Good lights for working under a lift??

[Corellian Corvette]

Hey everyone!

Got my 4 post lifts installed this weekend. Finally got a car in the air at home for the first time - man I wish I had done this earlier!!

Biggest question I have is good lights for working under the car?

I have a 4 post lift - I'm wondering if anyone makes a light that "spans" the ramps and could slide where you need it? Something like that would be great...

Otherwise - what are you guys using to light up underneath the cars?

I tried doing some searches and everything for lighting under a car is LED's for imports

Thanks!

 

[mossyboy6]

+ a trouble light for the tight spaces when needed

 

[Dewaynep]

An underhood light will span from one ramp to the other. They make them in LED and either cordless or plug in. They work great.

 

[mrholeshot]

I just an LED drop light.

 

[pipsters]

The halogen units are very bright, but the problem is they get really really hot, consume a lot of energy, and are very brittle and easy to break. In fact, when I knocked over my floor unit (basically like the one posted above with out the stand on it, so it fell over maybe 5") the bulbs broke instantly and to replace them cost more than it did to just re-buy the two lights with bulbs included. I'd look for an LED equivalent.

 

[Corellian Corvette]

I have a bunch of those hallogen lights - I don't really like them. Looking to see if there is anything specific to a lift. I like the idea of using the underhood light...

 

[Stick]

I have a bunch of those hallogen lights - I don't really like them. Looking to see if there is anything specific to a lift. I like the idea of using the underhood light...

I use an underhood light myself, but check out the National Electric 72000. Daisy chain up to 20 units, controlled from one master unit.

 

[williaty]

ATD Tools Saber Light http://www.tooltopia.com/atd-tools-...utm_term=ATD80050&utm_campaign=googlebase_18u

It's a 30W fluorescent fixture with the bulb encased in armor with spring-loaded brackets on the end of it so it can be hung from just about anything.

 

[bill9860]

I found this on line, sent the link to a friend and he bought them. He loves them. http://www.mygaragestore.com/detail.aspx?ID=1224

 

[houdni]

daisy link a bunch of 3 ft flourescents and secure them along the length of the 4 post lift...aiming all of them up towards the undercarriage...

dont know if a certain company sells them...but thats how we work at night in the shop with our 4 lift post..l.

 

[moparman451]

I have a 4 post lift and picked up one of the magnetic lights cheap at Harbor Freight, works good mounted horizontally on the ramp, can position where I need the light.
http://www.harborfreight.com/75-watt-magnetic-base-light-90766.html

 

[LEVE]

I often use a 4', florescent with 4 2' tube that's strapped to an inexpensive hand truck. The florescent box is aimed at "up"... it can be rolled around anywhere for extra light. I saw that years ago while working in the Boeing hanger at Boeing Field. They'd have several of these on the deck while the mechanics were working on the aircraft.

I like it because if I do happen to look directly at the box I'm not instantly blinded by the spotlight effect. When I'm done with it the light box is put away and the hand truck can be used for other stuff.

I also like standard trouble lights with the brightest CFL that I can fit into it for more directed/focused light. It's more vibration resistant and emits a strong, cool light.

Now you've got me thinking... I need to add a couple of outlets and switches to that fluorescent box so I can use it to plug in the trouble lights!

 

[Ign]

Yeah I've got a Bayco cordless LED which has been pretty good and pretty durable. If you put a hook on it to hang it, the hook just tangles up with any hose, line or crossmember it can find.

Thus, I think a magnetic unit would be a lot better, if the magnet was strong enough to keep it from dropping to the floor all the time.

 

[Greatbear]

A pair of these Husky 65 watt fluorescent work lights. Lots of light, very little heat, and they can be used either on the adjustable tripod stands or lifted off and used with the built-in stand. They angle nicely too.:

Picked them up at Home Despot. Link