The ultimate mechanics flashlight that is small

[ISurvivednmu]

I have a lot of LED flood lights, but I always seem to have to find a dropped nut or a connector that is in an area where its very hard to get these clunky lights into. I tried the 99 cent lights from Bass Pro Shops and Cabelas but they would only last a week.

I purchased 10 of these lights http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006E0QAFY/?tag=atomicindus08-20 for $3.75 with free shipping and they rock. They are very bright and adjustable.

If you are looking for a cheap light that keeps working even when you drop it or run it over, try one. The first one we bought is still working after 2 months.

 

[Davefr]

I have a lot of LED flood lights, but I always seem to have to find a dropped nut or a connector that is in an area where its very hard to get these clunky lights into. I tried the 99 cent lights from Bass Pro Shops and Cabelas but they would only last a week.

I purchased 10 of these lights http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006E0QAFY/?tag=atomicindus08-20 for $3.75 with free shipping and they rock. They are very bright and adjustable.

If you are looking for a cheap light that keeps working even when you drop it or run it over, try one. The first one we bought is still working after 2 months.

I agree 100%.

They're not the best light but they're so cheap that you can have lots of them scattered around the house, car and shop.

The light that's within an arm's length reach is better then the high end/boutique light that you have to go searching for.

They're bright, reliable and take one common AA battery. And if you loose one it's no big deal.

The other benefit is that they have a real switch. Other lights have a momentary switch and a circuit that's always on draining power while monitoring the switch. After a few months the battery will be dead from the quiescent drain.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I purchased 10 of these lights http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006E0QAFY/?tag=atomicindus08-20 for $3.75 with free shipping and they rock. They are very bright and adjustable.

That is a VERY good price !

My favorite was the little flat "key fob" style lights I found online for a $1/ea in lots of 20. They were really bright ! I gave them away as Christmas present to my co-workers (yes, I am CHEAP !) and they thought they great !

 

[1nterceptor]

I got this set from Costco. They've been upgraded a few times for higher output, but seems to follow the original design. Currently branded as Duracell. I did a drop test by throwing the light on the floor at a height of 6 feet, twice. Did a moisture test by dunking the light in a bowl of water:

 

[Professur]

I love the Maglite Solitaire. Remove the reflector and you can dangle it down into tight spots on a string. Skinny enough that it worms it's way through and pulls back up without snagging. Slip a bit of gas line hose over the end for a stand/handle/extension. Unlike everything else, you can actually buy parts to fix it.

 

[Jere]

I have a similar but much brighter Cree xml2 led powered light that uses rechargeable 3-4 amp 18650 laptop batteries. Think of it as a big brother to your light, but longer lasting brighter and rechargeable. They run about 10 bucks on eBay if you don't mind waiting for the overseas shipping. Both are great in there own ways but just thought it would be worth throwing in here.

 

[MemphisR32]

I really like my Streamlight Stylus Pro. Plenty bright but not overly bright. Fits easily in pocket and can be found for $20. Uses 2 AAA batteries and has 6-7 hours of runtime.

 

[shampoop]

I really like my Streamlight Stylus Pro. Plenty bright but not overly bright. Fits easily in pocket and can be found for $20. Uses 2 AAA batteries and has 6-7 hours of runtime.

+1 on that. Excellent for mechanical work, fits in shirt pocket perfectly and stays with the clip. Will withstand getting dropped many, many, many times. plenty bright too.

 

[shampoop]

I purchased 10 of these lights http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006E0QAFY/?tag=atomicindus08-20 for $3.75 with free shipping and they rock. They are very bright and adjustable.

If you are looking for a cheap light that keeps working even when you drop it or run it over, try one. The first one we bought is still working after 2 months.

That's an unbelievable price! Sounds like it would be perfect for use around the house. So cheap you could buy several and throw some alkalines in them and leave them all over the place, one for every car, etc.

 

[wild cowboy]

haven't used a flashlight in 20 years - got hooked on headlamps and being hands-free and never looked back!

 

[Anarius]

I really like my Streamlight Stylus Pro. Plenty bright but not overly bright. Fits easily in pocket and can be found for $20. Uses 2 AAA batteries and has 6-7 hours of runtime.

Love these things. Used them for years. I once dropped on on a Sunday morning in a Friend's engine bay in a spot I couldn't get to, had him come to the shop Monday night so I could lift the car, and the sucker was still there and still on. They have a new rechargeable version out now as well.

 

[ADSR]

bought these at costco for 18 bucks. They work pretty well.

 

[928'er]

I got this set from Costco. They've been upgraded a few times for higher output, but seems to follow the original design. Currently branded as Duracell. I did a drop test by throwing the light on the floor at a height of 6 feet, twice. Did a moisture test by dunking the light in a bowl of water:

The Costco "TechLites" are junk.

The lights turn themselves off if you move them. The three position switch drains the battery even in the off position. The strobe function is a joke. First set of three went back after numerous problems including one that failed just sitting on my night stand. Made the mistake of exchanging them for another set.

Same problems with the second set. Saw a thread on modding them with switches from the HF freebies, so tried that. Now, they "kind of" work. Still junk - a flashlight that turns itself off when you need it is worse than useless.

 

[stikman56]

I've found the Maglites fail as soon as they are dropped. I have 4 or 5 of them that have all failed. Hate those things. I changed to a Streamlight 5 years ago, tiny thing uses one AAA battery. Clips in my overalls pocket. love those things, they take a beating. I use it every day all day long at work. Best flashlight I've ever owned. Sure there's better for lots more money, I'm sure, but mine was 25 bucks off the Snap-On truck

 

[Fugio]

If you want that Ultrafire (or any china made light really) for MUCH less money than Amazon, order it direct from China here:

http://www.dx.com/

Free shipping but takes 3 weeks. But you'll save a ton of cash. I've had several Ultrafires and am generally happy with them. I like that they can fit an 18650 because Surefires can only fit 17670's. Only downside is they usually have reverse click switches which aren't my favorite.

 

[Pantagruel]

I really like my Streamlight Stylus Pro. Plenty bright but not overly bright. Fits easily in pocket and can be found for $20. Uses 2 AAA batteries and has 6-7 hours of runtime.

+1 on that. Excellent for mechanical work, fits in shirt pocket perfectly and stays with the clip. Will withstand getting dropped many, many, many times. plenty bright too.

Bought one a year ago and for it being something I carry in my breast pocket, sure am amazed I havent lost it yet. That should tell anyone how fond of it I am. Its just well made and a very practical design.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I have a lot of LED flood lights, but I always seem to have to find a dropped nut or a connector that is in an area where its very hard to get these clunky lights into. I tried the 99 cent lights from Bass Pro Shops and Cabelas but they would only last a week.

I purchased 10 of these lights http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006E0QAFY/?tag=atomicindus08-20 for $3.75 with free shipping and they rock. They are very bright and adjustable.

If you are looking for a cheap light that keeps working even when you drop it or run it over, try one. The first one we bought is still working after 2 months.

Yep the cheap stuff is real good now. Adjustable seems to be new but yeah these pseudo tac lights are good.

 

[hoffman912]

the ultimate mechanics flashlight that is small, is one with a head band.

- you can keep it in your pocket or store it easily elsewhere.
-you can use it as a hand held
- you can use it hands free (this is the kicker)

 

[AnonymousToolGuy]

I have a lot of LED flood lights, but I always seem to have to find a dropped nut or a connector that is in an area where its very hard to get these clunky lights into. I tried the 99 cent lights from Bass Pro Shops and Cabelas but they would only last a week.

I purchased 10 of these lights http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006E0QAFY/?tag=atomicindus08-20 for $3.75 with free shipping and they rock. They are very bright and adjustable.

If you are looking for a cheap light that keeps working even when you drop it or run it over, try one. The first one we bought is still working after 2 months.

Too bad it's not prime eligible or I'd buy one just to compare against my Streamlight Pro-tac. The 300 lumen rating is obviously made up unless this thing only lasts 15 minutes.

 

[aaronrkelly]

Along with a handgun, spare magazine, quality knife I also carry a quality flashlight with me everywhere I go.

Quality does not mean expensive.

Yes, alot of those Chinese lights are decent....and Ive bought quite a few of those same ones. The problem I had was uniformity. Out of the handful I bought some had a blue tint.....some were brighter.....etc. All had the same batteries in them and were the same light....they were probably all passable for most peoples needs.

For a quality but inexpensive EDC flashlight.....I really like my Fenix flashlights.

I have an E12 that takes a AA and puts out 130 lumens....cost me $23.

.....and an E05 that takes a AAA and puts out 85 lumens....cost me $18.

Fenix lights have a lifetime warranty....there E series are the most affordable lights.

http://www.fenixlighting.com/products/e-series-flashlights.aspx

 

[Jere]

Too bad it's not prime eligible or I'd buy one just to compare against my Streamlight Pro-tac. The 300 lumen rating is obviously made up unless this thing only lasts 15 minutes.

My understanding is generally they are close to 200lm on high depending on the battery. The big brother to this light puts out around 1000lm on high but heats up pretty good in 15-20 minutes

Cree has some pretty impressive leds and with a range of configurations. I have converted a few guys from work from their streamlight/ maglights over to aleto and ultrafire bodied lights.

 

[Spinaker01]

I also have about 10-12 of these. Best bang for very-little-bucks out there and small enough to be stored easily and used regularly

 

[pendragon1998]

Quark Mini 123

 

[6brzina]

+1 on that. Excellent for mechanical work, fits in shirt pocket perfectly and stays with the clip. Will withstand getting dropped many, many, many times. plenty bright too.

If you guys like the stylus pro, you need to check out the stylus pro usb. Slide the collar back near the front of it to reveal the charging port, it takes a micro usb cable like most phones. I have chargers everywhere for this thing.

 

[Professur]

I have a hard time using the LED lights ... the blue tinge really does a number on my sight.

 

[pendragon1998]

Shop around and you can find lights with warmer color profiles.

 

[Fugio]

+1 for the Quark and Streamlights. O-Light and Zebra are worth looking at as well if you want higher end stuff.

But really those Fenix lights that aaronrkelly mentioned are my favorites by far. They generally have the most up to date, state of the art control boards in them. So you'll get the most light for the longest duration. Also they can squeeze light out of a dead battery better than any others I've seen, especially that little E05.

I have a hard time using the LED lights ... the blue tinge really does a number on my sight.

This happens to people as we age. Are you older than average, if I may ask? My dad can't see the brightest LEDs very well and will swear his 1980's MagLite with half dead batteries is brighter because he can see the yellow beam better.
Different LEDs produce different wavelengths. But those cheap 5mm Nichia ones are actually blue LEDs with a coating inside that appears white. No such thing as a "white" LED really. So you need to try lots of brands and see what works.

LEDs are not for people who can't see a bluer spectrum well. Also they aren't good for people who work in heavy have or smoke, such as firefighters. Yellow light cuts through smoke MUCH better.

 

[Professur]

Mid 40's .. but I've been staring at computer screens for the last 30 of them, and LCD panels for over 15. In the last 5 years I've gone from better than 20-20 to needing reading glasses. I've taken to wearing yellow shooting glasses in the lab in an effort to save what I've got left.

 

[SantaAna12]

Fenix LD20 here. 180 L on high. Runs long and bright on two AA enerloops.

I used minimags....could not keep them running.
Same with the.Costcos.

I have dropped.this Fenix numerous.times....takes a lick and takes it well.
The pocket clip is stout.

I have no experience with the.Streamlight.

I checked the price and recent reviews. Reviews solid, price way up since 2011. Wow.

 

[Modern Jess]

I have a hard time using the LED lights ... the blue tinge really does a number on my sight.

LED flashlights have changed a *lot* in the last couple of years. Overly blue output is largely a thing of the past (though some cheaper ones still exhibit that).

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I have a hard time using the LED lights ... the blue tinge really does a number on my sight.

The new ones like the Four Sevens, and Pelican lights are pure white, no blue to them. I objected to LED lights for years, but have become an avid user of them since they are a bright white light now.

Charles

 

[smoking stroker]

those cheap ultrafire lights got me hooked a few years back. they are pretty decent for what they are but they are not really all that great. though they are great compared to the older traditional Maglite. since than I moved up I have at least 10 of the high end name brand lights led lights.

I really prefer the 18650 battery lights due to run time and power. the light I carry on me now is a zebralight sc600. it is a little pricey ( still under 100 bucks) but worth every penny. has 1100 lumens. the light is extremely small. cnat even tell its in my pocket. I think its actually smaller than the light that was originally posted and its 100 times better.

there are lots of good lights out there like fenix pd35, olight s30r, eagletac tx25c. but so far for me this zebra light is what I like most and I never leave home without it

 

[smoking stroker]

 

[vincentshumai]

Another vote for Fenix. I have the E12 for daily carry and PD35 (960 lumens) for when I go camping. Also check out nitecore and thrunite

 

[smoking stroker]

to rich for my blood but I can dream.. look up overready they are badass lights

http://www.oveready.com/moddoolar/moddoolar-pocket-black/prod_223.html

 

[justme-]

I have a couple of the OP's posted lights - great when new but get old and lenses scratch. After about 6 months in my tool pouch on my belt the lens is pretty scratched (affecting output) and the switch is finally acting up... damn impressive for a $3 light still working on it's original battery.
Using a Maglight xl50 (last gen) since I LOVE the one I have at home and a mag clipped side light LED thing we sell at work (similar to a reds).
I find too many lumens is a problem on mechanical work - too much reflecting back makes it harder to see into fuel tanks, and read stamped in numbers...and knowing the abuse (on/off) my light takes at work I can't justify a real high end light (like a pheonix or most things light gurus love). I use headlights from time to time, but not at work. Great for many things, but they get in the way often enough it's a problem waiting to happen at work.

 

[stikman56]

My Son bought me a Fenix for Christmas, It's bright, but what I've noticed with it, is it's hard on batteries. It seems it's always going off, needs more batteries. I don't have that much of an issue with my tiny Streamlight at work.

 

[wild cowboy]

can someone explain why I need any flashlight, when I have 900 lumens extremely comfortably on my head and both hands free when working on something?

 

[n8n]

Shop around and you can find lights with warmer color profiles.

Or better yet, a high CRI emitter like a Nichia 219. Got one in my pocket right now... unfortunately lights like that run about 10X the price of the lights being discussed in this thread, but are great for getting a good view of what you're pointing at.

For a budget buy I'd second the previous post recommending the Fenix E12 - just gave away an E11 (its predecessor) after that one spent a few years in my pocket. The main drivers for my upgrading were that the E11 didn't have a pocket clip so it got all kinds of banged up rolling around loose in my pocket, and also it didn't have an ultra-low "moonlight" mode and I found its low setting way too bright to e.g. read a book in a dark hospital room, which unfortunately was something that at one point in time I needed to do. For an EDC without the requirement for a moonlight mode it was great. I fed it Eneloops (now, Duracell Ion Core NiMHs are just as good a buy and available in stores) so I wasn't always buying cells for it.

Worth mentioning, when using rechargeable cells, a good charger is critical, and most chargers that you can buy in brick and mortar stores ****. Actually, they beyond ****. It's really kind of sad how bad they are compared to the items that actually are available but aren't stocked for whatever reason. I use a Maha C9000 for NiMH and an Xtar VP2 for Li-Ion/LiFePO4. Nitecore i4 v2 was just retired for the Xtar, it's good for NiMH and Li-Ion both (but not LiFePO4)

 

[Danglerb]

can someone explain why I need any flashlight, when I have 900 lumens extremely comfortably on my head and both hands free when working on something?

Those are great, but I stick my light into places where I would not or could not put my head. Most of the time I want all three kinds of lights, shop light flood, some smaller lights to position and leave there (HF puck or Larry light), then either a headlight if that works or a hand held light pointed right where I want it.

Zebralight has a new SC32 that works off a CR123 or 16340 size battery, list is $65, but heck of a light and small enough to suit most.

My EDC is an Olight i3s with a 10440, get hot in 30 seconds or so on high, but rarely needed on high that long and its tiny, size of my little finger, and plenty bright.

Toolbags get SK68 clones or something bigger with an 18650 and serious bright output.

I don't put up with bad tint, natural white or it gets returned.