Looking for a rechargeable light

[tom86951]

My 20 y/o drop-light died and ugly death, so I'm thinking of replacing it with a rechargeable handheld that I can leave plugged-in to the wall when not in use. Anyone have one they can recommend? Bonus points for a light with a hook on it to hang on/under a car while working on it.... Thanks all!

 

[Lassen Forge]

I'll catch flames for it, but I broke down and bought the SO rechargable LED worklight - 2 hooks for hanging under the hood, lasts a long long time on a charge, recharges quick, and throws enough light where even my old eyes love it.

I don't know if it's from one of their factories or if someone makes it for them but it's done right... Just be ready (like anything SO) to empty your wallet...

 

[Jacobson]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012HM9ITC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

this has twice the weight
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DFUF7B8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Htscheg]

I have the snap on also... completely satisfied with it!!!

 

[joe_pinehill1]

This light from HF is hard to beat. I have this and a Neiko, and always grab this one. Wait for a coupon when they sell for around $20. Even with just 20% they are a good value.

https://www.harborfreight.com/390-l...g-led-work-light-63958.html?_br_psugg_q=braun

 

[Aileron]

I'll second the harbor freight light. have 4 of them.

 

[FerrariPower]

I'll catch flames for it, but I broke down and bought the SO rechargable LED worklight - 2 hooks for hanging under the hood, lasts a long long time on a charge, recharges quick, and throws enough light where even my old eyes love it.

I don't know if it's from one of their factories or if someone makes it for them but it's done right... Just be ready (like anything SO) to empty your wallet...

I have the snap on also... completely satisfied with it!!!

For an automotive type drop light there's a lot of options. I recently purchased two of the Astro Pneumatic 40SLMAX LED Lightbars to replace my mediocre light equipment I had been using for a long time. I'm one of those 'small flashlight in my mouth' type of people.

I found the design of the 40SL lightbars to be really quite useless in most applications. You can't position the light if your vehicle has an aluminum hood, or aluminum fenders. You can't get the light where you need it to point most of the time. It's very frustrating. They also aren't cheap.

I was already heavily invested into the 14.4v tools, so I ended up picking up a couple of their lights in different designs very inexpensively (cheaper than the Astro's, in fact). In particular the CTL861 is a remarkable light. 500 lumens with a spotlight, or diffused adjustment (head slides), magnetic base in the form of the 14.4v magnetic boots, and an articulating head that perfectly positions the light where you want it to go. Can drive over it with your car, and it'll be fine.

Recently had to do a crankshaft position sensor on my AMG which is buried and almost unreachable and it made the job a breeze.

I've since done a complete 180 on Snap-on's lights. I even picked up their neck light, which I find to be a terrific hands freeing design.

Nothing like having proper light. Look around at your options, and made a great choice that works for you.

 

[matt_i]

I gulped on the price of the Milwaukee Pocket Floodlight but its turned out to be fantastic so far, worth the investment.

Easily fits in pocket, recharge with mini USB for shop or mobile use. 2 levels of light, the lower preserves battery. It gives you some flashes to know the battery's about to poop out so you aren't just plunged into darkness. Has a good magnet, I started putting up electrical knockouts in my attic for places to put the light when I'm working. I haven't needed it but I'm hoping it has the Milwaukee 5 year warranty.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...argeable-Pocket-Flood-Light-2112-21/302204636

 

[az45]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012HM9ITC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This Nebo is a good value at 19.95, I have a few of them. They are super light, so the magnet sticks. I also use a couple of the Milwaukee M12s, they easy because I always have charge batteries for the other tools.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

I have used one of the Shumacker lights and I really like them. Snow melt got to my brain light from hf when i ran for parts so it is no longer but it was pretty good, solid and bright

 

[doctordirt]

I am a fan of the hf light mentioned above, however my new fav is harbor freight cordless rechargable led battery bank. I tried to copy link, but was not working. This light can charge your phone as well. Has fold out bracket so can be hung ,floor mount or place in engine bay. Definitely my go to light.

 

[Jacobson]

https://www.harborfreight.com/1250-Lumen-Work-Light-Battery-Bank-56163.html

 

[tom86951]

Wow! You guys have turned me on to a whole world of new modern lights that I didn't know existed! I guess I'm lucky my old pull-down reel with 75w bulb was ruined.

Following those various links has led me to the wireless charging lights (so you don't have to fuss with USB or charge cords). I'm thinking I can mount this on an upright of my lift and always have a charged light within arm's reach...

https://www.aftermarketnews.com/sp-tools-usa-launches-smd-led-wireless-charging-work-lights/

Span-on makes one too, but not sure I prefer it.

Might have to pick up one of those Astro lights too, as it seems super versatile.

 

[M6erfan]

Wow! You guys have turned me on to a whole world of new modern lights that I didn't know existed! I guess I'm lucky my old pull-down reel with 75w bulb was ruined.

Following those various links has led me to the wireless charging lights (so you don't have to fuss with USB or charge cords). I'm thinking I can mount this on an upright of my lift and always have a charged light within arm's reach...

https://www.aftermarketnews.com/sp-tools-usa-launches-smd-led-wireless-charging-work-lights/

Span-on makes one too, but not sure I prefer it.

Might have to pick up one of those Astro lights too, as it seems super versatile.

I believe both those have proprietary non user replaceable, non externally rechargeable batteries. I won't buy a light like that anymore.

 

[kctyphoon]

NEIKO - NEIKO - NEIKO..

Let me say this in plain English - you likely will NOT find a better light, for this price, that is as good as this.. i have a ton of cordless work lights. For the car, this is by far my favorite.

it will hands down, be the best $32 you EVER spent on a cordless light. And yes - it has hooks. 2 of them that rotate. Ive never not been able to mount this thing and get it pointed where i needed it. It comes with magnetic clips too.

The older (and cheaper) version is still available (awesome light too). I have both. Both are amazing, but for the difference in price, just get the newer one . You can thank me later.

Neiko 40339A Cordless Work Light, 700 Lumen COB LED Technology | Rechargeable USB Type Battery | Includes Swivel Hook and Magnetic Clip Attachments

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786SDZ1K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

For comparison, this is the older model for $27. Not quite as bright, different type of leds (still good ones) and smaller battery. It does look like they updated the charger on this model too now. I’m TELLING YOU, spend the extra $5 and get the better model linked above.

Neiko 40464A Cordless LED Work Light, 350 Lumens, 5 Hours Run Time, 4,000 mAh Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, Multi- Purpose https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WI9585I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And if you feel like splurging - Neiko does make a matching underhood light for $89. YES - i have this one too.. they recently upgraded this to whats in the picture of the amazon listing now, with the better clamping bar and a slimmer light fixture. another great light, and for under $100 too. The only down side to any of these lights is they dont have a replaceable battery, (Like a cordless drill i mean, but you can easily replace the battery pack if they ever did die on you down the road) but you get HOURS of runtime. The underhood will work while its plugged in as well.. but its just one of the cheap china cell phone type chargers like the others. Still - these lights make life SO much easier.

Neiko 40447A Rechargeable Underhood Work Light (202 SMD LED Bulbs, 1,200 Lumens Max, 8,000 mAh Li-ion Battery, 2 Brightness Modes) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MTXC016/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Those are both of the older Neiko models, and the old (really ******) HF underhood. That model has been upgraded now as well.

 

[Steve_P]

The HF LED with the magnet mentioned above is tough to beat . I also have the astro and like the HF better, although the Astro seems more robust. I also have a light bar that clamps to the hood, not sure what brand; that's a must have in addition to the small light

 

[sberry]

Those look good.
I did buy ones fit my battery tools. Finally bought led for durability of bulbs but stared with 2, them got 4, then thought I lost one and replaced it, found it so I got 5.

 

[DFB]

THAT original HF "underhood" light is the worst POS ever made when it comes to these types of automotive worklights.

And noticebly no one has suggested the replacement one now @ HF either as an alternative worklight so far in this thread


OP, I have plenty of different /removable/replaceable rechargeable battery style Milwaukee LED worklights in various lumen output so I'm not in any need of any other ones but can easily say the 2114 USB and the M12 Rover are two of my favorites.

Will to add to the thread that the pocket sized Quantum from HF though not a rechargeable is also great light for the money for under $10

All aluminum housing, 2 power modes and a STRONG base magnet.

https://www.harborfreight.com/215-lumen-magnetic-pocket-work-light-63935.html

 

[Jacobson]

I have used one of the Shumacker lights and I really like them.

That's also my main light. Built like a tank.

 

[Formerjeeper]

I have the HF light and like it. I had 2 but one randomly stopped working.

I also have the Astro 65sl and REALLY like it. I’ll buy another at some point and don’t plan on buying anything else.

 

[Steve_P]

I bought the Astro 40SL Max before the HF Braun and I almost never use the Astro anymore. The flex joint at the middle of the HF makes it so much more versatile to aim light where you need it. I'm sure it won't last as long because of this feature, but for $25 on sale I'll buy another. The HF uses replaceable 18650 batteries, the Astro is sealed, another negative IMO unless you get it wet.

I'm sure the Astro will last longer because of the two differences above, but I'll take convenience over lifespan as a home user. Someone using one all day would need multiple Astros because of the battery issue.

 

[Djosbun]

I have been using the Astro SL40MAX for about 12 months and it has been a great light. It gets on average 10 hours of use per week. The best part of this light, for me, is the smoothness of the light brightness control. Having 100% output control is a very convenient feature. To me, a light with 3, 4 or 5 brightness modes is a negative.

-- Dave

 

[mfewtrail]

I have the HF light and like it. I had 2 but one randomly stopped working.

I also have the Astro 65sl and REALLY like it. I’ll buy another at some point and don’t plan on buying anything else.

If you still have the non-working light and the battery is good, see post #365 in this thread to see if it helps.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7214456

 

[upper_tanker]

I had the older version of this light by Snap-On:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-SNAP-O...657239&hash=item4d9d376ae4:g:G3QAAOSwD0ddl2qK

At nearly $100 a piece, it really made me mad when the few that I dropped fell apart. I will say, however, that they are really tough lights, very bright, and the charge lasts a long time. they get into tight spaces very well and will even light up larger areas.

I recently bought 3 of these, though: https://www.tooldiscounter.com/product/maxxeon-cyclops-rechargeable-area-work-light-maxmxn00810

They're NEARLY identical to the older Snap-On one that I have. They function the same way. The only difference that I've noticed is that the charge doesn't last as long. Not really an issue, since I keep the three in rotation. When I break one of these or it rides away on a car, I won't be as sad, as they're only $19. I'm very happy with them as a way-cheaper alternative to the SO one.

 

[Catch_22]

I have a few Astro 40SLs and a few china clones of it. Love them.

Now if they would only come out with a USB-C model.

 

[tom86951]

So I was at HF and picked up the $39 Braun 390 Lumen light. I do like it, but don't love it. It's reasonably bright, but feel more like a flashlight than a shop light. I'm thinking I need to get some brighter bar lights to flood the general area and use the little wands to light up the specific area I need. I am working under the car mostly, and this is like a spot light in the dark. Seems like they should put the button somewhere you are less likely to grab. I kept dimming and turning off by mistake when I went to move it. While the light is ten times better, I miss being able to reach up without looking and always knowing where the old light was, and just sending it back to the ceiling when I was done with it. So, the search goes on, but happy enough with the $39 HF unit to keep it. I have a feeling I'll end up with a collection of lights so I can always find one when needed...

 

[kctyphoon]

So I was at HF and picked up the $39 Braun 390 Lumen light. I do like it, but don't love it. It's reasonably bright, but feel more like a flashlight than a shop light. I'm thinking I need to get some brighter bar lights to flood the general area and use the little wands to light up the specific area I need. I am working under the car mostly, and this is like a spot light in the dark. Seems like they should put the button somewhere you are less likely to grab. I kept dimming and turning off by mistake when I went to move it. While the light is ten times better, I miss being able to reach up without looking and always knowing where the old light was, and just sending it back to the ceiling when I was done with it. So, the search goes on, but happy enough with the $39 HF unit to keep it. I have a feeling I'll end up with a collection of lights so I can always find one when needed...

I have that HF light too.. and another model Astro clone, and probably a dozen Milwaukee’s, and a whole bunch of others.. I’m TELLING ya guy - get the Neiko. For general (the MOST VERSATILE) purpose work light/inspection light to play with the car - you will not be disappointed. If you notice, both ends of that lights has a hex (i think its hex) shaped ends. Its so you can even lay it on the ground and aim it without the thing rolling away. The hooks on the thing are seriously perfect the way they rotate and spin. For $30 you WILL be impressed. The newer model even has a high/low setting.. the old model was even sold under the Capri tools brand. If you search on the forum I’m betting youll find old threads of people raving about it. The newer model is even better.

 

[tom86951]

I have that HF light too.. and another model Astro clone, and probably a dozen Milwaukee’s, and a whole bunch of others.. I’m TELLING ya guy - get the Neiko. For general (the MOST VERSATILE) purpose work light/inspection light to play with the car - you will not be disappointed. If you notice, both ends of that lights has a hex (i think its hex) shaped ends. Its so you can even lay it on the ground and aim it without the thing rolling away. The hooks on the thing are seriously perfect the way they rotate and spin. For $30 you WILL be impressed. The newer model even has a high/low setting.. the old model was even sold under the Capri tools brand. If you search on the forum I’m betting youll find old threads of people raving about it. The newer model is even better.

Just ordered one on Amazon, will be here tomorrow. If someone can love it this much, it's gotta be good.

 

[MattT]

I miss being able to reach up without looking and always knowing where the old light was, and just sending it back to the ceiling when I was done with it.

Why not replace it? Incandescent version with a 100W equivalent LED lamp is cheapest at around $40. Or you can spend more if you want to upgrade.

https://www.amazon.com/drop-light-reel-retractable/s?k=drop+light+reel+retractable

Or if the reel is still good just replace the light head and throw an LED lamp in it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007QV63CA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have a feeling I'll end up with a collection of lights so I can always find one when needed...

These things are cheap enough there's no point compromising on just one.

 

[tom86951]

Why not replace it? Incandescent version with a 100W equivalent LED lamp is cheapest at around $40. Or you can spend more if you want to upgrade.

https://www.amazon.com/drop-light-reel-retractable/s?k=drop+light+reel+retractable

Or if the reel is still good just replace the light head and throw an LED lamp in it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007QV63CA/?tag=atomicindus08-20




These things are cheap enough there's no point compromising on just one.

I still may. Part of the issue is that I've moved garages and am now in one with a much taller ceiling, making a reel hard to hang. Not impossible, but harder for sure. I do like the LED pull downs though -- didn't occur to me they made those too now. D'oh!

And yes, they are cheap enough to experiment and have a collection

 

[setfocus]

Think I posted in a similar thread but I love the streamlight stinger switchblade I got recently. Way better than the discontinued matco POS I was using before

The HF seems nice and uses the 18650 cell but I've found that cheap lights break if you drop them too many times and at some point they either aren't cheap after you replace them too many times or the hassle of getting them warrantied isn't worth the cheap price anymore

 

[kctyphoon]

Just ordered one on Amazon, will be here tomorrow. If someone can love it this much, it's gotta be good.

Look at it this way. You have zero risk. You don't like it, send it back. Hell - you don't even have to ship it back if u live near a Kohl's.

 

[kctyphoon]

I still may. Part of the issue is that I've moved garages and am now in one with a much taller ceiling, making a reel hard to hang. Not impossible, but harder for sure. I do like the LED pull downs though -- didn't occur to me they made those too now. D'oh!

And yes, they are cheap enough to experiment and have a collection

Look on Amazon - I think the company name I remember was Alert Stamping.
I literally spent hours looking at every Amazon listing I could find at one point for lights.
They even make a flat panel LED bulb enclosure that will screw and clamp onto a regular corded drop light bulb socket.

 

[emillika]

Any experience with this one from Milwaukee? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071D6B8FL/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[MattT]

I still may. Part of the issue is that I've moved garages and am now in one with a much taller ceiling, making a reel hard to hang. Not impossible, but harder for sure. I do like the LED pull downs though -- didn't occur to me they made those too now. D'oh!

Noticed earlier in the thread you said you have a rack. Maybe mounting a bracket for the reel on top of a lift post would be easier.

And yeah some of the LED ones do look nice...................

 

[AngryBeaver]

Noticed earlier in the thread you said you have a rack. Maybe mounting a bracket for the reel on top of a lift post would be easier.

And yeah some of the LED ones do look nice...................

you're one of the guys that still uses an air compressor for an impact huh?

leave the guy alone. its not 1985 anymore. no one needs corded drop lights in their lives anymore

sometimes technology is good...

 

[MattT]

you're one of the guys that still uses an air compressor for an impact huh?

leave the guy alone. its not 1985 anymore. no one needs corded drop lights in their lives anymore

sometimes technology is good...

He said he liked having a light on a cord reel.

I've been running cordless impacts for a while. Still use my old W360 with torque sticks. But I also keep the air guns around for places the cordless still won't fit.

 

[bigdav160]

I'll never purchase another HF light until their switch problems are fixed. I've had to throw out 1/2 dozen of them.

My Astro's might be 3x as expensive but at least they don't turn off randomly

 

[tom86951]

Ok, I got the 750 lumen Neiko and have tried it out in comparison to the 390 Lumen Harbor Freight Light. The Neiko is a nice light and perfect for some situations I'm sure, but for me, the Harbor Freight light is the clear winner. Here's why:

1. Despite the Lumen spec's, the two light seem virtually identical in terms of light output. I tried them both under the car, in a dark room, aimed at a wall, etc., and it sure feels like a push to me. Maybe in a lab they can tell the difference, but not in my real world garage.

2. The Neiko doesn't have a magnetic base, but has hooks instead. I actually like hooks, but the HF light can be stuck anywhere for just the right angle, etc. The Neiko comes with a clip-on magnet, but it was so weak I couldn't get it to stick well enough to be useful.

3. The HF has a light at the end for a flashlight mode. That's missing on the Neiko. Comes in handy when you need to look into a tiny nook.

4. The HF version is hinged so you can position it for a better angle as needed. The Neiko is a solid tube.

5. The light portion of the HF is much less bulky, so can be placed in much tighter spaces for good light. The Neiko, especially with the hook on the end, can't fit in spaces anywhere near as tight.

6. The Neiko claims to have "mode buttons" on the side, but at least on my unit, they were just a solid part of the rubber mold and didn't do anything. I could change brightness of the light with the switch on the bottom, but it is a bit hard to get at.

Neiko is probably a sturdier light in the long run, since it has more bulk and no hinge etc., but I'd almost always reach for the HF light first.

Round 1 goes to HF. I'm going to order an Astro next. Stay tuned.

 

[M6erfan]

Ok, I got the 750 lumen Neiko and have tried it out in comparison to the 390 Lumen Harbor Freight Light. The Neiko is a nice light and perfect for some situations I'm sure, but for me, the Harbor Freight light is the clear winner. Here's why:

*snip*

Good summary and pretty much my thoughts exactly.