Favorite Shop/Work Light?

[Mark E.]

Talk about disruptive technologies.

I'm using my incandescent and florescent shop lights less and less. Even though they're ceiling mounted with a recoil cord mechanism, I find myself using small $5 LED lights more and more often. I have some that are handheld, some can be placed on the floor and aimed, and others which are mounted under hood. I even have a $15 Craftsman baseball cap with LEDs mounted in the leading edge of the brim- which can light up a baseball field.

So my question: What are your favorite shop lights in this brave new world? And what have you done with your old-time 60W incandescent shop light that used to burn your cheeks?

[Thomas S.]

Re: Favorite Shop/Work Light?

There is no substitution for a plain old incandesent lamp but. . . . .
they get too hot
they can shatter causing glass to fly around
fire hazard

Fluorescents are give off a funky washed out light that is usually even but dim.

Inexpensive LED's are very directional, don't spread well. Because of the narrow focus, they tend create hash shadows. If you spend a bit more on an LED light with multichip driver that will take care of the narrow focus. Having some adjustment to the brightness is also a plus.

I use a light made by Milwaukee Tool that uses an 18-volt lithium batter, the same one that they use for some of their power tools. Pictures,are attached. The larger sixe battery will give you about 2-3 hours of light and there are two lighting levels. it's god to have an extra battery charged because unlike most other batteries, lithium batteries don't give you a warning when they are about to die - they just stop supplying power.

the engine images were taken in my garage at night with no other light on.

[Edward B.]

Re: Favorite Shop/Work Light?

My big overhead fluorescent lights have been working fine for 40+ years with only an occasional tube replacement; I see no reason to change. Supplemental lighting, when needed, is provided by a trusty incandescent "trouble light," metal cage and all .

[Stephen L.]

Re: Favorite Shop/Work Light?

try a head lamp (like what a miner would wear) - it is incredibly convenient and keeps hands completely free - no need to pause and readjust - incredibly bright, focusable, various intensities, rechargeable - really like it - this one is expensive...there are many much cheaper (but not as bright - this was the brightest i could find)

Coast HL8R 800

[Edward J.]

Re: Favorite Shop/Work Light?

Mark, LED technology is made leaps and bounds as of the last few years and I have a automotive shop and that's all we use, just plug in or rest on a charging pad when not using. batterys generally last up 5/6 hrs on a single charge. and brightness is great, there are many makers, I find the best lights just rest on a pad, this way grease does not get into a small charging port on the handles, like many makers do.

[Mark E.]

Re: Favorite Shop/Work Light?

Thanks Thomas. I might have to get one of these.

[Mark E.]

Re: Favorite Shop/Work Light?

There are some nice head mounted work lights. Perfect for the jobs where you're on your back looking up at a dark chassis.

[Michael J.]

Re: Favorite Shop/Work Light?

I use some LED track lights in a strip with magnets that I attach to my lift rails under my car. Good illumination for the entire chassis area, which always seems to be where the issues are.......

http://advantagelifts.us/LL-170-Lift-Lights

[Mark E.]

Re: Favorite Shop/Work Light?

I use some LED track lights in a strip with magnets that I attach to my lift rails under my car. Good illumination for the entire chassis area, which always seems to be where the issues are.......
http://advantagelifts.us/LL-170-Lift-Lights

Awesome! Leave it up to you Michael to show off the cool, hi-tech way to do this.

[John D.]

Re: Favorite Shop/Work Light?

LED all the way. Or you think so anyhow. Be very careful using those LED lights.
As Chairman of the Pittsburgh chapter show recently I (the chapter) bought all the judges, tabulators, and workers a really nice LED flashlight. 2000 Lums. Adjustable ray. But the night before the show I had to put batteries in all of them. Shined one in my eyes and thought I was going to go blind. Saw spots for about 10 minutes.
In my shop I switched to all LED flashlights. Really a bonus. For Christmas my sister bought my son and I a Stanley LED flashlight that stands on a tri-pod. Talk about a cool light. When the electric went out the past week (multiple times) The LED lights were a life saver.
Great for judging also. JD

[Keith W.]

Re: Favorite Shop/Work Light?



Craftman hat with LED good for some jobs, hands free or you can upgrade with the flash light in your mouth trick - yes we've all been there

[Mark S.]

Re: Favorite Shop/Work Light?

Just a word of caution. If you use a flashlight in your mouth, you may want to use a plastic one. I have chipped my front teeth with a metal LED flashlight; and my dentist was not happy.