Decent Drop Lights?

[petefixer]

I need a drop light at work but cant decide what to buy, I recently started at Cummins N-Power as a technician and that is what I will be using it for. Any advice or suggestions?

 

[bgott]

Look around and see what everybody else is using. LED, no bulbs. And batteries are getting better all the time, consider cordless. I bought a Blue Point off of the truck a few weeks ago, It was over $80 but I love it! It has a magnet on the bottom with a flexible base.

 

[petefixer]

They are using cheap arm burners! I have always used a cordless makita led light but I hate trying to find a spot to rest it just right.

 

[Outlawmws]

In your position I'd be looking for something light, LED and magnet mounted that has the ability to be aimed.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

My GF bought me this Craftsman LED job after laughing at the grill marks in my arms from the halogens I usually use. I LOVE THIS THING!! It's been through abuse that most people can't even imagine putting a tool through (not many drop lights can or will withstand crusher work) without any problems. The only issue I've had was that the hook was a little small for hanging in some places, but a welding rod and a pair of pliers remedied that in the span of a minute.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...lectrical+Shop&prdNo=7&blockNo=7&blockType=L7

 

[diesel research]

When I NEED a drop light, LED doesn't cut it. Real directional and not as bright.

A simple average 26w Bayco florescent is serving quite well when I need broad general lighting. $25 and quite robust.

I work overnights underneath dark tractors/trailers, or sometimes inside of dark trailers.

BUT, as Bolster pointed out in another thread, start looking into higher end headlamps that use a single AA rechargable and only 1 cree-type LED.

 

[pcpro15]

I have a bayco drop light for general lighting when I do auto work near an outlet, but I love my ctled4918ho for its brightness and directional ability. I was hesitant to drop that much coin on a cordless flash light, but I've used it for the past two nights when working on a bathroom ceiling exhaust fan/light combo and it has proved to be very very valuable. Puts light where I want it when I have the real power cut off.

 

[Hammer1963]

I use a Matco Flash light with a detatchable magnetic base. It uses a 10.8 Lithium Ion battery and is very durable and compact. Part number is MUC108L

 

[Brad54]

They are using cheap arm burners! I have always used a cordless makita led light but I hate trying to find a spot to rest it just right.

Swap the hot incandescent bulb over to one of the curly florescent bulbs--good light, they don't get the least bit hot, and the bulbs take an absolute beating and won't break. (I'm sure the bulb itself can't take a beating, but you can drop the cage or whack it, and the bulb won't burn out).

If they assign you a drop cord, be a hero and swap it to a florescent bulb.

-Brad

 

[metalhead212121]

Id avoid craftsmen drop lights. I had one or two and when the bulb broke I found out that I couldnt get another bulb for it. It ended up in the trash. I dont remember exactly why I couldnt replace it.. I do remember talking to another guy that had the same problem. This was a good couple years ago.. I dont know if they redesigned the light. Cant talk about the led craftsmen ones.. havent used them. Somebody mentioned Makita flash lights that have rechargeable batteries. I did like using them but I knocked them over and dropped them too many times in an 8 hour day. They couldnt take the abuse. I dont think anyone could make a light like that "abuse proof." Good idea.. not good for working on cars. Just my opinion. Ive used bayco's before and think they are worth the money. The only issue I might have had was the cord was on the short side. Ive got 2 MAC drop lights. The cord is long, they can take abuse and I didnt have any problems getting bulbs for them. Only downside that I didnt like... the price. I think I paid about 60 or 70 bucks. Bayco is a lot cheaper.

Dan

 

[diesel research]

 

[Straightgrain]

I have a McGill (7012-SRG) with a 1' cord. Since I have a cord reel in the garage, I don't need (or want) a drop light with a 25' cord. It's made of grease resistant rubber and uses a Levolier switch instead of a push through type.

 

[vssjim]

I use the Central Tools drop lights, they are US made and last very well I use two at work. They sell parts to keep them up and I get about five years out of them. I usually replace them when the cords just wear out. They are made in RI which is nice no china hear. When they fall the bulbs don't break also I only replace bulb when they wear out.

http://www.centraltools.com/lights.html

 

[byoungblood]

Swap the hot incandescent bulb over to one of the curly florescent bulbs--good light, they don't get the least bit hot, and the bulbs take an absolute beating and won't break. (I'm sure the bulb itself can't take a beating, but you can drop the cage or whack it, and the bulb won't burn out).

If they assign you a drop cord, be a hero and swap it to a florescent bulb.

-Brad

It depends on the brand of the CFL being used. Some of them aren't worth a flip in a drop light and will go out just as quickly as an incandescent if dropped or banged into something. I probably went through 2-3 bulbs before I found something that will stand up to being bumped around.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Iv'e bought a few different "economy" single tube fluorescent drop lights for the shop from the shop-supply guy / hardware store....our guys destroyed them all fairly fast. Cords crack loose at the housing. Brake cleaner ruins the lens. Hanger hook breaks of.....
The SO version drop lights have stuck around a lot longer.
Those cover the general lighting - like diesel research said - under trucks in all sorts of dark holes.

For detailed specific task light, I recently picked up an LED "head light" - sold as a "sports" item for biking / running, but works great and leaves both hands free. It was only around 15 bucks and runs for many hours on 3 AAA's. The only down side is when you stuff your head inside a tight spot and something near your forehead blocks the light - but when you move to get the light back, something is blocking the view of the work...those spots still take a mini-maglight....

 

[93sr20det]

http://www.reelcraft.com/pdfs/catalogs/power_light_cord_reels.pdf

http://www.khindustries.com/home.aspx

 

[speed bump]

I have an element 44597 LED light and its survived about a year in the oil field just fine. Plenty bright and the battery lasts almost forever (well long enough I have to search for the charger when I need it).

 

[Davefr]

Costco is discontinuing Snap On drop light/reels for $20.

http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3403292

(from Snap On's Chinese supplier)

 

[Rag Roc]

My $.02
I prefer retractable extension cords as they are more versatile than the drop light retractors. My new favorite light is the flourescent light from HF which can be bought for ~$20. Magnetic back, 25' power cord, and better light projection than LED.
A friend has the light similar to post #11, and it keeps tipping over in use, and is difficult to aim.......always seems to be shining in my eyes.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I'm very happy with my Bayco.

I combined it with an old extension cord reel so now it functions as both an easy-to-extend light and also (because it comes with a tap in the handle) an extension cord.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have an older Bayco 13W light, it's decent for what it is. I also have a regular "trouble" light, it's nothin gbut trouble but does add some more light when under the car.

The best light I like is my Dewalt 18V flourescent light.

 

[Hustler388]

http://www.zoro.com/national-electric-mfg-cord-reel-light-sjtow-15w-50-ft-182-20950/i/G5193255/


http://www.zoro.com/national-electr...ferralID=21b67390-f694-11e4-82f7-001b2166c2c0

 

[harvey29]

I'm an auto tech and so far the bounce light has been the best we've found and there like $40

 

[02camaro86]

used to have retractable bayco florescent jobs... the heads would fail internally if you looked at them wrong or dropped them. replaced the heads with LED and am very happy

 

[737mechanic]

Has anyone used one of these. I am about to drop the $60.00 and try it. I have their little COB pocket light and I use that everyday.

EZ Red Cob Drop light

 

[291dash2]

I bought and use these in an industrial environment. Love them for the light output, easy charging, lightweight yet sturdy and many mounting options. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AYNQQNS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[kctyphoon]

I bought and use these in an industrial environment. Love them for the light output, easy charging, lightweight yet sturdy and many mounting options. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AYNQQNS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

i was just about to recomend the same light.. im not a pro - but that capri tools light is the best $40 you'll spend.. i think i even paid $60 for mine, and thought i got a great deal. you can find a few videos on youtube testing that light..

also the m18 and m12 stick light are great options too, and will have longer run times than the capri (regardless, the capri tools light is a "must have" for the money)

 

[RedneckWelder]

I've got one of these and I love it. Very bright, magnet means I can stick it on a steel surface and direct the light exactly where I need it.

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemD...&kw=ATD80350&gclid=CLHN4pqztsUCFQIQ7AodqUkAWw

Downside is the battery only lasts about 2.5-3 hours and the charging port is a weak spot, so you have to be careful to charge it up and out of the way so it doesn't get knocked around and break the connector.

But other than that it's been a great light for me.

I'd pair something like that with a normal corded droplight for backup when the cordless one dies in the middle of a job.

 

[shampoop]

I'd think about getting a bright headlamp. Works much better than a droplight in just about any situation IMO. I really like streamlight products.

 

[Hustler388]

Doesn't the florescent light put out More light than the LED's??????

 

[Outlawmws]

Depends on the LED's and how many, but generally with modern super bright, no. certainly not for power consumed.

 

[brtsvg]

My GF bought me this Craftsman LED job after laughing at the grill marks in my arms from the halogens I usually use. I LOVE THIS THING!! It's been through abuse that most people can't even imagine putting a tool through (not many drop lights can or will withstand crusher work) without any problems. The only issue I've had was that the hook was a little small for hanging in some places, but a welding rod and a pair of pliers remedied that in the span of a minute.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...lectrical+Shop&prdNo=7&blockNo=7&blockType=L7

I had the same exact light. It was a very nice light . . . until it quite working about 6 months later. Gentle use, no drops, but non-repairable. Just more Chinese COO in my book.

 

[bsaint]

When I NEED a drop light, LED doesn't cut it. Real directional and not as bright.

A simple average 26w Bayco florescent is serving quite well when I need broad general lighting. $25 and quite robust.

I work overnights underneath dark tractors/trailers, or sometimes inside of dark trailers.

BUT, as Bolster pointed out in another thread, start looking into higher end headlamps that use a single AA rechargable and only 1 cree-type LED.

I with this guy. I bought a fluorescent recently and my driver joked around about Snap-On had to find it in their obsolete bin lol.

Mine is the ECU425ABK and I couldnt be happier. It is made by Central Lighting with a few upgrades made for Snap-On. The Central Lighting equivalent is not much cheaper believe it or not.

 

[crbnfbr]

Depends on the LED's and how many, but generally with modern super bright, no. certainly not for power consumed.

Exactly, look how more and more cars are using LED headlamps over HID even. I mess around with 10W Cree XM-L LED's a bit and made reverse lights that put out about 1,200lu each which is more than a standard 55W halogen headlamp.

 

[bwringer]

Talk about thread from the dead -- bear in mind that most of the replies here are from 2011, before LED replacement bulbs were widely available.

CFLs are cooler than incandescent, but they are almost as fragile. And when they do break, it's more of a mess. LEDs are the way to go, no question.

I have a couple of old "arm burner" lights upgraded with replacement LED bulbs, and they're fantastic. I found some LED replacement bulbs that are basically a hard flat plastic "puck" with LEDs embedded, and so far they've been very durable. They put out just as much light as the incandescants -- more, actually, since the incasdescent bulbs were broken and dark about half the damn time...

I also have an assortment of LED headlamps, magnetic lights, etc. but there's nothing like 120V when you really need to see something without ******* around with batteries. Plus there's a handy outlet for soldering irons, etc.

 

[rpm121370]

here is what I use at work, I got tired of breaking all the cheap lights

BTW the only thing warranty does not cover is if destroyed

https://store.snapon.com/Compact-Shop-Lights-Shop-Light-Rechargeable-Mini-250-Lumens-P824394.aspx

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item..._id=675926&supersede&store=australia&tool=all

 

[SASORacing]

The led snap on 2000 lumen is great. Very slim compared to the cheap halogens. I love it and it's only about $45

 

[SantaAna12]

Good info in this thread.

I am pretty much on the same page as Diesel Research. A quality 36w fluorescent has improved my production on night work. Pelican, Jameson, Pelsue all make versions that will take a licking and keep on lighting. I also like Jack's light, because of the dual hangars. Hangars are the first to go.....look for metal hangars as an indicator of a "decent drop light."
I also have a 4XAA Fenix headlight, a 3XAAA Spot headlight, a 2XAAA Black Diamond headlamp. I have a 13W twisty bulb (cefl?), but it doesn't throw enough for my older eyes, and the hangars lasted like the perennial used car guarantee.......five minutes or...........! Lots of sidelined utility guys....you might check ebay for a "manhole light."
Good luck!