Flashlight for Auto Shop Environment

[83GTMike]

Thinking it's time to get a professional grade flashlight for use with in an independent repair shop. The guys I work with mostly all use Streamlight Stinger lights they got from the Gearwrench driver, but I'm not sure if its exactly what I'm after.

I would like:
1. DO NOT want a multi-position switch. I want either full power ON or totally OFF. I don't see the need for the annoying strobe light! Seems like the Stinger lights have multiple positions.
2. Rechargeable battery system.
3. Made in USA is highly preferred.
4. A medium-size to fit into shop pants. I do like the size of the Stinger.
5. Able to withstand a shop environment.
6. Don't mind paying for quality, but probably a $200 price limit.

I've looked into Malkoff Devices and like the look of the ones sold on there.

Any suggestions that I can put on my Christmas list? Thanks guys, appreciate it.

 

[mbshop]

I had a stream light that lasted 15 years. But most all head lamps have high and low switches. I also would not like a light to bright as to overwhelm the eyes.

 

[Fedwrench]

My demands may vary from yours but, i really like the Coast HP3R rechargable flashlight. It's small, bright, durable, & has a long run time. It replaced a couple of poly stingers I had used for years.

 

[E.Marquez]

1. DO NOT want a multi-position switch. I want either full power ON or totally OFF. I don't see the need for the annoying strobe light! Seems like the Stinger lights have multiple positions.

You do not have to cycle though all switch positions on a STINGER LED HL which i use dozen of times a day, or STRION® LED HL which I also use everyday. One click is on, one click off..... no need to use strobe if you dont want to... in the 3 years i have had my STINGER LED HL it has had the strobe on once..the day I got it and played with the switch..so its not like you can easily accidentally put it in strobe mode either.
My wife uses a STRION® LED HL at work, its been dropped multiple times from the second floor to a concrete floor and still works perfectly.

Mine have been dropped, run over, left in the back of a truck and banged around for weeks till discovered.... they just keep working.

Perhaps go put your hands on a Streamlight, Batteries Plus carries a lot of Streamlight https://www.batteriesplus.com/store-locator?search=Missouri&lat=&lng=

See if one is the right size for you and if so, play with the switch a bit, I think you will be ok with not using the strobe feature..
Look at the STRION® LED HL if you want something as you said in the palm of your hand size...

 

[Dust]

I got a 5.11 Tactical flashlight from Radioshack when they were going out of business. Takes 4 AA batteries, really bright, and has only one mode. About 12 or 13 inches long, 2 inches in diameter at most, and fits in my pocket when I need to tuck it away for a little bit. I've dropped it, kicked it, done all kinds of things to it, and it's still going strong.

Not sure what it retails for, I'd guess around $60 or $70.

 

[ItsNemo]

Check out Fenix...find one in a size you like.

 

[kctyphoon]

The new Milwaukee is a must have as far as I'm concerned. If mine broke I'd buy another tomorrow.

Shown along side the new hardhat light.
Video here -

 

[crewchief888]

The new Milwaukee is a must have as far as I'm concerned. If mine broke I'd buy another tomorrow.

Shown along side the new hardhat light.
Video here -

i looked at those yesterday at HD, i think i'm gonna go for the milwaukee flashlight 700 lumens vs the 445 lumens of the one you posted.

i'd prefer a rechargeable light vs one i need to keep batteries "in stock" for.

ive been using a milwaukee 12v swivel head light for the past 3 years, 2 failures, head wont stay "locked" in place, then soon it just stops working.
i'll keep the new one as a backup flashlight.