Hanging Drop Light location and type

[penright]

The last 4 years been changing oil and repairs outside. Finally getting the shop organized enough to actually work on a car inside. I noticed that I needed to use my drop light. Besides being old and looking into a dark hole, the "lighting plan" was going to depend on task lighting. So I thought I would pick the gang's brain here on the subject of drop lights. I would like to have a self retractable, LED, bright. I see a lot of TV shows the kind that is almost the width of the car and you just hang it from under the hood. I thinking more of the old style. That way I can drag it under the car for changing the oil and just lay it where I need it. Any experience on where, how, and what kind you would like to share?

Here is a picture from the center of the bay looking toward the front. I thought this purlin. Not a bad location and easy access to power. It will not be bad to have it on the light switch. I do have non-switch power in the J box on the purlin feeding this light, but again, I think switched will be better.
I hung my tape measure where I am thinking about mounting it. I can hang it down 4' and a 6'6" could walk under it comfortably.

 

[pepi]

Try this thought, pole lamp with LEDs drop light.

 

[penright]

Try this thought, pole lamp with LEDs drop light.

Two things.
#1 Start a thread in "Free Parking" and post some pictures of the rod. Then come back here and link back to it. I want to see more pictures.

#2 Although that is not exactly what I was looking for, it will make great work light. I like the repurposed reading light tree. I like using off the shelf A19 LED. You can get a 100-watt equivalent (1500 Lum) that uses around 15 watts. They run cool. That is what is in my current drop light. It replaced a real 100-watt that would get hot. Also, my overhead lights are cheap fixtures, but with 1500 Lum A19 do a pretty good job.

Having said that, some of my basic searches, found these ...

This light has a 50' cord, no outlet. The wire size did not have a spec. Medium priced for $65 rating 4.6 - 65
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BRFEAY/?coliid=IYLAAXLT3M724&colid=OZRI3OE3JY9G&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

This one I liked the looks. It is only 25'. Little pricy $58, but has 14-3 wire and outlet. It had a 4.1 - 180 rating, but the few bad reviews were what I thought its strength was.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009JBMLS/?coliid=I1TWFCKOCL2S3Q&colid=OZRI3OE3JY9G&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

This 50' foot has the outlet but is only 18-3 wire. It is $80, not sure about the bang for the buck. 4.6 but only 18 ratings.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XMMVKC/?coliid=I23WBHO4BL0VM8&colid=OZRI3OE3JY9G&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

At 4.4 -231, 7amp makes me think 18-3. 20' for $32. Looks like a good bang for the buck, but I am not sure 20' will work for me.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MRF6GO/?coliid=I1FA5YIEXNPPGA&colid=OZRI3OE3JY9G&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it



BTW, I found this thread that asked the question better than I did, but it is from 2013.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2917358&postcount=1
It was interesting that in 8 years they were talking CFL to get a lot of light with low heat and today we are talking LED. I wonder what will be in another 8 years.

 

[banjopete]

This may not be the glamorous dedicated snap on light bar solution but I've been using these cheap 4ft LED tubes as a supplement to my trouble light. I had some extras from my garage lighting and honestly they've been amazing. They put out a ton of light, they're very light weight, the shell is all plastic, and they're about $10 cad. I'm sure there's a better milwaukee/snapon/brand mechanic light but these make tons of light and are so cheap I don't give a rats *** about them so drag kick slide them around.

Just an idea for the group think.

 

[penright]

While researching manufacture, I found a product, then reverse searched.
40' foot cord, 16-3 wire.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007OWCY6/?coliid=ID10CJK6HDY3O&colid=OZRI3OE3JY9G&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

https://www.baycoproducts.com/images/PDF/ProductManuals/INS-800.pdf

$50 for a 40'. Starting to like it.

I did notice a lot of the lights were showing wear where the light enters the handle. I am assuming that issue is common since you are grabbing the light and pulling. I worked at a service station that did repair work in my teens. I was there for about 5 years and I don't remember any of the drop lights having that issue. Of course, that was 40 years ago.

 

[gorilla]

I've switched over to battery powered led drop lights because I hated the cords. The one I'm using now is about 24" long got it at Harbor Freight I think for less that $50.00. I think it might fit the bill for what you want.

 

[penright]

I've switched over to battery powered led drop lights because I hated the cords. The one I'm using now is about 24" long got it at Harbor Freight I think for less that $50.00. I think it might fit the bill for what you want.

I agree they do have their place. I own two of them. One is from Harbor Freight the other is Craftsman. I used them a lot when I need some quick light or something in the attic where the power cord is not easy. But when working on cars that might be longer than an hour, they start dimming. I was pulling out the corded drop light and plugging it in, then rolling it back up. This would be something always available and always charged and with a quick pull out of the way.

I bought a hose real for my air hose a few years ago. I have 100' of hose on it. That is my "air distribution". It will supply air anywhere in the shop. Maybe someday if I get a lathe or mill, then I might have a dedicated port. Also, I can pull it and air tires out in the drive. Then in a few seconds roll it back up.
That is what I am picturing for the drop light.

If I go with the 40' one, that would be long enough to reach the workbench if I need a little extra light.

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, every thing winds up being a compromise between what you would like to have and what you are willing to spend the money for.

You pay your money an take your chances.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

I use an old school cord reel drop light with an led bulb in it and it also has a plug in the handle to. I plug in a 3ft 3000 lumen shop light from Home Depot. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commerc...ght-with-Power-Cord-SHOP-3X1-840-HD/305059320

 

[penright]

I use an old school cord reel drop light with an led bulb in it and it also has a plug in the handle to. I plug in a 3ft 3000 lumen shop light from Home Depot. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commerc...ght-with-Power-Cord-SHOP-3X1-840-HD/305059320

That's the directions I am going, just old school reel drop light and screw in a LED bulb. The non-reel version I have been using was my dad's. I remember using that light when I was a kid. That makes it over 50 years old. I remember using real 100-watt shock-resistant bulbs. Then after it burns a couple of times, you would drop it, and out it would go. Now with a 15-watt LED. Does not get hot and you can drop it and it still works. In fact, my grandson and I used it this Saturday. That means it been used by 4 generations.

I like the 3-foot, lightweight, and not a lot of money.
You got me curious, how do you hang it from the hood?

 

[Jeff Ivers]

I have two reel drop lights that started life as conventional bulb fixtures and then were converted to fluorescent bulbs (both Craftsman). They are placed either side of where the engine compartment of a vehicle being worked on comes to rest in the shop. I have used them a lot over the years. However, a few years ago someone gave me a rechargeable LED drop light which I keep plugged into the wall by my tool chests. I find myself far more frequently grabbing that and unplugging the cord to use wherever I like without the cord of a reel light fighting the light placement.

 

[penright]

Thanks, everyone for the thoughts. GJ is the best forum ever for sharing wisdom. It has never failed me yet for questions, or as in this case helping me to think out loud.

This is the one I went with the Bayco SL-840. It had a 40' cord and 16/3 wire.
We will see what the reel part looks like, maybe today.

 

[coljar]

All of my drop lights and cords are Made in USA Saf-T-Lite brand. They are fantastic and very well built. www.saftlite.com

 

[penright]

Finally finished the install this Saturday.
I like the light, the recoil seems good and the body is metal. I like the hood being metal also, I have a cheap drop light that the hood is orange plastic, and it puts off a glow that interferes with my eyes.
My only wish is the handle was black instead of yellow.

That is why I took this picture, I wanted to preserve the yellow before the first time I grab it with dirty hands.

 

[rburke65]

Paint it!...

 

[sick467]

I think you will be happy with the Bayco's. I have two of the retractable cord units (no light) and have been using them for 8 years now. I opted for the extension cord type over the droplight type because I have more corded applications than need for drop lights. When I do need a light, my 6 foot corded light gets plugged in or a homemade floor model. My only complaint about the Bayco's was that both of my units needed to have the 3-way plug replaced after a couple years of use. The insulation pulled back from the plug block and that seemed unsafe. They now have a single plug and I don't miss the 3-way. I think it was from pulling it down by the plug block rather than the cord itself. Hopefully the light fixture is better sealed to the cord.

 

[Speed-Racer]

I would look for a national electric light with a 50ft reel. They can be found on eBay or from some online tool dealers.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22486

I thread from a few years ago. The tool trucks used to rebate this brand. You have several light options, but the cord is the magic, very flexible, durable and easy to keep clean, plus the 50ft.

 

[CraigStu]

I am really surprised that you want one of these antiques. An LED bulb will help w/ the old problem of the metal shield melting the carpet but the light is still so old school. I use one of these because I have extra batteries for my drills. The light unit flips and twists so I can aim it any way I need to. I don't know how long it will run but it is something over the 5 hours it ran when I forgot about it once. All the battery tool manufacturers have similar.
https://www.toolbarn.com/makita-dml...801_&msclkid=d5cf150b2c141642415e753d4b0d6645
I may try one of these next time they are on sale.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010SV3OOO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[penright]

I have used that light so much and the cord retracts, that I bought one for an extension cord. This 12/3 65'.
May move it later, but that was an easy place to start using it and see what goes from there.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

That's the directions I am going, just old school reel drop light and screw in a LED bulb. The non-reel version I have been using was my dad's. I remember using that light when I was a kid. That makes it over 50 years old. I remember using real 100-watt shock-resistant bulbs. Then after it burns a couple of times, you would drop it, and out it would go. Now with a 15-watt LED. Does not get hot and you can drop it and it still works. In fact, my grandson and I used it this Saturday. That means it been used by 4 generations.

I like the 3-foot, lightweight, and not a lot of money.
You got me curious, how do you hang it from the hood?

I just hang it from the chain that came with the light. I haven’t used it on my wife’s newer car yet. Im in the rust belt so everything i work on has rust. I prefer corded over cordless on cars because i tend to leave my cordless ones stuffed in a cubby somewhere and it falls out in the driveway or goes dead and needs recharged

 

[scooby074]

Ill never go back to corded incandescent. Battery Led are where its at.

 

[penright]

Ill never go back to corded incandescent. Battery Led are where its at.

I have to agree with @joshmodelskidoo. Don't get me wrong, I love my cordless tools. Drills I use all the time. My saws and grinders eat batteries. Of course, I am still in the dark ages with 18v Dewalt. My current post is more of an update. I use that light all the time. Grab it pull it where I want, when done simply roll it back and out of the way. That is why I bought the retractable extension cord. If it is a two-second thing, I use the 4" 18V Dewalt grinder. Any longer, I use the corded 4" grinder. I had an extension cord on a reel but had to crank it back, I hope the retractable version is as handy as the light has been.

 

[scooby074]

I have to agree with @joshmodelskidoo. Don't get me wrong, I love my cordless tools. Drills I use all the time. My saws and grinders eat batteries. Of course, I am still in the dark ages with 18v Dewalt. My current post is more of an update. I use that light all the time. Grab it pull it where I want, when done simply roll it back and out of the way. That is why I bought the retractable extension cord. If it is a two-second thing, I use the 4" 18V Dewalt grinder. Any longer, I use the corded 4" grinder. I had an extension cord on a reel but had to crank it back, I hope the retractable version is as handy as the light has been.

I think you really need to update your tools!

I also had Dewalt 18V, XRP's actually. They were very good tools in their day. Then I stepped up to Milwaulkee fuel. Just an incredible difference. Like you wouldnt believe it was battery vs. cord. I can run my 5" fuel grinder on a single 5.0 battery for a day. Charges in like 30-45 mins. Cordless tools like drills and impacts, radios and lights seem to basically run "forever".

I still have some unique, occasional use tools under the Dewalts old system that I havent updated to Milwaulkee Fuel but every day its harder and harder not to make the change. The new tools (batteries) are just that much better.

I really cannot overstate the changes that have occured in battery tech in the last 10 years (or less)

 

[penright]

I probably should start with a disclaimer, that I am looking at my use case. 90% of the uses are in the shop area and as a DYI. If it was my daily job and on-site it would be a totally different point of view.
Also, it depends on the task. I hardly ever use the corded counterpart for drilling and metal sawing. There is no counterpart to my 1/4" impact driver. And until I got my new compressor (150 psi), my 1/2" impact had more power than my air. The extension cord will be used for tools, ie 2 metal cut-off saws, that I do not have a cordless for.

I think you really need to update your tools!

I don't disagree.
Other than voltages, there is not that much new. Your choices are still just Li-Ion, NiCd, and NiMH. The longer "amp hours" are more from higher voltages than "better" batteries. I'm glad they are making it where you can run higher voltages in lower voltage tools.

Also, it is my use case vs. dollars. Every time a battery dies I look at 20V. The issue is I have a hammer drill, drill, 1/4" impact, 1/2" impact, reciprocating saw, grinder, circular saw, light, and angle drill. I have 5 battery chargers. I am sure I am forgetting something, but right now they all work and I end up getting more batteries. Most of the tools I have had for almost 20 years. Now there is another wrinkle. Do I want to go with the 20V or one of the newer technology? They make a 20V adapter you can use on the 18V system, but the newer voltages can be used on a 20V but not with the 18V adapter.

I am guessing when the time comes, I will probably do some sort of parallel system. That way I can gradually update over time.
I did buy a cheap battery spot welder to play with. Have not had the time yet, but I am hoping to build some better packs than what I have been buying or at least as good.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Ill never go back to corded incandescent. Battery Led are where its at.

Corded led but i also have cordless. My memory just ***** and leaving the cordless light in a cubby hole or in the case of my hf braun light i left on the rear leaf spring of my truck and ran for parts and the snow dripped on it and it wouldn’t work for months. I had a cordless light fall out in my driveway because I missed it while cleaning up from a car repair. Incandescent bulbs tend to go out from getting knocked around all the time.

 

[Sumboodie]

Ill never go back to corded incandescent. Battery Led are where its at.

I wish Milwaukee had an M18 or M12 shop light. I have the M18 "flashlights" which are ok, but are not great.

The LED shop lights I have are fine, but the batteries don't last long. Couple hours at most.

 

[scooby074]

I wish Milwaukee had an M18 or M12 shop light. I have the M18 "flashlights" which are ok, but are not great.

The LED shop lights I have are fine, but the batteries don't last long. Couple hours at most.

I use the Milwaukee 2354. Get a lot of run time.

I also use the snapon ECFHKY.

Milwaukee 2126 looks promising