Looking for work light recommendations

[MarkG]

I need a new worklight for working under the hood and under the car. To give you an idea of the era I'm from, I still use the single incandescent bulb lights. I've got a lot of work done with one of those, but my eyes and me are ready for something brighter and more durable.

I'm only a do-it-yourselfer, and not made of money, so I'm not looking to buy one of each style/purpose of work light out there at the moment, but I want a decent one!

What's a good 'up-to-date', bright replacement work light that will serve the same purpose as my old incandescent bulb work light? I assume they are all LED now, from what I've seen.

I want durable, bright, able to work under the hood or under the car in smaller spaces too-----again, it will probably be my only worklight for now. I'm not keen on the rechargable battery powered lights----I want light whenever I use it, not just when it's charged!! I always have outlets nearby. I don't want the hassle of batteries, no matter how 'good' they are!

Got any recommendations? Thanks!

 

[thickhead]

I have a couple rechargeable led work lights, but also changed to a 22w led bulb in the droplight cord reel. Nice to be done with glass bulbs that break/fail pretty easily and that high watt led bulb puts out a lot of light.....https://www.amazon.com/Sunco-Lighting-Daylight-Dimmable-Indoor/dp/B08F2X7CM6/ref=sr_1_21_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=22w%2Bled%2Bbulb&qid=1602368836&sr=8-21-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExRU5VVUpWM0NJOTBOJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzA3MzQ0Vk9VS0dHU0pIN0xFJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAwMTA4OTkyNThaMFQ1WEpLRzFNJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1

 

[Wrench97]

20$ at Lowes> https://www.lowes.com/pd/Cat-Caterpillar-400-Rechargeable-Work-Light/1000500789 they work well last 4hrs on a charge, the magnets are not the greatest but the rest of the light works a holds up to abuse pretty well, the only failure I've had is the one I ran over.........................................

 

[kbeefy]

The only corded light I still use (rarely) is a flourescent tube that clamps to the hood.

I always have a Streamlight Strion HL LED in my pocket, and will try the Stinger 2020 whenever it finally becomes available.

For worklight I have a couple Astro 410SL lights. having 2 means one can always be on the charger and I rotate them to be sure I always have a fully charged light.

I bought several knockoffs from ebay, they were much cheaper and of lower quality but they're so cheap I stash them everywhere. They are awesome camping.

 

[glentre]

If you plan to get a light with a 120V outlet in it for power tools, suggest you check the amp rating for the outlet. I have one that trips whenever I have the light lit and plug a tool into it.

Glen

 

[Wrench97]

They make power tools that plug in?

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I’m young but prefer regular over LED lol. I have an old Popular Mechanics under hood work light that you can hook up to the battery or plug in to the cigarette lighter. That’s the one I use on a daily basis when I need it and I’m a professional and it has worked fine. As for modern ones I have heard good things about the Cat ones sold on Lowe’s online. I have no personal experience with them but they are good from what I hear. If you want a smaller one I got a really bright one from Napa for around $15 it works great.


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[bri_man57]

Might be easiest to throw a led bulb in your current setup

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[RTBS]

I have a fluorescent corded light and before that incandescent. I switched to the Milwaukee true view lights they are incredible. They have a stick light m18 if you have that line of batteries, it's bright and has an articulating head and a hook at the end. Although my go to is usually the small flood lights. There is a 300 lumen AA version for $20 at Home Depot or a rechargeable 445 lumen for $49 also at HD. There both magnetic and small so they work great for working on cars. The light on all these lights are great for seeing good bright color.


MilwaukeeM18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 140-Lumen LED Stick Light (Tool-Only)
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...n-LED-Stick-Light-Tool-Only-2352-20/205410872

Milwaukee300 Lumens LED Magnetic Flood Light
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-300-Lumens-LED-Magnetic-Flood-Light-2108/306261360


Milwaukee445 Lumens LED Rover Rechargeable Pocket Flood Light
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...argeable-Pocket-Flood-Light-2112-21/302204636



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[mmb617]

I'm not keen on the rechargable battery powered lights----I want light whenever I use it, not just when it's charged!! I always have outlets nearby. I don't want the hassle of batteries, no matter how 'good' they are!

I got a bit of a chuckle because despite your statement half the respondents suggest a rechargeable. That's typical here.

Anyways, I'm like you in that I don't want a rechargeable and have outlets nearby so I bought this one and love it:

https://www.harborfreight.com/450-lumen-led-trouble-light-63920.html?_br_psugg_q=work+light

It's plenty bright and reasonably priced.

 

[Diytoolguy]

I’ve had this LED A/C work light forabout a year and works great for all matters of car and motorcycle maint and repairs. Nice wide beam.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-2000-Lumen-LED-Portable-Work-Light/1000598689

 

[61scout80]

Generally when someone uses the phrase "I'm not made of money" I assume that means "I don't want to spend any money". If that's the case, why not go to Walmart and buy some 100-watt equivalent LED bulbs and put them in the trouble light I assume you already have? Make sure you get the ones with the plastic globe and you'll be able to throw the thing off the roof after it's been on for 10 hours without it failing.

I remember the first time I stuck a CFL bulb in my incandescent drop light. It was an incredible day. I didn't burn myself when I bumped the light and didn't need to change the bulb every time the light was jarred in the slightest.

I went to the Milwaukee M18 line for almost everything. I have the rocket light tower, and it is by far the most useful tool I have. It can run for 14 hours on my largest battery, and if I don't want to use a battery I can plug it in. It also has a good color temperature light. I never gave this any thought until I try using one of my older harsh LEDs with the blueish light. My aging eyes strain more with the cheaper lights than the 'warm' color temp of the Rocket Light.
I use that a lot. if I'm under the hood I stand it behind me to use the light, if I'm under a car I lay it down to point where I need the light. It's been really useful for painting, electrical, cook outs, automotive work, camping, and so much more. A few weeks ago there was a power outage, I pointed my Rocket Light at the ceiling and lit up the entire kitchen and living room of my house. It's a log home, so it didn't even have the assistance of a white ceiling to bounce light off.

Now that I have an excellent battery platform I'm pleased that I don't have a spaghetti mess of greasy wires and air lines spread all over the floor. I'll be less grumpy about needing to use the tools elsewhere since I just pick it up and go. Yeah, it's not the cheapest option, but when is the cheapest option the real way to go?

My dad's one of those "I'm not made of money" guys. He always bought the cheapest battery platform available then complained that the tools were junk. When I started buying my Milwaukee stuff he was quick to tell me I "have more money than brains" and that for those prices the tools should offer services only legal in some counties in Nevada.

We're turning my basement into an apartment for my parents, my dad's been helping and using my tools. At first he started trying to drag out extension cords and use his plug in cheap stuff, I calmly started putting all the stuff away and replacing it with my cordless stuff. At first he anfrilly told me how those battery tools are junk and never last the whole job. I asked him this weekend when the last time he charged the battery on the impact driver he's been using for everything, he looked at me puzzled and said "I thought you were changing them out all the time?". Nope, turns out he didn't charge the thing all week.

Point of the story? Save until you can get the good stuff and keep an eye in the deals section for good sales on quality tools. It's worth it.

 

[BillK]

I have a couple of old school drop lights here at the shop and I have just put in 100W equivalent led bulbs and they work just fine.

 

[rattle_snake]

Head lamp. $3 and up

I gave up on corded large lights long ago. Head lamp is always pointing in the right direction, and follows you around.

Also many cordless tools (impact, drill) already have there own lights.

 

[Wrench97]

I have a couple of old school drop lights here at the shop and I have just put in 100W equivalent led bulbs and they work just fine.

I did the same thing for a long time then I bought a 40sl and thought what was I thinking.....................it's a shame they weren't a little more durable great light super magnet just didn't last.

 

[cnc-me]

Head lamp. $3 and up

I gave up on corded large lights long ago. Head lamp is always pointing in the right direction, and follows you around.

Also many cordless tools (impact, drill) already have there own lights.

I second the headlamp idea, way better than any worklight. It's always in the right place. Use mine constantly.

 

[Matt M PA]

I have two of these, which have become probably my most used item in the garage.

https://www.harborfreight.com/390-lumen-magnetic-slim-bar-folding-led-work-light-56329.html

While at Lowes the other night, I noticed that they have a Craftsman version that uses replacement AA batteries.

 

[floyd]

I got a headlamp a couple months ago and use it all the time.

https://www.ebay.com/i/123731264153?

 

[kaymccampbell]

I have the same drop light on a reel, that I've had for 40 years. I upgraded to a nice LED bulb, and it's drop proof, and so much brighter. Just welded a new hook on it last week, and unlike incandescents, the LED bulbs don't crack or pop when a hot spark hits them.

 

[andersen24]

I bought two of these and LOVE them, especially for $12 each. I know you didnt want batteries, but so far I have probably about 30 hours on the first set and still bright as heck. They have a magnet on the bottom and are great for putting on my legs to my lift, or on the undercarriage of the car when working on stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078S4PJ6Y/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[shedfullatools]

I have an old school trouble light on a reel and just threw a 100 watt equivalent Led bulb into it. Doesn't break when you drop it, is crazy bright and saves you buying a new light.

 

[DGersic]

Can I vote for “all of the above”?

I have a corded drop light hanging from the ceiling. It was fluorescent. I cut the head off it and replaced it with an LED trouble light head from HF. Works good, and is always available without dealing with batteries.

I also have a couple of the HF Braun battery LED lights. They get more use than the drop light due to no cords and a better magnet base. I got some extra batteries and a dedicated charger from Amazon, so not a big deal if the battery runs out, just pop a new one in and you’re good for another few hours.

And yeah, get a good headlight. Always have the light where you’re looking. Usually at least. For things under hood or under car, that’s true. Under dash, just due to the awkward angles, I don’t find the headlight as useful as the HF stick light.

 

[CraigStu]

Dang a light or tool w/ a cord on it? I quit that **** 10 years ago. Makita 18V drills, and a 3/8 impact wrench, and an extra battery. If the battery in the light dies I grab a battery off one of the drills. Hint, no matter which brand of battery tools, it is almost always better to buy and extra drill which comes w/ a battery and a charger than to buy plain batteries.

 

[bugman-74]

I have found that I tend to reach for one of my Fenix Headlamps (usually the HM50 when I need compactness, or the HM61 when I need power), but when I need additional fixed light I have been happy with this Astro Pneumatic work light.