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Broke My Drop Light; shopping LED stuff

ChevyEFI

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Sep 2, 2012
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Phoenix, AZ
I broke the lens tube around the bulb in my droplight like this (not 12v; it's AC with plug built into the handle)

41WC2JHA6PL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


I'm considering the Wilmar W2480 and would probably get it (rechargeable) over the W2424 (3AA) unit.

w2480.jpg


I'm not going with the ones from HF because their reviews are mixed and they wouldn't hold up to being dropped as much as I dropped that fluorescent one. I think I got a solid 5 years out of it.

These look nice but less budget friendly:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=675910&store=snapon-store

Any others you like?
 
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aballl18

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Apr 29, 2012
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is it just me or dose anyone else have problems with led hood lights or drop lights casting more shadows then a normal one?
 

Danglerb

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SoCal
I have the HF version, 3 of them, no issues yet. Added a Bayco 18watt, thinking about bigger one, but the 18watt is fair amount of light and tend to use more than one light.

LED are so small of emitters it throws a sharp shadow, no fill like a CFL does. That is what is so good about the bigger hand from the hood all the way across florescents, no shadows it lights up the whole engine bay.
 

darkk

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Dec 24, 2009
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Willimantic, Ct.
I have a corded Craftsman Led drop light. It's ok, It is very directional, has a defined bright area, doesn't seem like it has enough radial light out put. I'm still looking for the holy grail...
ps: but it doesn't burn my ear when I get to close..hahaha...
 

Jagmandave

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Overland Park, Ks.
I also find the LED lights to be not all that useful, they just don't "throw" the light far enough for me, yet when you look into the light it's bright and annoying.

I tried a CFL in my trouble light and ran into the same problem, the light just wouldn't go where I need it, compared to a regular 100 watt lightbulb. I do appreciate the fact that they don't get hot but I'd rather have the light from a good old bulb, myself.
 
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C

ChevyEFI

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Have a saber version of that and its indestructible.
Got a brand? Or a link?

Thanks for the Matco links, junkman & wisers.
One of the best lights i have owned is the cliplight hemiplus. Bright and has taken a lot of abuse.
Looks like I have a couple distributors within 10 miles. Thanks for that suggestion; I might not have seen it. Their others look fine but over 3hrs run time appeals to me.

on CFL / LED: I'm not opposed to CFL; obviously the trend now is LED, but if I found a rechargable CFL with good run time, I'd consider it.

You can buy replacement parts
I'm not sure to whom this is directed, but if I could find a lens tube, I'd put that and my spare bulb right into my old light.
 

Fireball027

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Aug 9, 2009
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Niagara, ON
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Looks like I have a couple distributors within 10 miles. Thanks for that suggestion; I might not have seen it. Their others look fine but over 3hrs run time appeals to me.

on CFL / LED: I'm not opposed to CFL; obviously the trend now is LED, but if I found a rechargeable CFL with good run time, I'd consider it.

I have a long corded cfl light and the hemiplus led light. The led light is my go to light. Just make sure you leave it on, as it can be hard to find. I wrapped mine with a couple pieces of bright tape just so it is easier to spot. Also mine is over a year old and used daily in a shop environment. It lasts all day and I just throw it on the charger every night. Also every part is replaceable on the light.
 

bonneyman

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Apr 22, 2010
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Desert SW
I'd love to get one light my grandfather probably had - bakelite handle, metal hood, made to last!:thumbup:

Still looking in all the thrift stores/estate sales
 

amolaver

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Mar 10, 2009
Messages
834
this bayco 26w (two separately switched 13w bulbs) is killer - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000256R2I/?tag=atomicindus08-20 always-on outlet on the bottom of the handle, nice swivel hook on top, been dropped a billion times. great light.

i stupidly left my last one on the ground. and then more stupidly, ran it over :(

not cordless, but as others have commented, the only cordless with battery life is LED, and i just don't think the light characteristics are a good match for auto work. it is such a point-source, you tend to get really sharp shadows, usually in the worst possible place :( i've tried a few different LED styles, but none really seem to work well. they seem amazingly bright when you're handling the light, but it just doesn't seem to translate IMO.

ahm
 
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ChevyEFI

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I got a Wilmar Performance Tool - W2399 and am probably going to send it back. I understand the need for a light that lasts hours but this will be me using it under a vehicle in the garage or about a vehicle in the drive and I just need more light.

Had to make a unavoidable Walmart run tonight for RTV and walked right past a Bayco corded 13w fluorescent light. So my old one with the plug-in is now repaired w/ the new lens with just two 11/32 holes drilled, and I have a spare bulb.

And I'll order a Bayco 9000 series rechargable fluorescent.
 

6skott

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Mar 25, 2008
Messages
36
this bayco 26w (two separately switched 13w bulbs) is killer - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000256R2I/?tag=atomicindus08-20 always-on outlet on the bottom of the handle, nice swivel hook on top, been dropped a billion times. great light.
ahm
Thanks for the pointer on this light. I just wanted to post an FYI that I also found this one http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000256R2S/?tag=atomicindus08-20 which looks like the same light but is black and has a 25ft cord while the one you posted is yellow with a 6ft cord. Some might want to be like me and spend $7 more and go with the 25ft cord for its convenience so I thought I would opine. Thanks again!
 
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