Under Hood Automotive Lighting

[Coloshaver]

As my eyes have gotten older, I find I need more light when working under the hood of my cars. It used to be that magnetic lights worked OK, but it seems that, between plastic and light alloys, there is very little iron/steel in engine compartments hence nowhere to attach magnetic lights. I seem to spend almost as much time fiddling to get the light set up and aimed as I do actually turning fasteners. (Then I accidentally bump it and it falls pointing the light into my eyes killing my already impaired dark vision - rant off.)

With as complex as most engine compartments are now, I often need a pretty focused beam to get into the shadows. The hang from the hood style lights just don’t provide light where I need it.

So far, a head lamp has been the best, but if I turn my head to point the light beam where I need it, now my eyes aren’t lined up. Then I reach up with dirty hands to realign the light and get the light and my hair grungy. This still may be the best solution, but I would love to find a rechargeable one that has a simple ON/OFF switch - i.e. not have to cycle through several modes to get back to OFF.

I did find a related thread from November, but the solutions were either magnetic base - see above - or hang from the hood light bars - see above. Has anybody found any really good solutions beside a human assistant to hold a light exactly where you need it?

Thanks

 

[charbar]

Joining in because I have all the same problems.

Currently I use a Streamlight Microstream USB (awesome lights by the way) that I either hold in my mouth or clip to the bottom side of my hat bill---I can tilt my hat up or down a bit to get it to shine where I want (or with my mouth) but in close quarter it can still be hard to get light where you need it. It's the best solution I have came up with yet other than trying to duct tape a light between my eyes!

Rechargeable LED Pocket Flashlight | MicroStream® USB

 

[charbar]

I just thought of this.....I wonder if one of the flexible arm, vice grip style bases for my dial caliper would hold my streamlight Could clamp it anywhere with the vice grip part and should be able to aim it about anywhere with the flexible arm!

 

[charbar]

It's not stupid if it works, right?

 

[toplessHO]

I converted my DeWalt 18v snake lite type lantern to LED
the weight of the battery balances to lantern head so I can aim it almost anywhere.
Cheap upgrade of under $10.

replacement LED for my DeWalt snake light

its time to replace the halogen for my 18v DeWalt DW919 looking at reviews its a hit and miss to get anything thats quality. Anyone have one that last longer than a flash cube? It might be best to replace lens and reflector but I ll start with bulb

www.garagejournal.com

 

[housewolf]

I use a combination of an underhood light that clamps on both sides of the hood, and an M12 under body light with a magnetic base & articulating arm. It doesn’t matter if I’m under the hood or working under or inside the car, between the two I’m always able to see what I’m doing and I’m lost without illumination. The underhood light will clamp under the roof inside the car or hang under the car also.

 

[Mike65]

I want to get this one from Harbor Freight. https://www.harborfreight.com/845-lumen-led-rechargeable-underhood-work-light-63990.html

 

[P0234]

I swap back and forth between a Neebo Big larry, which is awesome but to the OP's point, doesn't work in some situations to a Ryobi flex light:



I got the flex light for $26 from Direct Tools (awesome place for deals if you like Ryobi)

 

[signcrafter]

I've been using astro magnetic lights but as you say it's getting hard to find steel for it to stick to. The m12 Underwood light has been on my list for a while now. Need to just pull the trigger and get one.

 

[Houdini5150]

I use one of those Icon magnetic lights. Works well. Used it under my hood couple times and outside in the backyard along the walkway. Lost it for a moment but found it.

 

[humpty]

Like others am getting old and can't see **** without lights. I have not found one that works for every use so I have a bunch of different ones.

Fenix headlamp, they have been great, very useful if you need the light to follow your head.

Milwaukee under-hood light, works really nice for under hood, go figure, if you are doing stuff mostly on the top, valve cove gaskets, etc. it works good. I also sometimes take it out of its holder and use it under the car when it is on QJs.

Astro magnetic light, I have used the **** out of this light, its worked well. I even got it jammed in between the frame and exhaust once, I am surprised it took it but it did.

Misc Milwaukee Rovers - I have the M12 Repair Rover and the M18 Rover. The M12 gets used all the time, many times it is too bright. I find I use the M18 more on house stuff than car stuff but if I am doing a big job I will set it up.

If I had to pick one? It would be a tough choice between the Astro and the M12 Rover. The only advantage the M12 has is I have lots of batteries. So I guess that would be it.

 

[niget2002]

I still just use one of the old halogen stand lights with the two large spot beams on it. Set it up near the vehicle and blast the entire engine bay.

I'm blind for 3 days after I'm through using it, but it works for what I need at the time! Also doubles to give you a nice tan while working under the hood.

 

[Kuma601]

Headlamp. Along with a variety of magnetic AAA and AA sized pocket types. That 200-300 lumen range is just about right for my tasks. I run them with Eneloops.

This HD HDX pocket light: The HDX would be my favorite if there were also a magnet on the base cap to mount it standing up.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-220-Lumen-LED-Pen-Light-1002933644/303880487#overlay

Lowes:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Swing-Arm-LED-Work-Light-KBLT96/5001593545?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-elc-_-ggl-_-LIA_ELC_205_Wiring-Devices-Cords-Fire-_-5001593545-_-local-_-0-_-0&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-Jz7g7_r_gIVxGxvBB0G8QtFEAQYCCABEgI2vPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Harbor Freight Quantum: This one is a bit big for tighter areas so it isn't my most grabbed light. At $5 now, it's a deal that was easy.

Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Bigbandguy]

I have seen a setup like this. It works very well.

 

[GH85Carrera]

I use a head lamp. Elastic band around my head, and a very bright light that can be adjusted to aim just where you are looking. It is like having a super power. Especially in tight areas like under the dash or in the engine compartment. Just raise or lower you head to make the light shine on what you need illuminated. I can't imagine going back to other forms of lighting the area.

 

[PWC Repair]

I use a cheapy like this...https://www.amazon.com/QUANS-Clamp-Gooseneck-Table-19inch/dp/B00INK4GRC/ref=sr_1_42_mod_primary_new?crid=32PK92TOUOSGB&keywords=gooseneck+clamp+led+light&qid=1683755829&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=gooseneck+clamp+led+light%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-42

Had it several years now and still working!

 

[2ndGearRubber]

IMO the ultimate option is the "mount" astro makes. 82ULB

It has two adjustable pods you can stick a magnetic light two. It will never need charging, bulbs, etc. So long as you don't break the thing in half, you can stick your normal lights to it forever. It's a hair small for 2500 size trucks, just barely barely fits.

 

[Yankeefarmer]

I want to get this one from Harbor Freight. https://www.harborfreight.com/845-lumen-led-rechargeable-underhood-work-light-63990.html

I have one of them. It works reasonably well. I also use it underneath vehicles because it can span between the runways of my lift. Combined with a headlamp to compensate for shadows from other components, I can generally see well enough.

 

[leadfoot415]

I have one of these 120v corded ATD hood lights for the rare event I'm doing something major in the engine compartment (mostly under car work here).

ATD-80357 - 2,000 Lumen LED Corded / Cordless Underhood Light with 25' Removable Cord - ATD Tools, Inc.

atdtools.com

If just a quick job, I have and use a Streamlight Stinger Switchblade (great for all over work, has a hook and strong magnets in the base).

Stinger Switchblade® | Rechargeable Light Bar | Streamlight®

 

[zendriver]

Eyes getting a little old so always in the mood for better lighting under the hood. I have had some of the multi LED tube lights, never seems to be all that on light

Saw this in the store and was considering, but at $90 (could have got $10 off) was was more than a little annoyed, that it only contained one light, a second one was available for $53

https://www.harborfreight.com/2100-lumen-led-rechargeable-magnetic-77-in-extendable-underhood-floodlight-58990.html

Liked the hooks and seemed pretty bright.

What else is out there, similar design that any of you use?

Thanks

 

[Snapped-off]

Astro makes some nice ones. That HF one looks like a rip off of one of theirs.

 

[WWheeler]

I'm partial to the Dewalt one.

One of these surely belongs here on this thread ...




Dewalt's cordless under hood light works with any of their 12V, 20V or FlexVolt batteries, is brighter than Milwaukee's (1700 lumens vs 1350 lumens) and costs less (~$171 vs ~$$200 - mine was $160 as the last couple weeks Amazon had a $12 off coupon to apply. Also, camelcamelcamel shows it's been down to $160 a couple times previously since this tool's debut in December so that might be the 'good deal' price to look for) and folds for easier storage or can be used as a stand up light. I'm just sayin'...

 

[darkzero]

I use that Icon puck light at work (automotive related). I don't have the hood attachment thing though, just the light. I'm pretty happy with. Some of my coworkers use stick lights but I never liked them. I use neck lights primarily & the Icon puck light if I'm working in one area of a vehicle for a while.

 

[mrvm]

I own the M12 under hood light, nice & bright, attaches nicely not to mar the painted surfaces and I own a bunch of M12 batteries. I work fairly slow on my vehicles so sometimes rechargeable lights won’t last long enough at my speed. I have dual power M12/M18 tower LED lights as an alternative.

 

[Callelle]

I use the M12 underbody light, as well as the Astro 52SLMax and 100SL at work. I love the M12, though I'd really like the M18 boomlight (considering I work on Class 8s).

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

I use the milwaukee under hood light, under body light, and the USB stick light. The Milwaukee USB stick light is my #1 grab light for inspections and most repairs. I use the other lights for larger repairs but they are larger and clumsy. Can't ever have enough light!

I am 39 now and the first thing I grab is a light. Fifteen years ago I don't think i ever used a light unless I was wrenching at night!

 

[sparky 1971]

Eyes getting a little old so always in the mood for better lighting under the hood. I have had some of the multi LED tube lights, never seems to be all that on light

Saw this in the store and was considering, but at $90 (could have got $10 off) was was more than a little annoyed, that it only contained one light, a second one was available for $53

https://www.harborfreight.com/2100-lumen-led-rechargeable-magnetic-77-in-extendable-underhood-floodlight-58990.html

Liked the hooks and seemed pretty bright.

What else is out there, similar design that any of you use?

Thanks

I have the HF light and it rocks, but you gotta get a second light for it. As is, out of the box, shadows are a nuisance with only one light.

 

[Rusted Nut]

I use this Milwaukee all the time.

Headlamps, Pen, Pocket Flood and USB Lights | Milwaukee Tool

Shop heavy duty and high performance personal jobsite lights including headlamps, penlights, USB rechargeable and more.

www.milwaukeetool.com

 

[Steve_P]

I have a corded light bar that clamps on the hood and is awesome- it's not a big deal for me to have a cord as I use it indoors near an outlet. I bought this 10+ years ago, before cordless became the norm; today I'd probably buy the DeWalt bar shown above. Regardless of brand, or power source, I'd recommend a light bar that clamps to the hood as your main source. Then I also use the HF Braun magnetic lights when necessary.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I use the milwaukee under hood light, under body light, and the USB stick light. The Milwaukee USB stick light is my #1 grab light for inspections and most repairs. I use the other lights for larger repairs but they are larger and clumsy. Can't ever have enough light!

I am 39 now and the first thing I grab is a light. Fifteen years ago I don't think i ever used a light unless I was wrenching at night!

I have read in the past that at age 60 you require 7 times the light that you did at age 20, so 3-1/2 times at age 40, maybe?

 

[jptbay]

x2 on astro.

I have this one: ASTRO

Like that:

Hooks on both sides extend, so light stays centered.
Can plug in and still use if battery gets low.
Generous cord length.
Hooks are well padded. No scratching issues.

 

[niget2002]

I'm partial to the Dewalt one.

This one is on my short list for the next time I get some gift cards.

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

I have read in the past that at age 60 you require 7 times the light that you did at age 20, so 3-1/2 times at age 40, maybe?

Next 20 years sounds like a blast...

 

[rust in the eye]

Headlamp

 

[Jagmandave]

I have 4 of those rechargeable magnetic puck lights that HF sells, I really like them for working on my classic cars - but they're not so great for modern cars that seem to be nothing but plastic or aluminum under hood - they won't stick to anything!

One thing I've found with LED's that I don't with the old incandescents - the light from LEDs doesn't seem to penetrate as far or as deep into the car, even the super bright ones.

My buddy swears by the head lamps, he can't work without one it seems. They seem like a hassle to me cause the batteries only seem to last an hour or so but I can appreciate that they do put the light right where you're working, hands free too. Maybe a combo of both is the best plan?

 

[ecotec]

I have the m12 under hood light. It works pretty well, in my opinion. I have a Maxxeon for a spotlight… but that only works if you have some metal for it to hang on. The magnet isn’t strong enough to stick to a hood sound damper.

 

[u2slow]

I have a single 4' LED strip (120v corded) I hang from the hood for almost any job longer than an oil change.

 

[Buster21]

I got the dewalt listed above because I already had the batteries. Been happy with it.

 

[whateg01]

Cordless is great most of the time but if I'm going to be under the hood for awhile, I bought a bunch of led shop lights from Menards awhile back and had some spares. I made a couple adjustable brackets and stuck magnets on them. Talk about lighting up the place!

 

[spyerx]

I use my m12 rover. But it doesn’t work great to stick to aluminum panels the battery life is impressive. have a couple other lights I’ll use for closer illumination. Never felt need for one of those long stick hood light things.