Rechargeable trouble light

[dalehsc]

I have been using this until today: https://www.baycoproducts.com/product/multi-purpose-work-lights/item/nsr-2168r

I say until today,because it cannot withstand a drop of 4 feet to a concrete floor.I bought it about 2 yrs ago. I had it two days when it fell,& broke the lens from the body. Oh well,mistakes happen,ordered a new lens,taped the old one on & worked away with it. I bought it through NAPA,took them about a month to get a lens. Been more careful with it,but drops still happen.For about a month now,it's been blinking,a little shake & it would brighten up.........oh well I'll take it apart,& ck it out. Today I went to plug it in & the charge port was further in the body & wouldn't connect. Took it apart,one of the impacts on the floor, broke the plastic divider between the battery & the charge port receptacle,pulled the connector partially out of the circuit board,but more importantly broke the black square housing that held the charging connectors. Found the parts list....no internal parts available. To the garbage it goes!

Now that you have endured my "rant",what would you recommend to replace it with? I liked it's intensity,somewhat thin,and rechargeable. I have the gearwrench rechargeable but it's really not bright enough.

 

[PassnThru]

Are you stuck on rechargeable really? I know you asked about rechargeable but there are many lights in the battery range if you already own battery operated tools that are technically rechargeable. I have this and it's pretty sweet -

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KWRM78E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[plinker]

Streamlight Switchblades are good lights, Magnets are crappy. https://www.tooltopia.com/streamlight-76800.aspx

ATD lights have worked well or me, the 80340 is a good light, bright and best magnet I've found. More of a pocket style though.
https://www.amazon.com/Saber-Rechargeable-LED-Pocket-Light/dp/B07DL4HQ94/ref=sr_1_3?crid=21LF4DZ13MY3P&dchild=1&keywords=80340+light&qid=1579314218&sprefix=80340+l%2Caps%2C281&sr=8-3

Astro has a thin light that gets good reviews here, dont know the part number offhand. Might be this one,https://www.amazon.com/gp/slredirect/picassoRedirect.html/ref=pa_sp_atf_aps_sr_pg1_1?ie=UTF8&adId=A08642816LMCARH2MFWF&url=%2FAstro-Pneumatic-Tool-65SL-Rechargeable%2Fdp%2FB01JBJVC1Q%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1_sspa%3Fkeywords%3Dastro%2Blight%26qid%3D1579314392%26sr%3D8-1-spons%26psc%3D1&qualifier=1579314392&id=1888036741408430&widgetName=sp_atf

 

[crasher98]

I think the HF Braun light is fantastic: https://www.harborfreight.com/390-Lumen-Magnetic-Slim-Bar-Folding-LED-Work-Light-63958.html. Watch for the coupon and get it on sale for $24.99

I have two so one can be charging while I use the other one. I've always thought they called them trouble lights because they're nothing but trouble, but this HF light is the least aggravating one I've ever found.

 

[vssjim]

www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-Tool...id=1579319322&sprefix=astro+40,aps,139&sr=8-3
astro 40slmax work well and have good battery life

 

[dalehsc]

Are you stuck on rechargeable really? I know you asked about rechargeable but there are many lights in the battery range if you already own battery operated tools that are technically rechargeable. I have this and it's pretty sweet -

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KWRM78E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have the 20v platform with dewalt/mac. I was thinking it's a bit bulky, but I can go to home depot and ck it out

 

[dalehsc]

Good suggestions

 

[vhol5]

I think the HF Braun light is fantastic: https://www.harborfreight.com/390-Lumen-Magnetic-Slim-Bar-Folding-LED-Work-Light-63958.html. Watch for the coupon and get it on sale for $24.99

I have two so one can be charging while I use the other one. I've always thought they called them trouble lights because they're nothing but trouble, but this HF light is the least aggravating one I've ever found.

This has become one of my go-to lights. Very versatile!

 

[M6erfan]

I have an Astro 40SL and the Harbor Freight folding slim work lights. The Astro is great but I have several of the HF lights now. I pick them up when they go on sale for $19.99. They have held up for me, but I've never dropped one 4ft.

The weak point on the rechargeable lights is the USB charging input. The advantage of the HF over the Astro, and lots of other lights, is that the HF takes user replaceable 18650 batteries. Get a couple 18650 high capacity cells and a charger and you basically have never ending light with no wait for charging. And because your not using the light's USB input for charging you eliminate the weak point.

I've picked up a few of the smaller 215 lumen HF lights too ($5 on sale). They seem fine and use AA batteries. When the stock batteries wear out I swap in rechargeable AA Eneeloops.

So far after a couple years using them I'm perfectly happy with the HF lights.

 

[BukitCase]

I've had nearly identical experience as M6erfan - already had several lights that use the 18650 batteries including head lights (2 cell) flashlights in 1, 2, 3 cell; so when I saw the Braun at HF it was a no-brainer.

Now have three of 'em, NONE have ever seen the plug-in charger. MUCH quicker/easier to just "swap-n-go" if I'm into a project/job than to "plug-n-wait"... Steve

 

[jimmyin3D]

Any of the lights from Astro are amazing, I personally have the 40SLmax and I have dropped it from 3 stories high with just a few scratches.

Has a super useful gyro magnet at the bottom, dimmer knob, lasts a long time, and best of all it is super durable and bright!

The only drawback would probably be it’s cost at ~$40 but well worth it.




——————————————————————-
Check out my for sale listing in the classifieds:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=438994

 

[ChrisLS8]

You would be great with the SLMax or the HF version

 

[clubairth]

Another vote for HF lights. Just too cheap and mine have not broken from being dropped so far.
.
.
.

 

[Wamsutta]

I have an Astro 40SL and the Harbor Freight folding slim work lights. The Astro is great but I have several of the HF lights now. I pick them up when they go on sale for $19.99. They have held up for me, but I've never dropped one 4ft.

The weak point on the rechargeable lights is the USB charging input. The advantage of the HF over the Astro, and lots of other lights, is that the HF takes user replaceable 18650 batteries. Get a couple 18650 high capacity cells and a charger and you basically have never ending light with no wait for charging. And because your not using the light's USB input for charging you eliminate the weak point.

I've picked up a few of the smaller 215 lumen HF lights too ($5 on sale). They seem fine and use AA batteries. When the stock batteries wear out I swap in rechargeable AA Eneeloops.

So far after a couple years using them I'm perfectly happy with the HF lights.

Are you saying the Astro 40SL has a built-in battery that's not removable?

 

[Doug Arthurs]

I have the astro as well as 2 china knockoffs. So far all three are awesome.

 

[setfocus]

I've got the streamlight switch blade, magnet does ****, but the light is bright. One side is a white light and the other is a natural light that's easy on your eyes.

Had some dicontinued matco that only had a 1 yr warranty, it was a $70 POS. The streamlight is way better. Can charge it off a streamlight flashlight charger or usb and lifetime warranty so if the batt craps out, send it in for free repairs. I've never run out of batt power doing a job either

dropped it from about 6', was replacing an alternator on ford 500 and I bumped it from where I had it balanced on the cradle. Still works like new

Sent from my SM-G920V using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[M6erfan]

Are you saying the Astro 40SL has a built-in battery that's not removable?

Yes.

Huge advantage to HF for the user replaceable 18650.

 

[csargents1546]

Monster makes a great trouble light. Only down side is you cant buy from them directly. Have to be bought from a distributor. I have two of them. One at home and one at work.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[csargents1546]

https://www.monstermobiletools.com/wp-content/uploads/6A333CCB-5056-AE03-A7AFEB0D07E1CBC1.png
This is a link to the light I have

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[bwringer]

Another vote for a couple of the HF Braun lights for $20-$25. Currently have two in rotation. A third one got lost somewhere, and I miss it...

One got dropped which nuked the little plastic housing around the tip light. So now it's wearing a glob of hot snot glue on the tip to keep the tip light in place. Looks sort of infected, but it still works fine.

Oh, and there was a dearly departed fourth light a little while back that accidentally ended up filled with antifreeze (one in a million sort of spill) and as it turns out circuit boards don't like that. It still worked, but I couldn't turn it off. Not the light's fault at all.

I have some higher capacity 18650 batteries left over from another project, and with a cheepie 18650 charger I can use a light until the battery goes dead (which is quite a long time; hours), swap the battery in a few seconds when it croaks, and rock on.

Rechargeable, lightweight, high-capacity batteries you can swap are a 1,000% game changer in mechanicking illumination. With alkaline batteries, the meter is running somewhere in the back of your mind, and accidentally leaving the light on is always a worry. And dragging a stupid cord around just plain ***** out loud.

I suppose you could swaddle one of these in a pool noodle or something if the #1 criterion is surviving drops. I'm OK with accepting some degree of risk for something so cheap and easy to replace.

There are other rechargables that appear to be a little tougher, but I haven't yet seen any that allow you to swap the battery like this using a commonly available cell (although I am likely wrong; no one can say they've plumbed all the depths of Amazon). That's the key feature that makes these such a game-changer.

 

[dalehsc]

Well,I lied. I didn't throw the thing out. The service manager has a drawer full of trouble light parts,and I found a charge port that is held on buy a nut going over a threaded tube. Took apart the nightstick,drilled the handle,soldered the wires,& I'm back in business. While I was in there I hot glued the battery to the case.....here goes

 

[billford]

I just got this 18 volt Milwaukee Stick Light a few days ago. Tool only. I already had a 5 amp battery for it.
Its a nice wide floodlight beam, no hotspots like a flashlight, has 2 hooks and pivots. Has 2 brightness levels, but there doesn't seem to be much of a difference between the two levels. Hoping it will last about a week on a charge...Will update the run time in a few weeks.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Lighting/Handheld-Lights/2352-20

 

[Smokenarrow]

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

I ordered 3 of these after reading reviews and they arrived today. After a quick charge, all I can say is WOW.
I've had various SnapOn, Braun, Saber and countless others. If these hold their charge like they should, they will be the king. To say that they are nice is an understatement.

Sent from my moto g(7) optimo maxx(XT1955DL) using Tapatalk

 

[kctyphoon]

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

I ordered 3 of these after reading reviews and they arrived today. After a quick charge, all I can say is WOW.
I've had various SnapOn, Braun, Saber and countless others. If these hold their charge like they should, they will be the king. To say that they are nice is an understatement.

Sent from my moto g(7) optimo maxx(XT1955DL) using Tapatalk

I've been yelling " Neiko" on here for a long time...
The underhood light is just as nice. The charger leaves something to be desired though. it's the same kinds cheap cell phone charger, but I think the amperage is bumped up on the underhood.

Nicer stuff might be out there - but not for these prices.

 

[stonesfan68]

Yes.

Huge advantage to HF for the user replaceable 18650.

What charger and batteries do you use? I recognize the Samsung brand when I search Amazon and eBay, but nothing else. The brands used for the chargers are also unrecognizable. I’ll use alternative, unknown brands as long as someone else uses them first.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

All new lights from Astro in 2020 will not "plug in"
So we agree with a lot of the preferences mentioned here.

 

[M6erfan]

^^^Thanks for the update Chris. I'm looking forward to your new offerings

 

[turtl631]

Ooh nice. I didn't want to deal with 18650s, so I bought a nice Zebralight AA headlamp a few years back, and I have a bunch of Eneloop AA and AAA batteries for things around the house. Then recently, I went down the rabbithole with flashlights and ended up with a few 18650 cells and a charger. The power and life compared to an AA light is amazing, and just like when you buy into a system like Milwaukee M12 etc, you open up so many options. I think it makes plenty of sense to have a work light using 18650 or other commonly available universal cells, and I've avoided purchasing any of the current Astro offerings expressly because I didn't want to depend on charging the light with a cord when it dies.

 

[Bacon!]

I keep a Nebo Big Larry in my glovebox, with LSD, rechargeable Eneloop AA's in it. They now make a newer version with a traditional flashlight head on the end but frankly for its purpose I don't need that feature.

I'd much rather have a light that takes standard cells I can swap out when discharged, put in a freshly charged set and keep going, rather than having the typical flimsy mUSB socket to use a cord to charge a device.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011TLFVO8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It also has a flashing red mode for roadside emergency marker use, and a magnetic tail strong enough that it'll hold onto the side of a vehicle.. except for those newfangled aluminum body panels which can be an issue if you were hoping to attach it to the underside of your hood for an engine compartment view (hoods being more often aluminum).

If you instead want something for home use, I'd get whatever LED light that your preferred brand of cordless tool batteries are compatible with, so again you can just swap in a freshly charged battery and keep working instead of downtime waiting for it to recharge. If it doesn't have a hook and you want one, or a magnet or whatever, add that to it.

 

[Tbird22]

My boss insists on super bright inspection lights. Currently we use the unilite 1000 lumen rechargeable. Great light, buts it’s nearly 60 bucks. Been thinking of this light for its price
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DCL81W3/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Can’t imagine it actually has that much power, but for 25 bucks, I’d be willing to give it a shot. I have a knockoff Astro light for when I need a magnet and adjustable light, but the battery stinks and the dial always lowers when you need it to be high lol


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Bacon!]

^ Probably around half as bright as the Unilite to get 4 hours out of 2 x 1800mAh, 18650 cells.

 

[CobraRed]

^ Probably around half as bright as the Unilite to get 4 hours out of 2 x 1800mAh, 18650 cells.

This.
People rarely do the math. These no name brands advertising like 1000 or 1500 lumens, a 2600mah battery and 3 hours of use on high. Unless they invented a technology or are bending physics that's about are real as the stupid high mAh 18650 cells you can buy on Amazon.

 

[Tbird22]

Any good recommendations like the unilite?


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[richfinn]

I like the Streamlight Knucklehead, its a tough lamp and well made, had it 10 years and only ever work outdoors

 

[Ton ton]

I like reading about trouble lights. Fisher auto parts has an under the hood work light for 139.99$.

 

[bubinga]

Another vote for a couple of the HF Braun lights for $20-$25. Currently have two in rotation. A third one got lost somewhere, and I miss it...

One got dropped which nuked the little plastic housing around the tip light. So now it's wearing a glob of hot snot glue on the tip to keep the tip light in place. Looks sort of infected, but it still works fine.

Oh, and there was a dearly departed fourth light a little while back that accidentally ended up filled with antifreeze (one in a million sort of spill) and as it turns out circuit boards don't like that. It still worked, but I couldn't turn it off. Not the light's fault at all.

I have some higher capacity 18650 batteries left over from another project, and with a cheepie 18650 charger I can use a light until the battery goes dead (which is quite a long time; hours), swap the battery in a few seconds when it croaks, and rock on.

Rechargeable, lightweight, high-capacity batteries you can swap are a 1,000% game changer in mechanicking illumination. With alkaline batteries, the meter is running somewhere in the back of your mind, and accidentally leaving the light on is always a worry. And dragging a stupid cord around just plain ***** out loud.

I suppose you could swaddle one of these in a pool noodle or something if the #1 criterion is surviving drops. I'm OK with accepting some degree of risk for something so cheap and easy to replace.

There are other rechargables that appear to be a little tougher, but I haven't yet seen any that allow you to swap the battery like this using a commonly available cell (although I am likely wrong; no one can say they've plumbed all the depths of Amazon). That's the key feature that makes these such a game-changer.

Came across a Harbor Freight clone. Base unscrews to replace the battery too. (Don't have one though)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0983T33V7/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Q: Is the black light plastic too or is it aluminum like the Braun?
A: Yes, it is aluminum. and you can replace batteries by unscrewing the bottom cap. see less

 

[bubinga]

Came across a Harbor Freight clone. Base unscrews to replace the battery too. (Don't have one though)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0983T33V7/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Q: Is the black light plastic too or is it aluminum like the Braun?
A: Yes, it is aluminum. and you can replace batteries by unscrewing the bottom cap. see less

A fellow customer answered your question,​

"Looks like the Harbor Freight light. Is this just as good?"​

Darthvagrant answered:​

"This takes one 18650 battery. It is only 5" folded, 10 " extended. Might be smaller than H.F. light. It is a very nice light, very bright with good magnetic base. Definitely worth the money. I use it frequently. Well made." ​ "Looks like the Harbor Freight light. Is this just as good?"​ Livesay answered:​ "It projects a bright light,but the rechargeable battery didn't last long . After minimal use the battery will not take a charge making it useless as a portable light."​