Best Work Lights?
Best Work Lights? Well right now all i have is a light bulb with a really long extension cord. 
Im lookin into buying some nice lights for working on the car. Who makes the best bang for the buck? Quality?
Im lookin into buying some nice lights for working on the car. Who makes the best bang for the buck? Quality?
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Berwyn, IL
I don't know about bang for the buck, but I would not consider anything with an incandescent light. They get too hot and burn things. I like fluorescent, but I have used LED lights at the school shop and they work well. The LED survive dropping better than any of the others.
I use a few different kinds since I used to have to work out of a carport. 
Probably the most used light I have is like this since it has plastic hooks to prevent scratches and a variety of positioning options.
I also have a few halogen lamps, only problem with these for me is it's hard to get them positioned at a good height for the truck.
Probably the most used light I have is like this since it has plastic hooks to prevent scratches and a variety of positioning options.I also have a few halogen lamps, only problem with these for me is it's hard to get them positioned at a good height for the truck.
Originally Posted by OBXMarine
I use a few different kinds since I used to have to work out of a carport. Probably the most used light I have is like this since it has plastic hooks to prevent scratches and a variety of positioning options.
I also have a few halogen lamps, only problem with these for me is it's hard to get them positioned at a good height for the truck.
Probably the most used light I have is like this since it has plastic hooks to prevent scratches and a variety of positioning options.I also have a few halogen lamps, only problem with these for me is it's hard to get them positioned at a good height for the truck.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 374
Likes: 1
That is actually 2 bulbs. I had one that I bought years ago at home depot for $9 with a single one like that, I’ve driven over it in my truck, dropped **** on it… and it finally died. I actually found another on sale at HF for $6 and I’m back in business.
I also have one of the long, red ended craftsman ones that I never really liked. It’s kind of big and dim, and the 2 switch thing on it is somewhat annoying (when the power goes out or you unplug it and plug it back in you have to screw around with it to get the ballast to light the bulb again).
I also have one of the long, red ended craftsman ones that I never really liked. It’s kind of big and dim, and the 2 switch thing on it is somewhat annoying (when the power goes out or you unplug it and plug it back in you have to screw around with it to get the ballast to light the bulb again).
i do my best work in the dark
but seriously get a decent flash light makita makes a nice one and maybe one of them single flood lights. I really dont use anything but my flash lite
but seriously get a decent flash light makita makes a nice one and maybe one of them single flood lights. I really dont use anything but my flash lite
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Originally Posted by dgformula2k
Where did you buy that top one? I've never seen a work light with that kind of bulb.
). http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...&R=200309803It
Craftsman also makes one that looks real nice (has a magnetic mount in addition to the 2 hooks).
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=03483893000
I have a couple of those single fluorescent bulb drop lights. I like 'em because they fit anywhere, and you can do stuff like throw 'em on the floorboard while working under the dash, and not worry about burning the carpet (or yourself).
And then I have one of those dual headed 1000W halogen tripod lamps. For when I wish to play God ("Let there be Light"). Does the trick (especially when I was welding under the car), but they get HOT. Having both the fluorescents and the halogens is a nice mix.
And then I have one of those dual headed 1000W halogen tripod lamps. For when I wish to play God ("Let there be Light"). Does the trick (especially when I was welding under the car), but they get HOT. Having both the fluorescents and the halogens is a nice mix.
Originally Posted by Charging TA
I still like the Mac Tools (and some other brand ones), tube work lights (meant just for mechanics)... dont know the "technical" name for them. Come in pretty handy.
I use a few different ones at work.
I have these boiled down to a fine science.
Matco/MAC flourescent drop lights - 2 drops , and they are done. New bulbs are big money for those toilets as well.
Definately my least favorite lights. But the Matco has a extra outlet built into the handle of the light.
My new Snap-on drop light is bad ***. I've dropped it at least a dozen times from roughly 6.5', and the thing will not break. No outlet provision though... These are about $70 bucks.
I also bought a cheapie off my Snap-On guy called the "Sun Light". Just a twin tube flourescent drop light, with blue rubber protectors. I paid about $30 for this one, and definately recommend it.
The cheapie has been the best bargain yet. It's proven to be almost indestructible under regular use.
I love flashlights too, but find it best to have one of each.
Buy a twin tube drop light, and a nice flashlight with rechargable battery packs and call it a day
I have these boiled down to a fine science.
Matco/MAC flourescent drop lights - 2 drops , and they are done. New bulbs are big money for those toilets as well.
Definately my least favorite lights. But the Matco has a extra outlet built into the handle of the light.
My new Snap-on drop light is bad ***. I've dropped it at least a dozen times from roughly 6.5', and the thing will not break. No outlet provision though... These are about $70 bucks.
I also bought a cheapie off my Snap-On guy called the "Sun Light". Just a twin tube flourescent drop light, with blue rubber protectors. I paid about $30 for this one, and definately recommend it.
The cheapie has been the best bargain yet. It's proven to be almost indestructible under regular use.
I love flashlights too, but find it best to have one of each.
Buy a twin tube drop light, and a nice flashlight with rechargable battery packs and call it a day
The "twin tube" fluorescent is really just a single tube bent over... but I'll agree, it's the best. I've abused mine HARD, and only broken 1 bulb (when I got pissed and threw it, LOL). $4 for a new bulb and I was back in action. I think I paid $19 for it. And it has the extra outlet, and it doesn't get hot. Some of them don't have very long leads though. I have 1 (my old one) that has a 15 foot lead, and the other one is 10 (I think). The extra length really helps...
At work, I have a 1 LED penlight, 2 AA Mag light with a 3 LED bulb, Couple Snap On Angle lights, and I just picked up a Mac Rechargeable Cordless Led Trouble Light not too long ago. It has 30 LED's :-D
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Charlotte NC...but a Jersey boy till death
Strait Line By far the best work/shop/trouble light I've ever bought, and for the price you can't beat it. The clamps can be removed so you can get it over things and well those clamps are awesome for working in and around the car....best light ever. It's also pretty damn bright, lot better then those crappy Baco lights that are shown.
I got it at Home Depot a few weeks ago. Awesome light
I got it at Home Depot a few weeks ago. Awesome light