HF Braun Slim LED Worklight
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KnurledNut
Well-known member
The switch on mine finally died. It wouldnt turn off at first, but fiddling with it could get it to function. Now it wont do anything. Good light for shop use, but wouldnt really recommend for rugged field use.
I'm on my second one, first one had connection issues with the light/base, and this one is having switch issues. I am thinking about switching to the astro 52sl.
laser3kw
Well-known member
after 3 (or 4?) years, my oldest is starting to have issues. I can press it and rock it a little and it come on. We'll see what happens.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Got mine when they were first released, so like 2017. Original battery still works fine. I may see if i can get it working again. Havent had time to fool with it. Its had a fairly rough life. It got left in a vehicle wheel-well and drove through a rain storm quite some time ago.
laser3kw
Well-known member
I have two of them. Batteries have always charged and held just fine.
bubinga
Well-known member
Looks like I ended up with a freebie.
Harbor Freight did send me a new one, but following the advice of a few of the guys on here I did tighten the base up and so far knock on wood, it seems to be hanging in there. (It had been shutting off when shutting the magnet down on a metal base)
Now normally I am a pretty honest fellow, and if there was a guarantee that the first light was going to continue to be okay I will contact Harbor Freight and say hey you know do you want to pick this up send me a packing slip?
That's funnyGot mine when they were first released, so like 2017. Original battery still works fine. I may see if i can get it working again. Havent had time to fool with it. Its had a fairly rough life. It got left in a vehicle wheel-well and drove through a rain storm quite some time ago.
bwringer
Well-known member
Yes, it works just fine.
I bought an inexpensive USB-powered 18650 battery charger so I can just swap in a charged battery and keep using the light while the other battery recharges. It's also faster than the onboard charger.
That said, the onboard charger stopped working on one of my HF lights. Not a big deal since I'm charging externally most of the time anyway.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Update: I ended up slamming it against a stationary object and its working again. Go figure.That's funny
I cycled the switch a couple dozen times after and it never skipped a beat.
How many lives do these things have anyways?
One time is maintenance. Two times is abuse.
laser3kw
Well-known member
I want to "upgrade" the batteries in both my Lights. The originals still work good, charge good and last a reasonable amount of time. I just want to "make them better" - more power!
Do I really need protected batteries? I thought the onboard usb charging system had that circuitry already.
I have been hunting around for decent 18650's and they seem scarce for good ones (chianeey "9900mAh / knock offs). For those of you who are "18650 curious" the dude on YousTube "project farm" did a real nice test on them. Opened my eyes.
bsaint
Well-known member
Mine rusted out on the inside. Found out today
csp
Well-known member
Both of mine have aluminum bodies. Guess those won't be rusting out.
bsaint
Well-known member
bwringer
Well-known member
I want to "upgrade" the batteries in both my Lights. The originals still work good, charge good and last a reasonable amount of time. I just want to "make them better" - more power!
Do I really need protected batteries? I thought the onboard usb charging system had that circuitry already.
I have been hunting around for decent 18650's and they seem scarce for good ones (chianeey "9900mAh / knock offs). For those of you who are "18650 curious" the dude on YousTube "project farm" did a real nice test on them. Opened my eyes.
The batteries that come with the lights are protected, so yes, you need to buy protected cells. The charging circuit inside the light does not have this protection circuit.
It's very important, especially in devices with removable cells. A simple mistake, like shorting or reversing the cell, can start a very nasty fire if you don't have this circuit. Lithium cells are not anything like old-fashioned batteries from the grocery store, so I think it's important to be choosy.
Unprotected cells are intended only for use in devices or battery packs where they aren't removable or accessible, and where charging and discharge are managed by a circuit in the pack or device. You can often buy these with solder tabs already spot-welded in place.
It's very difficult to buy legitimate name brand cells on scAmazon or fleaBay; these platforms are overwhelmed with dangerous counterfeits and fantasy ratings on Chinese garbage.
I don't have a specific recommendation because it's been a few years since I bought any 18650 cells, and the site I used isn't around any more. But I found it by spending a little time trawling through some vaping forums; these people are ridiculously obsessive about every aspect of their phat candy clouds, and batteries are one of the more hotly debated topics. Kinda like tires and oil combined for gearheads.
Or, you could support a local small business and visit your friendly local vape shop. I mean, there are at least two in absolutely every town with paved roads and electricity...
FWIW, the protected (button top) cells that came with my HF lights are marked 2200mAh and measure 70mm in total length including the button. For some reason, there's a little variation in the actual overall length measurements of 18650 cells. The lights have a spring inside, so they can compensate for slight variation. The replacement cells I'm using are 2700mAh and measure about 68mm (and yes, I taped the terminals before measuring... you do NOT want to short these).
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laser3kw
Well-known member
Thanks for the reply
I called HF's technical hot line for clarification. The "manual" on their site does not specify protected or not, just 18650, 2200mAh. I sat on hold for 35 minutes, got a rep, he couldn't answer the question, put me back on hold, 30 minutes later, I hung up.
I don't know about scAmazon, but I cruised Ebay pretty hard and there are almost none sold there - and I wouldn't buy what is. Doing a search, it seems Ebay may be prohibiting their sale due to the high number of complaints or possibly they aren't sold due to shipping problems from USPS, UPS, Fedex and their rules. I did find a couple of other sites, but there again, all the trusted, proven quality brands are always out of stock. Some newer brands available from national chains are fetching close to $20 apiece!
I will keep searching, the batteries that came with them are still fit for use. If I find any, I will post back for others to use.
I'm not associated with Astro at all, but I have been fed up with the inconsistent performance of the Braun switch, and pulled the trigger on a Astro 52SL. I am liking it so far, and it is a good option if you want similar characteristics of the Braun but hopefully better build quality and wireless charging.
bwringer
Well-known member
Yep, that is a VERY nice light at a very reasonable price, and the word so far is that it's pretty robust. And the "bendy stick" form factor is vaguely similar and just as useful. Although the stick part isn't as skinny as the HF light, which could make it a little less useful sometimes.
But it is an entirely different animal, too -- you can't replace the batteries without disassembling the light, but then again there are two 18650 batteries in there, so it should last longer at a similar output. Although it can also go a lot brighter, which brings the battery life down.
laser3kw
Well-known member
those are the ones that were eighteen dollars and change when is was shopping a few weeks ago. I just checked the local Batteries Plus for the high capacity 3400 mAh and they are down to $15.50 - and they don't state that they are protected.
I will keep shopping.
thool
Well-known member
Mine served a good life for about 2 years, then a drop from about 2 feet damaged it. When the light bar is straight, it works fine, but a bend past 20 degrees and the light shuts off. It won't turn on at any angle. I suspect a wire in the hinge is shorting. Is this serviceable?
Odd-job
Well-known member
Like many others have upgraded to Astro lights as well. 4 years ago these Braun's were a lot more competitive in term of lumen output, features and overall value.
Have 2 HF Braun lights that have earned their keep that are now relegated to backup duty. One has a floppy hinge after being dropped a few too many times. Both are suffering from contact issues after a thorough cleaning where the light output is low and the red low battery light warning is on with freshly charge batteries. Periodically dropping them on concrete or giving them a hard tap seems to solve the problem. Kind of like dealing with a bad starter.
Have 2 HF Braun lights that have earned their keep that are now relegated to backup duty. One has a floppy hinge after being dropped a few too many times. Both are suffering from contact issues after a thorough cleaning where the light output is low and the red low battery light warning is on with freshly charge batteries. Periodically dropping them on concrete or giving them a hard tap seems to solve the problem. Kind of like dealing with a bad starter.
Wrench97
Well-known member
They are fragile once dropped a few times mine were usually junked, the hockey puck light however is a lot more robust i've had them bounce off the floor several times and still work as new.
laser3kw
Well-known member
OK - I got a hold of HF product support via email and here is the response to whether you need a 18650 battery with over charge / discharge protection or a non-protected 18650.
SO - there ya go.....
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uncwstudent
Well-known member
I just ordered this 18650 3500mAh battery for my Braun Light and it seems to match the needed specs: https://www.epochbatteries.com/coll...och-18650-3500mah-8a-usb-rechargeable-battery
Might be a good option for those searching.
I'll update after I try it out. Hopefully will be here in 3-5 days.
Might be a good option for those searching.
I'll update after I try it out. Hopefully will be here in 3-5 days.
laser3kw
Well-known member
SO - there ya go.....
you will need a 18650, button top, non protected.
Shoot for a reconized name, LG, Samsung, Sanyo, Panisonic. Milliamphour (mAh) 2500 to 3500, with 8 or more amp.The chinese "9900mAh" are a hoax and do not supply any where near that.
here is an interesting video:
you will need a 18650, button top, non protected.
Shoot for a reconized name, LG, Samsung, Sanyo, Panisonic. Milliamphour (mAh) 2500 to 3500, with 8 or more amp.The chinese "9900mAh" are a hoax and do not supply any where near that.
here is an interesting video:
bubinga
Well-known member
I'm not so sure Harbor freight even knows what they're talking about?
laser3kw
Well-known member
Why is that?
Qualitytools
Well-known member
The HF light does come with protected battery, I purchased protected Panasonic/Sanyo batteries with higher capacity from LIION wholesale and a 4 port charger.
bubinga
Well-known member
I don't know just my opinion calling places like that.
rlmartinson
Well-known member
I bought this HF light a few months ago and the instructions mentioned to not leave it charging. I believe it said 3 hours max, but I could be wrong on the duration. So far I am very happy with it
laser3kw
Well-known member
I took my battery out and could not determine whether it had the protection circuit or not. I suspect, possibly, there is some type of monitoring circuit in the light itself. After all, the charge indicator knows when it is at full charge (green lit).
I also just bought batteries from LiIon wholesale. I got (2) Protected 3400mAh 10A 18650 Button Top Battery. I guess it doesn't hurt to put a protected battery in it as long as it fits.
Wrench97
Well-known member
I liked the light but they are just too fragile for me after a couple falls from under the car on a lift they are pretty much done.
Qualitytools
Well-known member
Why would they fall when you have a strong magnet at the end
Wrench97
Well-known member
Some cars are rusty underneath.Why would they fall when you have a strong magnet at the end
Odd-job
Well-known member
RIP HF Braun light. 4 years of faithful service. Plastic clips holding it together finally gave in. Surprised they haven’t upgraded these over the years.
Wrench97
Well-known member
I haven't had one last 5 months yet..................
I've had one for about 5 years now and no problems but then gain I got the 18650 batteries early on so no telling if the port works. I used it as a light in my sand blast cabinet one time and it got frosted pretty bad so I picked up a second one about 2 years ago, same deal, no problems.
laser3kw
Well-known member
My update on high capacity 18650 batteries. I got them installed and charged in both lights back in February. I have not ran the battery down in the first one yet. Pretty normal usage pattern, so it looks promising. I don't use them everyday, but when I am using them they could be on for a couple of hours (total) per day.