes a charger & 2nd battery for $60 (though the battery can be charged internally). There is also a AA battery version that is on sale for $20 instead of $30 right now. It is smaller and not as bright, but still very useful. I just picked one up yesterday to add to the collection.

There are also other promo's that get you two different style USB lights for $100. Aside from a slightly weaker than ideal magnet on the back of the larger flood, you will not be dissapointeded.

 

[dacan23]

The Milwaukee USB stick light is great, though the battery life isnt great, 2 hours on high, so if you're going to be using it all day many batteries are needed.

The M12 stick light is good, but the USB light has a lot more lumens. All the Milwaukee USB lights are pretty good, a bit pricey, but with a promo arent too bad. Havent used the AA version, but have the AA headlamp which I like.

If you really want something in the M12 line the Rover Flood light is fantastic, much larger than a stick light though. The M18 stick light is nice but again the USB light is more powerful. The M12/18 lanterns are nice, but not suited to task lighting, they are more small area lights. Not much else in the M12/18 lineup for small lights, thats why they came out with the USB small battery ones.

 

[DFB]

M12 Rover though a bit bulky gives a serious amount of lumen output add makeshift hook great hood light. Spring clip and built in magnets

Depending on application more isn't always better

M12 stick light very handy IMO best with the magnet option installed (easily get one from HF for couple of bucks)

M18 stick has adjustable head angle 2 power settings and stands well on the battery

2114 USB carabineer style clip light new, small package very bright, good magnet, multiple settings. Well worth the money for the different rechargeable battery platform

 

[fatchamp]

what is the model of the harbor freight work light are you talking about replacing

 

[Badger 13]

I have the Milwaukee M18 stick light and it works great for me. Two light settings and it is a "natural" light. Couldn't be happier. I think I found it on sale one for about $50.00.


Milwaukee 2352-20 M18 LED Stick Light
by Milwaukee Electric Tool
4.6 out of 5 stars 37 customer reviews
| 7 answered questions
Price: $59.29
Sale: $59.00 & FREE Shipping
Discount Provided by Amazon. Details

 

[mrjaw14]

I really hope they update the M12 stick light. Multi-mode with built in magnet would be awesome. Hope they haven’t abandoned it in favor of the USB lights. As some have mentioned, the extra run time would be nice.

 

[Locker537]

I've been happy with the M18 Stick Light and Flood Lantern. I've had them for a couple years.

If I wanted an automotive focused light, I'd consider the latest from Astro as well.

 

[Handyandy23]

I'm very close to pulling the trigger on the M12 underhood light. I know it's more of a specialty application than what the OP is looking for, but it seems to have very positive reviews.

 

[pbon]

The M12 stick light is one of my least used M12/18 lights, along with the M18 rover. I like the USB flood with the folding base, the USB pocket flood, the M18 stick because it articulates, the 6 sided M18 flood, the M12 underhood and the M18 tower lights.

I would try an M12 tower if I did not have 2 M18 towers.

 

[mobiledynamics]

I've got a boatload of them. Some in multiples....

The one I alway tend to grab for alot of things is the original M18 floody.

 

[Widgeon]

Thanks for all the responses. In regards to the HF light, this is what I am looking to replace.

https://www.harborfreight.com/390-Lumen-Magnetic-Slim-Bar-Folding-LED-Work-Light-63958.html

 

[Handyandy23]

I love mine so much. I have had it for a couple years. No regrets.

I have used it in other places than underhood, too. I leaned it against the wall, when I replaced the blower motor in my furnace, and it worked perfectly.

But it really shines (pun intended) underhood.

Thanks for the feedback! Have you ever used it under the car? Wondering if it would be easy to position under a car on a hoist or jack to shine up if you're doing suspension or underbody work?

I was thinking if things worked out dimensionally then the clamping hands might work on the arm of a 2-post lift slightly angled up at the underbody?

 

[techieman33]

Not Milwaukee, but you could always just buy the Astro 40SL lights that the HF light is a copy of.

 

[pbon]

Thanks for the feedback! Have you ever used it under the car? Wondering if it would be easy to position under a car on a hoist or jack to shine up if you're doing suspension or underbody work?

It’s an expensive light. Would not want to risk dropping it or hitting it.

I was thinking if things worked out dimensionally then the clamping hands might work on the arm of a 2-post lift slightly angled up at the underbody?

The M18 rover is magnetic and the light articulates. I don’t really like the light but if you want magnetic, it is. I used to put the 6 sided M18 flood on the floor under the lift and it worked well. Then I got a tower light and liked that more.

 

[Tbird22]

I bought the m12 rover a couple months ago. I’m an auto tech. I straight put regret it. I only use it if I need to work on the floor and if my Underhood light is dead (don’t have the Milwaukee, was too expensive to justify). I’m currently looking at the at the m12 rocket (especially with the current promo) bc you can use it as a spotlight for in the hood but an even better application is under the car. With the tripod, I’m really looking forward to it. As a less bulky light, I have a penlight and a knockoff Astro light that I love bought it off eBay for 11 bucks. I buy 2-3 at a time because they are plastic and after time, the start falling apart. Here’s a link if you want.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/e114...s,nqc=nqc,nqt=nqt,ec=ec,exe=exe,ext=ext,bu=bu


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Tbird22]

I bought the m12 rover a couple months ago. I’m an auto tech. I straight put regret it. I only use it if I need to work on the floor and if my Underhood light is dead (don’t have the Milwaukee, was too expensive to justify). I’m currently looking at the at the m12 rocket (especially with the current promo) bc you can use it as a spotlight for in the hood but an even better application is under the car. With the tripod, I’m really looking forward to it. As a less bulky light, I have a penlight and a knockoff Astro light that I love bought it off eBay for 11 bucks. I buy 2-3 at a time because they are plastic and after time, the start falling apart. Here’s a link if you want.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/e114...s,nqc=nqc,nqt=nqt,ec=ec,exe=exe,ext=ext,bu=bu


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Lastly, even with the clamp and magnet on the m12 rover, I find it hard to place in the right spot for under hood applications with the angle the light is built with. I’m done complaining now lol


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Shiftless]

I have one of the m12 Rovers.
It is a great lantern but not at all suited for under hood work. Put it in a closet or under a sink if you have to work in there. Take it on a walk with a group of people. Hang it on a tree at a campsite. Light up a room during a power outage.
I have even used it as a photo flood light to fill in shadows.

The clamp part grabs onto the rail of a ladder, or a tree branch, or (just barely) onto a 2x4. The magnet is strong enough to firmly support the lamp as long as you’re using the 2.0 battery.

 

[DFB]

Rover works great under my Dodge hood. I have plenty of slots.

Granted it is slightly focused light up directly under where its hung and not across the entire motor like the 4 ft long M12 underhood light @ almost 3x the money.

A lot of times depending on the job your only working on one side or the other in general

You just have to think outside the box a little...

With 1100 lumens the M12 Rover lights up an engine bay pretty good.

All you need is a simple hook

Goes under the clamp.

Gives a lot of light in the dark

 

[jimmyin3D]

Not Milwaukee, but you could always just buy the Astro 40SL lights that the HF light is a copy of.

This. And Astro has a great reputation for good communication/ warranty claims. One of the best out there.

 

[Handyandy23]

The M18 rover is magnetic and the light articulates. I don’t really like the light but if you want magnetic, it is. I used to put the 6 sided M18 flood on the floor under the lift and it worked well. Then I got a tower light and liked that more.

I bought the m12 rover a couple months ago. I’m an auto tech. I straight put regret it. I only use it if I need to work on the floor and if my Underhood light is dead (don’t have the Milwaukee, was too expensive to justify). I’m currently looking at the at the m12 rocket (especially with the current promo) bc you can use it as a spotlight for in the hood but an even better application is under the car. With the tripod, I’m really looking forward to it. As a less bulky light, I have a penlight and a knockoff Astro light that I love bought it off eBay for 11 bucks. I buy 2-3 at a time because they are plastic and after time, the start falling apart. Here’s a link if you want.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Good call on the rocket / tower light. I was just looking at the DeWalt version and thinking that would be handy under a car.

The underhood light is still very tempting, but definitely seems like a luxury purchase.

 

[kctyphoon]

The "most versatile" out of M12/18 is prob the reg M18 stick light.

Out of the platform - everyone should own one of the neiko/Capri tools light.

As far as the Milwaukee USB - that little magnetic folding Rover is where it's at.

Here's my 2cents - decide if you want a handheld "inspection" type light, or something mountable to set up and work. Some lights are great at being held to look around - but when it comes to setting them up and having to AIM them - it *****..

I wish Milwaukee would make a much smaller underhood light.. like - knock 2/3 of the size off, but give me a bracket, a hook, and a strong magnetic I can twist and turn the light in to aim it. If you want something for engine work - just get an underhood with a bracket.. there's no messing around.

Neiko makes one also - I have both of their lights.

 

[Handyandy23]

Is the Neiko a better light than the M12 underhood? Maybe there's a price difference in the US, but from any retailer that ships to Canada the price of the Neiko is within $20 of what I can get the M12 light for.

 

[Yarpo]

Out of the platform - everyone should own one of the neiko/Capri tools light.

Neiko makes one also - I have both of their lights.

Is the Neiko a better light than the M12 underhood? Maybe there's a price difference in the US, but from any retailer that ships to Canada the price of the Neiko is within $20 of what I can get the M12 light for.

The Neiko work light I own has been one of the few tool purchases I'm less than impressed with. Not sure how long I've owned it now, less than 2 full years, maybe a little over one year, but it *****. The hook and magnet are both meh at best (tho usable) but my biggest complaint is the contacts in the switch are fucked, or the LEDs themselves are dying. The switch needs to constantly be played with to stay "bright" by either being flicked on and off, or rocked ever so slightly and the lights will "pop" back to full. Otherwise if I just leave it on it constantly dims until it shuts off, where I repeat the process. Eventually it seems to un-**** itself, but I've gotta do this multiple times throughout the day. The second amazon review of the light actually lists a similar switch problem.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-...ef=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0786SDZ1K

Edit, I actually have a different one, linked below, tho they look similar.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-...ef=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00WI9585I

 

[pbon]

The folding magnetic usb flood light is awesome but battery life might be 1-2 hours on high.

 

[Tallpilot]

The "most versatile" out of M12/18 is prob the reg M18 stick light.

Out of the platform - everyone should own one of the neiko/Capri tools light.

As far as the Milwaukee USB - that little magnetic folding Rover is where it's at.

Here's my 2cents - decide if you want a handheld "inspection" type light, or something mountable to set up and work. Some lights are great at being held to look around - but when it comes to setting them up and having to AIM them - it *****..

I wish Milwaukee would make a much smaller underhood light.. like - knock 2/3 of the size off, but give me a bracket, a hook, and a strong magnetic I can twist and turn the light in to aim it. If you want something for engine work - just get an underhood with a bracket.. there's no messing around.

Neiko makes one also - I have both of their lights.

I agree. I bought both stick lights several years ago. I think they came in the exclusive automotive focused kits Northern Tool offers. Since I had both I resisted getting a “slim” stick light but recently broke down and got an Astro 65sl. It’s just much more useful in engine bays and underneath vehicles.

Milwaukee needs to figure out how to make a slim stick light that works with the batteries we all have drawers full of.

The M18 is decent to set down (I use it often for under dash work) and lasts forever. The M12 is most useful with the magnet and lasts decently long with a 2Ah. I find it depletes my 1.5s quickly but they are several years old so probably losing capacity.

 

[Tbird22]

I think i have the Neiko Underhood light. it was 100 bucks on amazon. It has a built in rechargeable battery. It last about 3 hours but it takes 6 hours to fully recharge. However, you could use it plugged in which is nice. I only use it for big jobs or if I get stuck in the badly lit area. The m12 would be nice but it was much more. I want Milwaukee to make something like the new snappy system. It’s a rail you put on the hood and you can buy spotlights that can move along side the rail and rotate in every direction. That would be freeken awesome


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[kctyphoon]

Is the Neiko a better light than the M12 underhood? Maybe there's a price difference in the US, but from any retailer that ships to Canada the price of the Neiko is within $20 of what I can get the M12 light for.

No. I don't own the M12 but I'll still tell u w/o a doubt it's better than the neiko. The bracket is much nicer, the light is prob brighter as well and built more robust. Not to mention you can swap batteries. And if I rem, when "I" bought the neiko I wanna say the M12 was $200 or 250 bare tool, and the neiko was like 80.

For 80 or 90 the Neiko is a great buy for something that doest see much use. It's literally a bigger version of their handheld. Plus the light is just a led board inside a plastic tube. It flexs, it's lightweight, great for under the hood, under the car, inside the cab. The mounting bracket is very basic and cheap but it works fine.

I have a thread somewhere comparing it with a couple other lights, but not sure if the pics display anymore.. the point of that thread was to tell people to stop buying the old original HF version underhood and get the neiko instead cause they was a HUGE difference for the extra $40..

 

[kctyphoon]

These are both Neiko lights. Keep in mind they are turned away from the camera cause you wouldnt see anything with all the light facing head on.

And I'm like 99% sure this is the Neiko underhood on high.
This may even have a revised model out now with a better clamp. I did see pics of it somewhere but I dunno if it's mine or a newer version that ships out now. Both pics are on my personal cars, so these aren't pro photos or taken off the web. I really, really like the smaller one. And theres a better version of it out now too. I've never NOT been able to figure a way to get it mounted with the hooks and aim it where I needed it..the light will actually rotate inside the hooks I believe. I think it's only like $35..

Here - this is the newer (better) version of their underhood with the better bracket and newer version light (I think the light is different than the original) $90 shipped. (I want that new bracket)
Neiko 40447A Rechargeable Underhood Work Light (202 SMD LED Bulbs, 1,200 Lumens Max, 8,000 mAh Li-ion Battery, 2 Brightness Modes) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MTXC016/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And this is the upgraded hand held. It's brighter than mine, has two settings instead of one, and they changed the charger so now it's a standard micro USB Instead of the old barrel plug like mine. $34 shipped
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786SDZ1K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[kctyphoon]

Thanks - couldn't resist.
Just bought the newer handheld Neiko.
Your fault.

And FYI - I was just looking at the Q&A on the ad for the underhood - and the current version being sold is the newer style bar. The Amazon ad actually shows both models. I have the old version. If u were to buy it now, it's the new version that you get.

Price is $89 shipped w/ one day shipping
Cheapest I found the bare tool M12 is $159 on eBay. So the Neiko is almost half the price, but you give up the warranty and the ability to swap batteries in and out. The neiko will work plugged in, but the charger and cord are not something you'd wanna use like that often. It's just you're typical thin cord and cheap charger.

The battery is internal - so you can't just unscrew the bottom and pop a new battery in like that new HF light. Would be nice if they did that in the future.

That being said - you will be satisfied with what you get for the $$. The light itself is awesome.
And real quick - since i found a pic (posted below) another difference is the way the brackets work. The m12 extends from one side i believe and you can slide the light to center it on the span of the bracket. The neiko is 2 pieces that snap together, and each side extends partially and are spring loaded. The light will always be in the center.

Neiko is 1200 lumens vs 1350 for the m12 (thats not really a difference if the #’s are honest) 3 hr runtime on high vs 4hr w/a 4.0 on the m12.

 

[techieman33]

If it’s usb charging you could just hook it up to a power bank, at least you wouldn’t have to plug into the wall.

 

[Yarpo]

Or you'll end up with a light constantly flickering and no recourse. I'll give someone mine if they want to try and fix it. Even have the original box, directions etc.

 

[kctyphoon]

New Neiko came today.. thing is awesome.

 

[2manytools]

I have one of the m12 Rovers.
It is a great lantern but not at all suited for under hood work. Put it in a closet or under a sink if you have to work in there. Take it on a walk with a group of people. Hang it on a tree at a campsite. Light up a room during a power outage.

Speaking of which, I totally forgot about their lanterns. I love my M12, and regret selling the M18 now that I have more M18 tools. Either directional or omnidirectional option, hanger hooks, and a 2.1amp USB charge port.

I did just buy the M18 Rover that I thought I never would because its hingong orientation looks off, as others have also mentioned. It was like $60 for a excellent used one on Amazon, and gave a go, as I have been trying out more lights that normal as of late. I did realize rather than what I would consider the handle as being up, the light is intended to be battery side down. I only briefly thru a battery in to test, but I swear it didn't have the True-View I'm use to, but will do some more hands on this weekend. Immediately though, I wish it had a fold out hook.

My favorite light you can put a M18 battery on though, is the Ryobi LED spot light. Really wanted the M18 search light to takes its place when it came out, but I was quite bummed in it's performance for distance. I did LOVE the articulating head though, and that would actually work pretty well for car work, aside from under hood. Spot/flood mode, is very positionable, & low clearance.

Agggh, Milwaukee what have you turned us into!!!

Would have been super cool to have seen a pair of safety glasses with LEDs at NPS (USB charging internal battery). My Craftsman have seen their better days & sick of button batteries.

 

[f121]

I got fed up with my $50 work lights dieing late last year and bought m12 stick, under hood and rover (think this is how I found GJ too).

The UHL is excellent, it's so good for working under a good, but also brilliant as a light- I've hooked it over the joists in my log store when I was splitting at night, jammed it against the stud work in the shed while replacing the lights. The light it gives off is excellent and it is bright but not dazzling. Worth every cent.

The rover and stick light don't get as much love - the rover is great for working under vehicles on the floor or in wheel archs, plus it's tough and will take a good kicking. The stick light is really just an inspection light because it doesn't have a flexible magnet Base...on my list is making a metal magnet flex thing that screws onto the back.

Overall I don't dislike any of them, but the uhl is the one I love.

 

[kctyphoon]

Ok - so the new version of the Neiko underhood has a much better clamp, and the light is slightly different over the older one - just the lens really.. its a flat style led bar over the rounded cover on the older one.. dont ask how i know.

Also the new handheld version has 3 brightness settings, over the single setting on the old. Upgraded led’s to a cob led - and is twice as bright as the original.