Underhood Light Recommendations?

[HomeTheaterMan]

I'm looking for a good underhood light. A friend just bought one by Pro Lite off of the Cornwell truck. I was pretty impressed by it, but I can't find much about this brand searching online. Most people seem to recommend the corded ATD from Amazon, but I don't want a corded light. I also want something a little nicer than what Harbor Freight sells. Does anyone have any recommendations for a good cordless underhood light?

 

[kctyphoon]

Capri tools led lithium light. Search it on YouTube for vids... Many people can tell you how great this little light is.. Works both cordless and corded.. Much better then the HF light. I have both

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

Where can I buy it? I've seen a few videos, but everything I'm finding seems to be normal work lights.

 

[Slycox]

I plan on one of the astro lights, from what I've seen they are pretty nice.
Here's a pretty decent review of them.

 

[kctyphoon]

This is the same light, on sale for $31.. I might even buy another at that price..

http://www.discountshoptools.com/Ne...56801BF3083CDACA8611509B45940.p3plqscsfapp003

http://www.richtoolsystems.com/prod...nJAWSty8pUe-TbEYkaXgt31Gs_DEHmXeRzBoCmWDw_wcB

https://jet.com/product/detail/36df...t4RgE4ePmTv-tUfJMJk-kxoCmJ3w_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[kctyphoon]

Yup, I just bought another.. (Like I don't have enough lights already)

The first link was the cheapest with shipping for me.. $37

Seriously, it's that good for the money.. If you buy one, you'll wonder how you ever got a light this good that cheap..

I like this better then my Milwaukee lights, and I own most of those too..

This will light an entire engine bay, at 1/4 the size of underhood lights.. If you have any doubts, buy 2.. You won't regret it.


Here - for the people NOT in the know on this one..

 

[anndel]

ATD Tools 80050 30W Underhood Light is what I use. It's corded but you don't have to worry about the battery dying after 2-3 hours of use. ATD also makes a cordless 90 SMD LED version if you prefer cordless.

 

[gdocktor3]

Recommendations? I recommend doing a Google search since there are a ton of threads on this subject. Im not trying to be rude, but rather save you time since you are going to get the same answers, except it won't take two days. Capri, ATD, Astro, Bayco, Snap On, HF, etc etc.

 

[colin39]

I prefer a workshop with decent lighting, we have just fitted all led lighting in our workshop and its pretty amazing

 

[Jarhead0408]

I use this for an underhood light: I like that it can be used both with and without the cord. Plenty of ways to hang it: magnetic, hooks, etc.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007CNRZI8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

As far as handhelds go, I used to use this:

Astro 63071 (Plus it has a UV light built in.)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009NC92XC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

But now mainly use the Astro 40SL: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018R0XQPA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

You'll be extremly pleased with any of the three.

 

[TNToy]

I'm interested in why you want a cordless light.

Speaking as a professional, I only break out a hood-width underhood clamp-on light for heavy work. Engines. Head gaskets. Things where I need 4 - 8 hours of illumination, and don't mind running a cord to avoid having a battery die.

Popping in a cam sensor or replacing an EGR valve? I'll just aim a smaller light at the area I'm wrenching instead.

 

[gnxtc2]

Long jobs under the hood or interior, I use this:
http://www.tooltopia.com/central-tools-central-lighting-13003.aspx

Quick jobs I use this (comes in green also):
http://www.batterychargers.com/sl360r/

Other Schumacher lights:
http://www.batterychargers.com/red-fuel/

Billy T.
[email protected]

 

[anndel]

I prefer a workshop with decent lighting, we have just fitted all led lighting in our workshop and its pretty amazing

I agree. I have portable lights (both halogen and LED) lights on tripods, underhood lights, rechargeable LED floodlights, magnetic LED lights, etc., but nothing beats good workshop lighting from the start.

 

[Fedwrench]

If I'm going to be underhood for awhile like most of the day, this is my favorite light http://www.tooltopia.com/central-tools-central-lighting-13003.aspx

I know it's corded but, it's simply the best thing I've found to turn the darkest engine compartment into day.

Now for cordless, I like my M12 stick light, the astro 40SL (with a dimmer switch and a swivel magnetic base). Mobile distributor supply also has some real nice magnetic rechargeable lights in different sizes that real tool reviews did a segment on recently. http://mobiledistributorsupply.com/25997-rechargeable-multi-use-work-light-oem.html

Good luck in your quest

 

[Coach James]

I have this one and it is excellent. Not sure where to get one now, but maybe a clone is available.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AYNQQNS/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Coach

 

[Ign]

I'm pretty much w Fedwrench. Central Tools corded. Cord is so long no problem taking a fullsize truck all the way up on my lift. M12 stick light for everything else.

I also second searching, this comes up A LOT

However I am a believer in good lighting at all times. If it's gonna take more than 5 minutes under the hood I take the time to run my underhood light. I think for me this comes from being a machinist; they say hell is a poorly lit machine shop. Plus I believe the stories of old machinists suffering poor vision due to always lining up all those small lines all the time (arguably less of an issue these days w digi measuring tools & DRO's). Nonetheless, above average work lighting never hurt anyone.

 

[Katodog]

Bayco SLR2120. Great light, throws the same or slightly better amount of light that a standard 4' fluorescent fixture does. I use one and it illuminates under the hood perfectly.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

Thanks for all of the suggestions guys. That Bayco actually looks very interesting.

As for a cordless light, I probably could get by with a corded one, but the issue I have is that I do quite a bit of work outside in the driveway. It's a pain to find a long extension cord and then have to run it all over the yard. I also do a fair amount of work at a friends house who doesn't have a garage nor power anywhere near where we work on his car.

I figured I could use it out there, plus use it in my garage.

 

[rice rocket]

My Bosch 12v light is pretty good, I just hang this thing on the hood latch and it lights up the whole engine bay with ease. The magnet could be a little stronger, but the carabiner works well hanging it on hoses and stuff as well if you want it a little closer. Stands on it's own and holds an angle as well, which is great when you're under it. Swappable batteries means you'll always have light available as long as you have at least one charged battery.

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0yN6lOg_3aU?showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Mastermind]

I have a few of the 14.4 snap on tools, including the smaller tube light and the underhood light. Awesome. 90 led bulbs, runs 3_4 hrs on a battery. Also doubles as a lightsaber lol. Took it home during a power outage and lot up half the house.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Bayco SLR2120. Great light, throws the same or slightly better amount of light that a standard 4' fluorescent fixture does. I use one and it illuminates under the hood perfectly.

Thanks for all of the suggestions guys. That Bayco actually looks very interesting.

As for a cordless light, I probably could get by with a corded one, but the issue I have is that I do quite a bit of work outside in the driveway. It's a pain to find a long extension cord and then have to run it all over the yard. I also do a fair amount of work at a friends house who doesn't have a garage nor power anywhere near where we work on his car.

I figured I could use it out there, plus use it in my garage.

Fwiw, the Bayco is the same light that is in the link I posted. O'Reilly's is just charging $60 more for it.

 

[kctyphoon]

I'm no expert, but I own a ton of work lights - I think your frequency of use would be the biggest determining factor. For everyday / few days a week use, a more professional/corded/ designated underhood model might be better choice for you. If it's just a once in a while thing, the Capri tools light I suggested is a great option. ESP since it's so versatile due to its small size. It's great for under the car, sticking down an engine, doing brakes, working on the house, ect.. Small = portable and versatile.. It's better than the m12 stick light, which I also own. The rotating hooks make it possible to always find a way to mount it. It's thin enough to peel a wheel well back and shove in the opening The light output is great on it too.. It's very bright and even, no light/dark spots and covers a wide area. Even if you decide to get a bigger model, I still strongly suggest picking one of these up to supplement.. I can't say enough good things about it. If it said "snap on" on it, people would pay $100 for and still say it was great.

 

[kblee27]

Portable worklight, I use the Nebo COB LED
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015D7VR92/?tag=atomicindus08-20