Mechanic Light Suggestion

[jmvar]

Hi guys, I am looking for a light to work on cars. I previously had a harbor freight under hood work light that just gave out. I liked it for under hood work but when I am working on brakes or under the car I need something I can aim at my task.

I was thinking about getting one of these:

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Lighting/Specialty-Lights/2125-20

But I am wondering if I am better served with one of these for under fender work (brake work or undercarriage):

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Lighting/Task-Lighting/2351-20

Or one of these:

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Lighting/Task-Lighting/49-24-0146


I am a hobby mechanic and would like to stick to milwaukee m12 or m18.

What is your experience in what works best?

Thanks

 

[Zewnten]

Under the hood i'd have your first and second options, with the magnetic base added to the stick light. Underneath I'd definitely have the stick light but the under hood light could be useful. If I had to pick one it would be the stick light, again with the magnetic base.

 

[dacan23]

49-24-0146 is worthless. The AAA milwaukee pen light is almost brighter.

2351 Stick light is nice, I have had it forever, have 2 actually. But you have to spend $20 on the optional magnet. The USB 2112 stick light is brighter and for the same $ comes with the battery. Though you will not get the same runtime as the M12 with a 2.0.

2125 Underhood is nice, expensive. But limited in its use, cant really use for much but over head mounting.

2364 M12 rover is maybe the best all around light. 1000 lumens, can be clamped in many directions, strong magnets, can be used in many ways.

2361 M18 flood light is great but no clamp or magnet. Usually a toss up which I grab between this and M12 rover for use on the floor when working underneath the car.

I pretty much own every light Milwaukee makes so I can tell you +/- of it and if any good for car work.

Hi guys, I am looking for a light to work on cars. I previously had a harbor freight under hood work light that just gave out. I liked it for under hood work but when I am working on brakes or under the car I need something I can aim at my task.

I was thinking about getting one of these:

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Lighting/Specialty-Lights/2125-20

But I am wondering if I am better served with one of these for under fender work (brake work or undercarriage):

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Lighting/Task-Lighting/2351-20

Or one of these:

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Lighting/Task-Lighting/49-24-0146


I am a hobby mechanic and would like to stick to milwaukee m12 or m18.

What is your experience in what works best?

Thanks

 

[paperchasin]

I also had the stick light and while it was nice, it was not worth the money. Especially considering you have to purchase the magnet separately. At the end of the day, I sold the M12 stick light for $40 and bought 2x Braun harbor freight lights instead. I cannot post a link but theres a coupon out there that brings the Braun light down to $19.99 each.

 

[jmvar]

49-24-0146 is worthless. The AAA milwaukee pen light is almost brighter.

2351 Stick light is nice, I have had it forever, have 2 actually. But you have to spend $20 on the optional magnet. The USB 2112 stick light is brighter and for the same $ comes with the battery. Though you will not get the same runtime as the M12 with a 2.0.

2125 Underhood is nice, expensive. But limited in its use, cant really use for much but over head mounting.

2364 M12 rover is maybe the best all around light. 1000 lumens, can be clamped in many directions, strong magnets, can be used in many ways.

2361 M18 flood light is great but no clamp or magnet. Usually a toss up which I grab between this and M12 rover for use on the floor when working underneath the car.

I pretty much own every light Milwaukee makes so I can tell you +/- of it and if any good for car work.

Wow, great feedback, thanks for taking the time to post.

Can the 2364 M12 be stuck under a fender to light up brake work?

 

[DakotaMan]

49-24-0146 is worthless. The AAA milwaukee pen light is almost brighter.

2351 Stick light is nice, I have had it forever, have 2 actually. But you have to spend $20 on the optional magnet. The USB 2112 stick light is brighter and for the same $ comes with the battery. Though you will not get the same runtime as the M12 with a 2.0.

2125 Underhood is nice, expensive. But limited in its use, cant really use for much but over head mounting.

2364 M12 rover is maybe the best all around light. 1000 lumens, can be clamped in many directions, strong magnets, can be used in many ways.

2361 M18 flood light is great but no clamp or magnet. Usually a toss up which I grab between this and M12 rover for use on the floor when working underneath the car.

I pretty much own every light Milwaukee makes so I can tell you +/- of it and if any good for car work.

What are your thoughts on the M18 Rover? I already have several M18 batteries. Same purpose.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...00-Lumens-LED-Headlamp-2361-20-2106/308069285

 

[rlitman]

I have the 2361 flood light. Yes, you could stick it under a fender to light up brake work, but you may end up blinding yourself (though I've done just this more than once). It's got very nearly the output of a 500W halogen work light (without the uncomfortable heat). It's not a light you "aim" though. It's more of a nuclear weapon of a light.

What are your thoughts on the M18 Rover? I already have several M18 batteries. Same purpose.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...00-Lumens-LED-Headlamp-2361-20-2106/308069285

That's a great price. I think I paid around $110 for mine right when they came out. I have the brighter head lamp, and it's pretty good, but I had to put a piece of cloth behind the rubber piece that goes on your forehead, or else it gets sticky and uncomfortable.

I find my light indispensable for painting. It's come in SO handy around the house. However, I find myself reaching for corded drop lamps (that I'll hang from the suspension) or magnetic stick lights before this when doing work on my car.

I can't comment about an underhood lamp, because I do my car work in my driveway, with the hood parked under an awning that has a shop light strategically placed, so I've never needed one of those.

 

[Professional Tool User]

It really depends on which style of light you like. My personal preference is a headlight or a light with a magnet on it. Unless you already have a few extra Milwaukee batteries lying around, any other rechargeable light will do. Right now I'm using 2 HF Braun lights and a Coast headlight.

 

[rlitman]

I use my headlights more than any other light I have, but not so much on my cars. Too often, I want the light to be coming from the side or behind or from underneath to see something that my headlamp doesn't help with.

 

[dacan23]

The M18 rover does not have the clamping versatility of the M12 since you can only clamp it in one direction, the pivoting face is only useful for car work if the light is sitting on a flat stable surface.

When I am doing any car project I am using 3-6 of my Milwaukee lights. M12 underhood, M12 stick, M18 stick, M12 rover, M18 2360 flood, M18 2361 flood, USB rover.

The M12 stick light is useful for brake work as I usually use the hook and hang it from the spring.

I have used the USB rover with the end magnet to stick it in a fender, unfortunately the magnet on the back of the light is useless. The end magnet is better but not strong enough if you hit it or perhaps things are being yanked on.

What are your thoughts on the M18 Rover? I already have several M18 batteries. Same purpose.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...00-Lumens-LED-Headlamp-2361-20-2106/308069285

 

[kctyphoon]

If you want Milwaukee, honestly the best most versatile options are probably gonna be the m18 stick light which is the big brother to the m12 stick light, but with an articulating head that you can also just stand on the floor due to the battery acting as a base. The m12 is more of a hand held type inspection light.

The other option is probably one of the lanterns. They offer a really wide flood, negating the need to really aim anything.

If you want a great work light to add to the arsenal thats not Milwaukee, get the Neiko / Capri tools light.. you’ll thank me later, and it costs less than an m12 battery in the store.

Older neiko - what i have - $29.. if you can find an extra $30 after you buy your Milwaukee, I’m telling ya - just get it.
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

OR -

Here’s the newer upgrade version for $45
Neiko 40339A Cordless COB LED Work Light, 700 Lumen | Up To 11.5 Hours Run Time | Rechargeable 4,400 mAh Li-ion Battery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786SDZ1K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Neiko also has an underhood light that is just a much bigger version of the first one. I have that too.. i think its about $90

These are both Neiko’s

Other Milwaukee stuff to consider - the m18 search light, the m18 rover light, the folding usb rover light, the usb hard hat light or non recharable headlamp, the m12 rocket light.

Another good light - the $20 HF Braun light.

I have all of the above except the $45 neiko, because i have the older one and like it. I have both small m12’s you linked also.. just not the m12 underhood. I have more too.. dont even ask..

 

[DFB]

Consider the 2364 M12 ROVER it's one my favorite a decent magnet, spring clamp, 3 light modes

And the little USB rechargeable 2114 also 3 light modes and good magnet and a carabineer style clip it puts out more light than either sticklight option amazing for the size

the 2351 is ok nice to own one but not a necessity and really is best with magnet cheap HF one will work with short 1/4"x 20 machine screw

The better stick light IMO is the M18 2352 version stands on its on well and swivels

 

[plinker]

I use the 2125-20 under hood light anytime I have a hood open. It is very bright. well worth the money.

The other lights I use all the time are ATD 80304's, very good magnet, bright and fairly inexpensive. About 30$. I have five of them.

 

[joetech]

I'm doing mechanic work all day long and I use 3 lights.

#1 is an Anker Bolder LC90 1000 lumen rechargeable flashlight. I bought it on eBay for $34. That is the main light I use for inspection work and general everyday use.

#2 is a ATD underhood light. https://atdtools.com/80357
2,000 Lumen LED Underhood Light

Most powerful light I could find for the money that was BOTH corded and cordless. AND the cord is industrial grade. I use it underhood and under car. Can usually get it hooked into the door cracks for under car work and it works great for that.

#3 is a NextLED Cree LED Work Light 20'' Flexible Gooseneck and Magnetic Base, 200 Lumen

This covers most anything I would want light on so far.

I might buy another light but realistically these three lights cover nearly everything I need to do on a car. I haven't wanted to get another light since I got these three.

Remember if you do M12 you'll always have to have a battery on the charger AND a battery in the light so that eats up two batteries right there. If you have a M12 ratchet/impact/drill like I do... that will NOT work. I'm not buying two extra m12 batteries just to run a underhood light.

 

[plinker]

I'm doing mechanic work all day long and I use 3 lights.

#1 is an Anker Bolder LC90 1000 lumen rechargeable flashlight. I bought it on eBay for $34. That is the main light I use for inspection work and general everyday use.

#2 is a ATD underhood light. https://atdtools.com/80357
2,000 Lumen LED Underhood Light

Most powerful light I could find for the money that was BOTH corded and cordless. AND the cord is industrial grade. I use it underhood and under car. Can usually get it hooked into the door cracks for under car work and it works great for that.

#3 is a NextLED Cree LED Work Light 20'' Flexible Gooseneck and Magnetic Base, 200 Lumen

This covers most anything I would want light on so far.

I might buy another light but realistically these three lights cover nearly everything I need to do on a car. I haven't wanted to get another light since I got these three.

Remember if you do M12 you'll always have to have a battery on the charger AND a battery in the light so that eats up two batteries right there. If you have a M12 ratchet/impact/drill like I do... that will NOT work. I'm not buying two extra m12 batteries just to run a underhood light.

For me, two 3.0ah batteries will run the underhood light all day, a two pack was 69$ on black friday. If you end up buying more tools, they may have a "free battery" promo going on like they did this last black friday. Having several M12 tools myself, I prefer to have at least one battery per tool plus one or two extra sitting around.

Eventually the batteries will get weak/wont hold charge for long from extensive use to where they need to be replaced, so buying a couple a year isnt a bad idea.

YMMV.

 

[DFB]

I agree there are plenty of very good different lights on the market including the HFBrauns and everybody has a favorite but the OP here had asked directly about Milwaukee lights and wanted to limit his choices to the M18 and M12 lines

 

[visionguru]

....
I am a hobby mechanic and would like to stick to milwaukee m12 or m18.
....

Why do you have to run m12/m18 battery on work lights? They are neither cheap nor compact. Also, those Milwaukee lights are expensive, old technology, and will be outdated really quick, not worth considering.

I would look for COB lights.
The Astro lights are popular:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018R0XQPA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The generic ones are like $10 each:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078YK9PNP/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Even the Harbor Freight FREE light seems to have updated to COB:
https://www.harborfreight.com/ultra-bright-led-portable-worklightflashlight-63601.html

 

[Mr_B]

Why do you have to run m12/m18 battery on work lights? They are neither cheap nor compact. Also, those Milwaukee lights are expensive, old technology, and will be outdated really quick, not worth considering.

I would look for COB lights.
The Astro lights are popular:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018R0XQPA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The generic ones are like $10 each:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078YK9PNP/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Even the Harbor Freight FREE light seems to have updated to COB:
https://www.harborfreight.com/ultra-bright-led-portable-worklightflashlight-63601.html

+1 on not want m12 or m18 for under fender type work, they simply too bulky and not able angle them to light work area well.

2 astro or 2 braun rechargeable cob way better under fender for brakes and in a pair work great under hood too . I use these daily in auto shop and they perfect for allmost all lighting requirements ...

 

[jmvar]

I ended up getting the M12 stick light with magnet and the M12 rover that had a special at Home Depot with a free M12 battery.

I have used both and I am very happy with this combination. I can use the M12 rover as an underhood light and it works well. I can use the magnet or the feet that pull out to attach to the hood. The I can place the stick light to the side of my work to get light from all angles.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[joey1320]

I really like my 215 Lumens HF Braun light. Specially at $6.99

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

 

[joey1320]

Another awesome light is the Maxxeon Cyclops.
https://www.tooldiscounter.com/Item...R7_w7jwY03VIlWS92ou_AcP2DgdfIX-xoCayQQAvD_BwE

 

[DFB]

I ended up getting the M12 stick light with magnet and the M12 rover that had a special at Home Depot with a free M12 battery.

I have used both and I am very happy with this combination. I can use the M12 rover as an underhood light and it works well. I can use the magnet or the feet that pull out to attach to the hood. The I can place the stick light to the side of my work to get light from all angles.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Though the rover has some decently adaptable mounting features I found making a "U" shaped hook and inserting it under the spring clamp helps in various situations especially using it as an under hood light where it may not have a decent metallic surface to adhere to or the clamp wont allow the proper downward directional focus.

Same goes for grabbing onto some pipe or 2 x material

Simple enough to configure here are some photos I put heat shrink tubing so the hooks don't scratch