I’m in the market to upgrade my work light that I use under the hood and around the car when working on it.

I see all kinds online, LED, rechargeable, corded, dimmable and such. One feature that I do want is the ability to replace the bulb in the future. What are you guys using and why do you like it?

 

I have a LED corded one. I think it is a Sears, got it as a present, many years ago. I like it. The one thing nice is it has a removable magnet, so you can place it, where you need it and it stays if there is metal there.

 

I use an old tried and true cheapy drop light with an extremely bright led bulb.

 

I have a 48" led light that I clamp to the hood for most projects. It was a game changer. I use the same light for interior jobs too.

 

I used a corded drop light I've tried all kinds of rough service bulbs and finally went to an led 60wt works great

 

I use a rechargeable led stick light.
Great for use around the car , no cord to rub and tangle up in, also used around the house and projects away from the house.

 

I rarely use incandescents in anything. Lights for heat, dim bulb testers, and attic lights with limited access and time on them is about it.

 

I've had this for 4 years, and it has held up well.
https://a.co/d/6f3neHR

My friend refers to it as the "collapsed sun"

 

While I wouldn't mind having a fleming442 light, I really like my foldable 18V ryobi. Inexpensive and ultra-portable. In the engine compartment, it throws enough light anywhere I need it. And hooks if I want to hang it on the hood. But if I have to get under the car real quick like when doing a coolant hose changeout, I just grab it and go. Can't do that with the hood clamped light. It does need a separate battery, but has several hours run time on one charge.

 

I suppose it's worth mentioning: I have never used the hood mount bar. The light came with magnetic stands on each end, and they work just fine.

A little thing i came up with (shop tip)- cover the magnets with painters tape. It makes removing metal chips/filings/rust from the magnetic field easier and reduces the likelihood of scratches

 

Don't you find this gets to hot, & burns even with a L.E.D. bulb. & the cord is always in your dam way ? After I got burned 100 times that was it. Get a cordless L.E.D. you will never go back.

 

I have an old style drop light. Every time I work on my Oldsmobile or Bullnose truck I think I should get a better one. 🤔

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-75-W...H-21/301035737

 

This is the best light I have found, very bright, rugged case, rechargeable, and a strong magnet that doesn't let it move.

 

The LED's don't get very hot. After 40+ years using these lights, I don't have a problem with the cord. I've had cordless lights, the batteries didn't last very long.

 

Perfect! Thanks, Flemming. I aways neded to be vigilant to remove and replace without leaving a mark.

 

https://www.grainger.com/product/481...AaAo29EALw_wcB

Uses the M18 battery which is what most of my other tools use (or the M12).

 

I have a corded 4ft LED light that clamps to the hood. When I bought it, it had a 15 ft cord. I got tired of tripping over the cord, or the cord not being long enough. Not long after buying it, I found an ideal solution.

I found a 30 foot triple triple extension cord on a self winding reel. I think I paid 5 bucks for it? I cut the outlets off and wired it to the drop light. Now I have exactly how much cord I need without tripping over it.

I recently bought a couple of cheap harbour freight rechargeable LED lights that also clip onto the hood. The lights work for several hours on a single charge. The only flaw is the light occasionally interferes with my radio reception when it’s plugged in. I created a thread about the issue, someone had a couple of suggestions. The clasic rock station I listen to is kinda distant, local stations aren’t affected. So I’m not too concerned.

 

My oldest Son bought this one for me Father's day before last and I really like it over my old corded light. It is very versible.
Clamp it to the headbanger on the W and it really lights up the whole engine compartment.

 

I have this one as well. I could probably run it a month with the 12 amp battery. It is where I use the otherwise useless 2 amp batteries.

 

1600 Lumen Corded Handheld Work Light

25 feet of cord and LED

 

My wife bought me one of these 5 or 6 years ago. The battery died after about 3 years so I bought a second one and I love it. Very bright. I think you can find it at a better price at Walmart

 

I had what I'd call a hand held version of that under Snap-On brand. Had a handle on it and two brightness levels. The batteries eventually died out and wouldn't take a charg and I didn't realize at the time you could change them out even though they were in a non-replaceable "battery pack".

 

I decided to go with the Eastwood Gladius LED Work Light. It’s not everything on my wish list; however, I very much like the features it offers. I didn’t get the replaceable bulb option I wanted, but like most things, work lights are different than they were in the past.

The Gladius light has articulated ends for complete adjustability, the light is bright (if it doesn’t burn out), and the light can be used while in charging mode, which doesn’t leave me in the dark like some rechargeables.

By the way, the light is cheaper at the eBay Eastwood Store than it is on the Eastwood website.

Many useful comments from all and I appreciate them. Happy Motoring!

 

Just to throw in something different, I find that as my eyes have aged I really like the Nebo headlamps.

Yeah, it makes you look like a coal miner and blasts in your wife’s eyes when you leave the garage, but they’re very helpful automatically pointing at whatever you’re working on.

If you use a ball cap, then you have to turn it around to clear the bill, though.

I like the high lumen lamps with rechargeable batteries. Good stuff. I have one stashed in the car too just in case I need to see something on a dark road at night time.

Cheers
Chris

 

I like the headlamps also. Bright, focused light