M12 underhood light or something else?

[signcrafter]

Want to pick up an underhood light, tired of using other lights and/or flashlights and want a good light to light up the whole engine bay when doing a bigger job. I have probably 25 m12 batteries of al sizes so if the milwaukee light is any good I would like to go with that because I have basically unlimited supply of batteries for it. But just want to make sure the light is good. If the light doesn't light up the engine bay good then it doesn't matter how many batteries I have to power it. It's on the higher end of underhood lights at 200 bucks but if it puts out good light it will be worth it to me. Those that have the m12 underhood light, do you like it? Does it do a good job of lighting up the whole engine bay? Or should I look into a different light that is better?

 

[RTM]

Astro 72SL or 52SL

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBOLW4S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0877794DG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have the 52, and gifted the 72 to a friend.

 

[signcrafter]

Astro 72SL or 52SL

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBOLW4S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0877794DG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have the 52, and gifted the 72 to a friend.

I have both of those. I'm looking for something to light up a whole engine bay and not have to move around very much. Or at least to light up most of it and can use my astro lights to supplement.

 

[M635_Guy]

I think it is pricey for what it is, but I can't argue with how well it works. Since it's so wide the light is very diffuse, so less shadows/etc., and it's pretty bright.


I'll generally still have my Rover light or one of my new Icon lights handy (I love lights with magnets), but the underhood light itself has been really good. I guess I grump about the price, but I'm not sorry I bought it.

 

[dnschmidt]

Short answer: Yes. As is true for all things in life there are work arounds but why. For $200 you buy it once and you're done.

 

[mike93lx]

I'd grab one from somewhere with a return policy and give it a try. I bet you'll like it

 

[pbon]

I have one and like it but don’t use it for every job. Wait until there have a good sale and buy one. There was a recent sale at what seemed a great price to me - maybe $169?

 

[signcrafter]

Short answer: Yes. As is true for all things in life there are work arounds but why. For $200 you buy it once and you're done.

I'm not against spending 200 bucks for a good light that works with all the batteries I have. Just want to make sure the light is good.

I'd grab one from somewhere with a return policy and give it a try. I bet you'll like it

I don't want to waste my time or a company's time test driving a light. If that was the case I would have done that instead of posting on here to get real life opinions. Just wanted to see opinions from people that have used one before pulling the trigger.

 

[Sumboodie]

$160 on the Amazon

 

[signcrafter]

Only one I saw on there was 190. There is one on JDTCO with a battery for 199. Just wanted to see some real life reviews before I pull the trigger.

 

[mike93lx]

don't want to waste my time or a company's time test driving a light. If that was the case I would have done that instead of posting on here to get real life opinions. Just wanted to see opinions from people that have used one before pulling the trigger.

Opinions are one thing. First hand experience is different.

Using a return policy is part of modern life, but to each his own

 

[Sumboodie]

Only one I saw on there was 190. There is one on JDTCO with a battery for 199. Just wanted to see some real life reviews before I pull the trigger.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZYPCNL/?tag=atomicindus08-20

$179 is for the for the bare tool on Jersey's Tool.

 

[kbeefy]

I use a corded flourescent one I got off the Mac truck, at the time LED's weren't ideal but they've come a long way since then.

Looks alot like this one...

Underhood light

I like that I can leave it on all day and not deal with changing batteries. Then I use a couple Astro's to supplement it.

One thing to be weary of (no clue if the Milwakee has this issue) is the one I have isn't long enough to span my superduty hood. I have to 'extend' it with a tie down strap.

 

[Sumboodie]

I use a corded flourescent one I got off the Mac truck, at the time LED's weren't ideal but they've come a long way since then.

Looks alot like this one...

Underhood light

I like that I can leave it on all day and not deal with changing batteries. Then I use a couple Astro's to supplement it.

One thing to be weary of (no clue if the Milwakee has this issue) is the one I have isn't long enough to span my superduty hood. I have to 'extend' it with a tie down strap

I looked into corded ones as well, but the decent ones seem to be about the same price. They claim 8hrs on a m12 battery, dunno.

 

[signcrafter]

Opinions are one thing. First hand experience is different.

Using a return policy is part of modern life, but to each his own

Sorry, guess I should have said real life opinions and/or experience. Figured the real life part would mean from people that actually have one and get their opinion on weather or not they like it. Do you have experience with the m12 light?

I'm not against using a return policy for products that don't live up to what they are supposed to. But don't test drive anything and everything. It's pretty simple that when people buy just to try and return the company can't sell as new anymore. So they do whatever with the product but ultimately loose money on it. Then to make up for it they will have to pass these losses on to other customers to cover these loses from people kicking tires. I might as well just buy a new one and use it and return it when I'm done to get my money back and repeat whenever I need one? Sorry I would not say buy and return is part of modern life, but maybe it is and that is why many good tool brands have gone out of business? I mean, where do you stop? If my vehicle has a problem I can just go to the parts store and buy one of everything and install it and return whatever didn't fix the problem? Go to mcdonalds and order a burger and try it to see if I like it and return it and get a refund and order something else? Buy a house and return it after trying it for a month? Same concept.

 

[dnschmidt]

^^^^ I agree with that

 

[Renegade1LI]

I have the milwaukee and hf, hands down the m12 light is great. I find myself using it everywhere so it gets a lot of use.

 

[Buckgnarly]

M12 is nice. My friend was here the other day with his son, they both were very impressed with it. Nit sure there is anything else better right now, especially if you are already into the M12 line.

 

[M635_Guy]

I'm not against spending 200 bucks for a good light that works with all the batteries I have. Just want to make sure the light is good.

The light is good.

It is true that some wider hoods will be challenging, but the light detaches from the bar so you can try something to rig it up.

$160 on the Amazon

I'd be a little careful about Amazon - Milwaukee is twitchy about honoring the warranty on stuff bought from a non-authorized retailer. I can't remember what tool I had an issue with (might have been a battery), but when I called them they were initially pretty insistent on a receipt, and mentioned "authorized retailer" more than once. I ultimately told them it was a gift, so I didn't know where it was purchased, and ultimately they just used the date code to determine warranty. They made me argue with them though, and I can't say I was happy to have to lie about where I bought the damn thing to get warranty service (it was part of my first batch of Milwaukee stuff as I moved out of my old Craftsman C3 tools, and had no idea there were 'authorized retailers' and that Amazon wasn't one of them).

 

[Sumboodie]

The light is good.

It is true that some wider hoods will be challenging, but the light detaches from the bar so you can try something to rig it up.

I'd be a little careful about Amazon - Milwaukee is twitchy about honoring the warranty on stuff bought from a non-authorized retailer. I can't remember what tool I had an issue with (might have been a battery), but when I called them they were initially pretty insistent on a receipt, and mentioned "authorized retailer" more than once. I ultimately told them it was a gift, so I didn't know where it was purchased, and ultimately they just used the date code to determine warranty. They made me argue with them though, and I can't say I was happy to have to lie about where I bought the damn thing to get warranty service (it was part of my first batch of Milwaukee stuff as I moved out of my old Craftsman C3 tools, and had no idea there were 'authorized retailers' and that Amazon wasn't one of them).

Can't say I've ever had to warranty anything out.

 

[mike93lx]

Sorry, guess I should have said real life opinions and/or experience. Figured the real life part would mean from people that actually have one and get their opinion on weather or not they like it. Do you have experience with the m12 light?

I'm not against using a return policy for products that don't live up to what they are supposed to. But don't test drive anything and everything. It's pretty simple that when people buy just to try and return the company can't sell as new anymore. So they do whatever with the product but ultimately loose money on it. Then to make up for it they will have to pass these losses on to other customers to cover these loses from people kicking tires. I might as well just buy a new one and use it and return it when I'm done to get my money back and repeat whenever I need one? Sorry I would not say buy and return is part of modern life, but maybe it is and that is why many good tool brands have gone out of business? I mean, where do you stop? If my vehicle has a problem I can just go to the parts store and buy one of everything and install it and return whatever didn't fix the problem? Go to mcdonalds and order a burger and try it to see if I like it and return it and get a refund and order something else? Buy a house and return it after trying it for a month? Same concept.

Clearly struck a nerve, my bad.

I appreciate your dedication to controlling costs for everyone.

 

[SRU1436]

I have the Milwaukee under hood light and I LOVE it. I highly recommend it.

 

[twinturbo]

I use 2 of the M12 rover lights and these are great.

 

[signcrafter]

Can't say I've ever had to warranty anything out.

I've had to warranty 2 items from them. They went off date codes both times so no question of receipt or place of purchase. First was an angle grinder that quit working. Second was I just bought an m12 polisher a couple weeks ago and in the sanding mode it would grind the gears. Sent it in last Friday and it will be back Monday. The angle grinder they sent me a brand new one, not sure if they will do the same with the polisher or if they fixed the gearing. Will find out in a couple days. But Milwaukee's warranty has been great the couple times I used it.

Clearly struck a nerve, my bad.

I appreciate your dedication to controlling costs for everyone.

No nerves struck here, you just wanted to argue after I said I didn't want to waste my time or a company's time test driving a light. I was just looking for some real world opinions from those that have used the light. You still didn't answer my question if you have ever used it. Because that is who I was looking for advice from before I pulled the trigger. I stopped for a drink this morning at the local gas station and I bought 1 of every flavor gatoraid and opened them all and tried them and then politely told the clerk I wanted to return 8 out of the 9 I bought. They told me to pound sand, guess they must not have got the memo about using/abusing a return policy is SOP in the modern world.

 

[mike93lx]

I've had to warranty 2 items from them. They went off date codes both times so no question of receipt or place of purchase. First was an angle grinder that quit working. Second was I just bought an m12 polisher a couple weeks ago and in the sanding mode it would grind the gears. Sent it in last Friday and it will be back Monday. The angle grinder they sent me a brand new one, not sure if they will do the same with the polisher or if they fixed the gearing. Will find out in a couple days. But Milwaukee's warranty has been great the couple times I used it.

No nerves struck here, you just wanted to argue after I said I didn't want to waste my time or a company's time test driving a light. I was just looking for some real world opinions from those that have used the light. You still didn't answer my question if you have ever used it. Because that is who I was looking for advice from before I pulled the trigger. I stopped for a drink this morning at the local gas station and I bought 1 of every flavor gatoraid and opened them all and tried them and then politely told the clerk I wanted to return 8 out of the 9 I bought. They told me to pound sand, guess they must not have got the memo about using/abusing a return policy is SOP in the modern world.

You got screwed on those Gatorades. I'd call corporate.

Any other ridiculous scenarios to show you don't understand how things work?

 

[signcrafter]

You got screwed on those Gatorades. I'd call corporate.

Any other ridiculous scenarios to show you don't understand how things work?

I agree 100% ridiculous but in your words "part of modern life", just like buying a light just to try is ridiculous when I can ask those with real world experience about their opinions. Which brings us back to the question of why are you still posting in here if you have no experience with the m12 light I was asking about. I'll assume you don't have one since you have failed to answer my question twice and have hit on everything besides the actual question I was asking about. Have a good weekend buddy.

 

[mike93lx]

I agree 100% ridiculous but in your words "part of modern life", just like buying a light just to try is ridiculous when I can ask those with real world experience about their opinions. Which brings us back to the question of why are you still posting in here if you have no experience with the m12 light I was asking about. I'll assume you don't have one since you have failed to answer my question twice and have hit on everything besides the actual question I was asking about. Have a good weekend buddy.

You too

 

[mrvm]

Those that have the m12 underhood light, do you like it? Does it do a good job of lighting up the whole engine bay? Or should I look into a different light that is better?

The M12 hung securely on the hood. Has good light coverage of the engine bay. I like a lot of light in the dark crevices I was working on so I still used additional lighting. Wish there was a plug-in as max brightness results in shorter run times. But it does fine with 4.0 & 6.0 batteries since I work slow

 

[Renegade1LI]

The light is also great working in the cab of my s x s, once you get one you’ll be amazed at how much you use it. Buy it, use it, you won’t be thinking about returning it. However if you have the dewalt platform their new under hood light is getting great reviews, plus it folds and stands.

 

[javyLSU]

Have it, love it. If you already have lots of M12 batteries, it’s an absolute slam dunk. It puts out great light, and it’s nice to have a never-ending light with the amount of M12 batteries I have. Look out for deals at Home Depot, every now and then this light will be included in their Monday “Special Buy of the Day” with all the Milwaukee deals. Last deal I remember a few weeks ago it was $149, they also offer it with a battery for $169 every now and then.

 

[GTO]

Have you looked at the BendPak LightStix

 

[richfinn]

I only use a rechargeable LED headlamp nowadays, tried many other solutions but you can't beat having the light directly where your looking when fixing cars.

We always used to remove the bonnet (hood) if we were doing major engine repairs and had good mains lighting in the workshop, it makes a big difference and allows better access all round

 

[bob15]

Astro 151SL

https://www.astrotools.com/product/1510-lumen-slim-aluminum-rechargeable-underhood-light/

You could also get this and use your current lights:
https://www.astrotools.com/product/underhood-light-bar/

 

[pbon]

I use headlights a lot more now, but the batteries do not last as long as a 4 or 6AH M12 in the under hood light.

 

[Earp69]

I love mine and use it all the time, the light cutoff so your not blinded is nice. There is no shadows and it really does an amazing job at lighting the entire bay up and all I work on is 1 ton trucks. I've used mine for a few hundred hours atleast and love it. The only downside is it does go through batteries so I try to only use a 6.0 on it. I wish it had a cord capability and I may come up with something on mine so I can plug 12v into it.

 

[signcrafter]

I love mine and use it all the time, the light cutoff so your not blinded is nice. There is no shadows and it really does an amazing job at lighting the entire bay up and all I work on is 1 ton trucks. I've used mine for a few hundred hours atleast and love it. The only downside is it does go through batteries so I try to only use a 6.0 on it. I wish it had a cord capability and I may come up with something on mine so I can plug 12v into it.

Glad to hear all the good reviews, just ordered one.

So no issues with it not fitting on the hood of 1 tons? That was one thing I was worried about because I have one and also do work on a few others.

 

[javyLSU]

Glad to hear all the good reviews, just ordered one.

So no issues with it not fitting on the hood of 1 tons? That was one thing I was worried about because I have one and also do work on a few others.

Forgot to post that was one hiccup I had with it - at first I thought it wouldn’t fit in the larger hoods, and was about to return it. Then I gave a firm pull, and it kept going more than enough for most any vehicle. Don’t be afraid to give it a good pull when you get it.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Glad to hear all the good reviews, just ordered one.

So no issues with it not fitting on the hood of 1 tons? That was one thing I was worried about because I have one and also do work on a few others.

Fits my 89 F250 just fine.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Fits fine on my 16 F350

Glad to hear all the good reviews, just ordered one.

So no issues with it not fitting on the hood of 1 tons? That was one thing I was worried about because I have one and also do work on a few others.

Fits fine on my 16 F350

 

[Earp69]

Glad to hear all the good reviews, just ordered one.

So no issues with it not fitting on the hood of 1 tons? That was one thing I was worried about because I have one and also do work on a few others.

Nope fits fine on my 99 Cummins and 08 f350. Also it's handy because the light bar removes from the hood attatchment peice so you can use it under a car or truck etc. It's a well thought out light