Decent work light for under the car use?

[sjt78]

Anyone suggestions for a portable work light for working under the car? I have a cheapie 13w flourescent light that is about 5 years old that still works, but I'm looking for a bit more light. Are those LED lights that Sears is selling any good, or should I stick with the flourescents? Thanks.
-Steve

 

[evintho]

I've been using the bounce light for a couple of years now. I can fling this thing against the wall and the bulb won't break! Original bulb too! Provides plenty of light. I use it daily.

Bounce light

 

[wellstig1]

This one puts out plenty of light and is cordless too

http://www.etooldirect.com/manufact...ght-113303-led-hemi-pro-3-led-work-light.html

If cordless isn't needed just go for the bounce light or the super bounce light which are pretty much indestructable

http://www.etooldirect.com/manufacturer/central

 

[krehmkej]

I've used all sorts of drop cords, flashlights, LED worklights, etc. Problem with them is its often hard to get light where its needed and keep it there.

Finally tried a big flourescent camp lantern that holds about 8 D cells. We have it for power failures. Just set it down and it throws light everywhere.

 

[Danglerb]

I've got a pair of similar lights from HF $8 on sale, same compact fluorescent in a plastic tube, but it has a pair of hook/legs that make it very easy to position.

This corded LED work light looks VERY tempting for $15 I may get a pair of those too.

 

[oldtools]

The best one is the waterproof rechargeble LED light from HF. It cost $50,but it is well worth it. It is discontinued and no longer can be bought from HF. I think SO sell the same one for over one hundred buck.

 

[the spyder]

I was given 2 StraighLine lights from home depot- yellow, about 20" long. Best lights I have used yet. Better then my Craftsman florescent, normal work lights, and even my bounce light. They are made to take abuse.

 

[quattrojon]

I don't know if it's available in the U.S, but i highly recommend the Ring Automotive EHL 78 workshop pro led cordless rechargeable compact (phew!) It has a light output of 950 lux and a burn time of 8 hours+. M.O.T inspectors love them as it is small enough to fit in the top pocket of their overalls. Also the Snap on guys over here sell a rebranded Blue point version.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I don't know if it's available in the U.S, but i highly recommend the Ring Automotive EHL 78 workshop pro led cordless rechargeable compact (phew!) It has a light output of 950 lux and a burn time of 8 hours+. M.O.T inspectors love them as it is small enough to fit in the top pocket of their overalls. Also the Snap on guys over here sell a rebranded Blue point version.

Yeah, they kick ***. Don't show up on the US site, but the part number for the Blue Point one is RNGRIL2500.

 

[Danglerb]

I picked up the HF 45 LED worklight this morning, $11.99 using a -20% coupon.

Construction seems fine, typical work light arrangement, maybe a bit limited on swivel etc., but its made to sit and shine.

Output is ok, hard to say much in the middle of the day, but its less than the 4x 13w tube compact fluorescent I've seen.

No switch, 6 to 8 ft heavy AC cord, and its uses .... 4.5 watts, so zero heat output.

Looks both handy and useful.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=66308

 

[Danglerb]

Does the EHL 78 look like this?

 

[sjt78]

Out of all of the suggestions, I really like the bounce light. I think I will get one of those or the bigger brother, the 15w heavy hitter (http://www.tooltopia.com/central-tools-central-lighting-11001.aspx). I like that they seem to be unbreakable and remind me of the electrician lights my dad used to have when I was young. Anyone have better deals on the central tool bounce light/heavy hitter than tooltopia?

 

[Cobra6]

I picked up the HF 45 LED worklight this morning, $11.99 using a -20% coupon.

No switch, 6 to 8 ft heavy AC cord, and its uses .... 4.5 watts, so zero heat output.


http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=66308

I may try one of these for the money - especially with no heat output - what about replacement bulbs?

 

[tj90]

I was given 2 StraighLine lights from home depot- yellow, about 20" long. Best lights I have used yet. Better then my Craftsman florescent, normal work lights, and even my bounce light. They are made to take abuse.

What does the light look like? I could not find it on hd.com...

 

[stricht8]

Speaking of under hood lights, I was in NAPA today browsing and saw a box of rough service light bulbs for use in those drop lights. First of all I never knew that such bulbs existed. Makes sense now that I think back to why I stopped using the damn light-the bulbs would always stop working if I knocked the light around. The filament would break or something. But the most remarkable thing was that the bulbs were actually made in the USA! We actually still make light bulbs? Amazing. Of course I bought a box of 4 for $2.99.

 

[quattrojon]

Does the EHL 78 look like this?

No it doesn't, and my camera is broken so i can't post pics. That light looks useful though with the hooks and magnets.

 

[tj90]

Speaking of under hood lights, I was in NAPA today browsing and saw a box of rough service light bulbs for use in those drop lights. First of all I never knew that such bulbs existed. Makes sense now that I think back to why I stopped using the damn light-the bulbs would always stop working if I knocked the light around. The filament would break or something. But the most remarkable thing was that the bulbs were actually made in the USA! We actually still make light bulbs? Amazing. Of course I bought a box of 4 for $2.99.

Rough service bulbs are mandatory in the trouble lights. You found 4 for $3 - thats a deal!!! Probably since incandescent bulbed trouble lights are loosing popularity due to LED and flourescent being cool to the touch. I found rough service bulbs at Lowes, but it was much more $$... Good find!

 

[123Go]

Ok' dead thread I know but lights have changed so much since the last 2009 post here I felt I had to add one I found.
This one's battery cover ***** to open since you push button down while pulling cover up at same time but it works well and stays put.

This light is a spot/Flood combo pretty much and fair warning don't ever look straight into it while lit as it's one bright sob. I use rechargeable bats. I read reviews saying originals better than the similar waterproof 190 lumen version (BBM905) as it has batteries in head not handle making it top heavy so head don't stay put, IDK this by experience I only read it? Home Depot sell these.

Blackfire BBM888-2 Clamp Light 100-Lumen .
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ZK56CE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[winlinmac]

Oh boy, this is tempting me, been using utility light all along, and can definitely see how that's hazardous especially near fuel lines on the car. Eric the Car Guy has a few suggestions on his YouTube channel as well.

 

[123Go]

Ya' I have a light for my head too and thats works great in the right temps. But when I get to sweatin then it gets tossed rather quickly. I tried putting a sweatband under it but it still seems to just make me feel hot and bothered, not in the good way...lol

 

[Milwookie]

What about something like the Milwaukee M12 Stick Lite? If you've got any M12 tools it seems like a great little indestructible light.

Edit: Apparently this was an ancient revived thread. I guess purchasing a Stick Light in 2009 would have been challenging.

 

[djcslice]

I have the snap-on led corded work light that I picked up from Costco. The price was right, keeps temps down and shines as bright as the sun!

 

[123Go]

In 2009 ya, you would think the government would have told us sooner about LED tech they found in the 47 Roswell incident. It's those secret people I just know it.
I looked at those M12 lights but today's LED has them beat imo.
Even if I did buy the complete M12 Impact/Sawzall kit ($230+) new a couple years ago from HD for, get this price..$49 with free s/h... Yep' I hit the website clearance button at the right moment and there it was.
They only had 1 as I tried to buy more as It said new item but I expected a returned kit but nope, new never used kit arrived. The empty bag sells for that so needless to say I prowl there now, I never found anything like that again. One of my most used tools and shamefully I won't buy their light as I'm too damn cheap too...lol The LED version is $40 and $20 is my work light limit but they are very nice lights no doubt.

Run time on today's LED lights are getting so much better and light output is tremendous just from AAA-AA bats either reg or recharge like I use it's cheap like me.

 

[winlinmac]

How's the output on the Central 12006 (Bounce Light)? Anyone has pictures?

 

[PhilMeUp]

I'm regularly working on cars late at night (taxis).

I use: Streamlight 61200 3AA HAZ-LOTM Flashlight, Yellow

That way I've always got light where I'm looking at, without shadows. Very useful gadget, couldn't survive without it.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PRKS3W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[45srbest]

I like the Bosch FL12 led work light. A little expensive, but extremely well built and bright. I use it when working under my Jeep.

 

[1badbird]

For a pocket light I use the Larry light

 

[mrborohachi]

I've got a pair of similar lights from HF $8 on sale, same compact fluorescent in a plastic tube, but it has a pair of hook/legs that make it very easy to position.

This corded LED work light looks VERY tempting for $15 I may get a pair of those too.

I picked up a LED light a Lowe's that has standard wall plug in and a cigarette lighter plug/wite harness.

 

[dogdog]

I have two of these husky ones... can't complain... it's great and works in the rain sort of... just a little wet... But some times you don't want it too bright that blinds you when you are working or looking at it by accident. the other one I have is just a regular bulb extension (those orange color ones) retro fit with a 60watt/ 100watt equivalent led bulb... still works fine.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-5-ft-800-Lumen-Portable-LED-Work-Light-K40010/204330841

 

[winlinmac]

These are generally well-regarded, got one on sale at $9.99 at Lowes,
http://www.lowes.com/pd_569170-13229-20266_0__?productId=50222459

 

[bert1913]

I mounted this light: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AZPI0NE/?tag=atomicindus08-20 onto an old spotting scope tripod (eBay has table top tripods for under $5)

you can use a 1/4-20 nut on most tripod camera hold screws

 

[winlinmac]

Can't do rechargeable lights. Eventually, since LED's are soldered to a circuit board, they are more prone to failure in-spite of their advertised 50,000 hour lifespan claim. Encountered this through Harbor Freight

Direct power source is really the way to go. Costs only $10 from your local distributor for a replacement bulb for the bounce light.

 

[brentm]

I picked up one of the Snap On LED lights from Costco some months back. I think I paid ~28-30 dollars for it.

I drag it under my car and point it straight up. As much as I try to be careful, it occasionally catches my eyes and I see dots for a while.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OJOCDJO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It also works well for paint corrections, it makes the swirls in my black paint pop like crazy.

 

[winlinmac]

This is a good one. Does anyone know anything cheaper than SO with similar specifications? I'm pretty sure the branding had great influence over the price tag.

Didn't Costco used to sell the long LED Snap On LED lights (similar to HF)? Or was it just this model rated at 2,000 lumens?

I picked up one of the Snap On LED lights from Costco some months back. I think I paid ~28-30 dollars for it.

I drag it under my car and point it straight up. As much as I try to be careful, it occasionally catches my eyes and I see dots for a while.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OJOCDJO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It also works well for paint corrections, it makes the swirls in my black paint pop like crazy.

 

[Rich.]

Can't do rechargeable lights. Eventually, since LED's are soldered to a circuit board, they are more prone to failure in-spite of their advertised 50,000 hour lifespan claim. Encountered this through Harbor Freight

Direct power source is really the way to go. Costs only $10 from your local distributor for a replacement bulb for the bounce light.

What? You had a bad experience with an HF rechargeable LED light and now you think all LED rechargeable are weak? Who the hell still uses florescent lights? (P.s im an electrical engineer who wrote a dissertation on LED lighting technologies, i know quite a bit about the subject)

 

[winlinmac]

I see you're encouraging me to opt for the SO model over the Bounce Light I recently ordered. I'm probably divided over my experience at Harbor Freight. My LED Shop Lights (Sam's Club Special) provide a good lighting experience, but LED's closeup are too bright for the eyes. I wouldn't mind giving them a try. Are there any cheaper LED alternatives over the Snap On model?

What? You had a bad experience with an HF rechargeable LED light and now you think all LED rechargeable are weak? Who the hell still uses florescent lights? (P.s im an electrical engineer who wrote a dissertation on LED lighting technologies, i know quite a bit about the subject)

 

[lbhsbz]

I've given up on conventional lights and just wear a good headlamp. I used to have a set of fingerless mechanic's wear gloves with an LED on each index finger, but they're mIA. The combination was perfect, and you never had to move it outta the way.

 

[PureLeaf]

Love my streamlight knucklehead.

Two versions available: Flood and Spot. I've got the flood.

 

[Rich.]

I see you're encouraging me to opt for the SO model over the Bounce Light I recently ordered. I'm probably divided over my experience at Harbor Freight. My LED Shop Lights (Sam's Club Special) provide a good lighting experience, but LED's closeup are too bright for the eyes. I wouldn't mind giving them a try. Are there any cheaper LED alternatives over the Snap On model?

Are we talking corded inspection or corded flood light?

Rich

 

[123Go]

Yes dogdog I know just what you mean by "too bright" a work light. I have a hand held flashlight with a high Lumen Cree and as an outside down range flashlight light it's great but as a up close work light, that things beam reflects back so bad that it blinds me & the first one I got that done me like that.
Even aiming at a white building from less than about 15 feet away it hurts the eyes so I wish it had a low beam mode. It was a cheap lesson learned to get both hi/low beam if buying high lumen LED lighting for me though, normally $35 but clearanced priced at $6.