Check out my thread on an experience with a trouble light. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/cfl-in-trouble-light-saved-me.982215/
I'm snickering as I read this thread. When me son would help me work on my hot rod I'd ask him to hold the light for me and he would shine it directly in my face .
This has got to be the best light and probably the neatest invention since sliced bread. Led, cord and cordless, works while charging so you’re NEVER without light. it stretches to suspend from a hood, A pillars, frame rails, your lift, and a stand to rest on anything, the floor shining up. It’s got detents to turn and put the light where you want it. The matco brand and version ain’t cheap, but it’s really damn good if you need a light to make a living. There’s cheaper ones , I’ve had them but they are junk.
If your looking to buy anything related to light, LED is the way to go. I gave away most of my halogen work lights, I saved a couple Incase I need to warm something up
If you do a search on Amazon for LED Trouble Lights numerous bulbs that will screw into existing corded trouble lights, cordless trouble lights all with various lumen ratings will show up.
I can't find the brand name of the fluorescent light I am using, but it is a 12 volt powered, 2 ft bulb, in a lexan tube, and the light has proven to be indestructible over the last 20 years. It is handy, because one side is shaded so that you aren't staring into the light when you are working in a tight area. and because it is less than 2 inches in diameter, you can get it into some very tight places. I also have hand held LED lights that are also excellent. All these are battery powered, and I use rechargeable batteries, but I always have a pack of alkaline AA and AAA batteries around the house, so there is always backup. Because I am 76, and need all the light I can get, I also use, and love, the head mounted LED light. Regarding the old incandescent lights, it didn't matter how much I spent on the expensive trouble light bulbs, it seemed that I screwed a light (normally by dropping it) every time I used the damn thing. I wish I had all the time back that I wasted changing bulbs. PS, At times, I also use halogen lights on stands. I bought them years ago, but I won't be replacing them when they give up the ghost. Bob
Have to admit I like the little blue guys from China Freight. Between about 3 bucks and free with coupon..Bright LED flood, flashlight on the end, magnet and hook on the back. Great for hanging under the dash , hooked on some wiring. Sorry, no pic at the moment, but just look at the flyer in your mailbox ;-)
I haven't got out a drop light since I bought my LED headlight. I always laughed at anybody using one. Now I'm a believer.
Personally I like the corded old school trouble lights, but switching to LED bulbs is probably a real good idea. For a long time I've also had florescent trouble lights for working with or near fuel systems. I find them a bit bulkier but I won't likely set any fires with them. I also have a cordless LED light that I hate. It's not that bright and I don't like the color of the light. Maybe I should toss it and get one made in this century.
Hello, We have gone through plenty of work lights over the years from fluorescent tubes to aluminum cup clip on desk lamps. We even bought what we thought was the epitome of bright lights. It was advertised as the brightest and clearest halogen lights as a solution to dark workplaces in the house or garage. It made the inside of an enclosed winter garage warm and very bright. This one light was enough to light up the whole wheel opening for working, but had to be kept some distance away from flammable liquids. The heat from the bright light was intense. If this yellow halogen light stayed on long enough, that clip on handle would be warm and the yellow rubber end cover would be melted. So, angling the light source away from anything that would be affected, but still giving off plenty of light for "under the car" working areas. This light was also like a mini heater on those cold winter nights in the closed garage work space. I still have that light, but it only comes out when a whole trunk needs to be lit up for a minute search of missing earrings or little stainless washers before they start making rolling noises. But, in recent times, in our new garage cabinets, I did not want a hanging fluorescent tube fixture or wired lights taking up a wall plug, necessary for bench top tools. So, modern led one piece lights were ordered for lighting up the work counter. underside of the top row of cabinets These little lights give off plenty of light for everyday bench top work of all kinds. If a brighter light is needed, that yellow halogen light has no competitor for actual super “bright” lighting. But, that one has not seen work for years. The new LED battery powered lights have an automatic on/off switch and is portable. The magnetic holder is a great function as the long light just clips into the powerful magnet. Now, if I need a light on inside of any of our cars, I can take the narrow, bright light off of the underside of the cabinets and use them inside of interior for more missing jewelry or dropped stuff. Some of the people do not like portable wireless lights, but these lights give off enough light to work well in dark places. If my original light is used to the point of dimness, then the other unused led light is un-clipped from it holders and takes over. They are charged with a USB connector and it charges fast. inside of a well used daily, cabinet The last thing we did recently is to put one inside of a closed cabinet in the garage cabinets. When we open the cabinet in a dark garage, the whole section and inside of the tall cabinet is lit up to find the smallest piece of dog kibble or a small washer hiding in the corners. When we are finished inside of the cabinet, we close the door and walk away. The light goes off after about 8 seconds of darkness. Jnaki One great thing about these wireless LED light fixtures is the portability and handy use inside of car interiors or trunks. They are thin enough to slide under the seat frames to see what is under there. But, the best thing is upon arrival at night in our car(s) it is dark inside of the garage. The garage door opener light is minimal so it is relatively dark, still. Now, these LED lights that are mounted under the top cabinets provide light for the long counter. They are set to come on automatically, to light up the surface. So, they come on as we get out of our car and walk by them. After about 6 seconds of no activity, they go off automatically. A perfect solution to a darkened garage without any hanging tube lights, cords, or permanent fixtures and a two-in-one action for each thin LED light bar. Oh, I just dropped one on the garage floor from the counter top area. The new floor absorbed the drop and the light went on, since the area under the cabinets is dark. How is that for automatic? There was no cracked bulb, or wiring sticking out or even a damaged outer shell. Note: We just got two drop down, fire code approved, steel ladders that led to the garage attic storage space. A long time ago we had an inspection for a fire sprinklers repair and the inspector mentioned that the wooden drop down doors were not fireproof legal. So, in case of a house total burn down, it would not be covered by insurance. Now, the new ones are metal doors, metal mechanisms and the coolest fold down ladder steps I have seen. It is fully approved as far as the fire marshal is concerned and the neat thing is that my wife can now navigate the sturdy ladder after easily dropping down the initial door. Attic storage was never better…minimal as it is… https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/shop-lights.1161895/page-3#post-13259352 shop lights
I like led’s , but didn’t like battery powered lights because The battery’s always dead . Then I found one that takes my cordless drill battery, this is a Milwaukee tool but I am think dewalt should have them too
Streamlight Switchblade, gets into tight spaces, two types of light plus black light, magnetic base or a hanger
This is the one I decided on. Says it's equivalent to a 125w incandescent bulb in brightness and I usually have a 60-75w in it. Great reviews on it. Only complaints were the on the short cord and I have a few extensions and will probably just leave one on permanently. Should be here Saturday.
Led corded drop light is my go to, but I also have one of those snake lights that came with a dewalt 18 volt kit that included a sawzal, circular saw, hammer drill, over 15 years of very heavy use shop work, house and yard repairs I have replaced batteries (2) only once. All thanks to my previous employer working as an electrician.
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