Cheap generic 4’ LED short light no longer have frosted diffusers

[Rmay635703]

The low cost generic integral 4’ LED “shop lights “ where the light, fixture, chain and mount are all stuck together that…

I would like to use over my washer, front of my garage, sewing machine and in my basement work area
Appear to rarely come with the cheap frosted plastic cover that acts as a diffuser.

The old discontinued one I have had many years did have a plastic frosted cover, after checking variations from 3 different big box stores, all have a poor on box illustration that says diffuser which is actually just a clear tube, the housing looks like it should support a frosted plastic cover but I haven’t found one in store with it.

LEDs are basically unusable without a diffuser for detail work, any ideas what I might use as a diffuser?

The included paperwork with the most recent Westinghouse version I bought doesn’t appear to allude to any different models that would include a cover.

These things aren’t worth $70 (every one I’ve picked up is $17-$35)
They seem to last but now trying to find one exactly like the first one I purchased with a nice soft diffuser seems to no longer be a thing.
When I’ve found them configured the way I want, they seem to come back as discontinued when I order.

Ah well my rant of the day, there are advantages to fluorescent tubes but parts for those are hard to find as well

 

[Bailey28]

I envision what you refer to as a diffuser might be a frosted lens of sort? I have several Rural King 4 foot LED shop lights and when you look at the 'bulbs' they are little LED squares behind a clear cover.

Having left one of the lights on over a workbench I can tell you the light itself has faded everything hanging on the bench even the tool handles that are directly exposed to the light.

 

[DCDG]

Best fixtures are the converted fluorescent ones. its just what modern design has gone over to fewer lesser parts = cost savings to manufacture. These fixtures here feature a wraparound lens.

 

[repairman54]

I've had good luck with the Harbor Fright 4' ones. Florescent conversion bulbs seen to be hit / miss as far as brightness and lifespan among the brands in the ones I've done in both 4' and 8' tubes.

 

[DCDG]

I've had good luck with the Harbor Fright 4' ones. Florescent conversion bulbs seen to be hit / miss as far as brightness and lifespan among the brands in the ones I've done in both 4' and 8' tubes.

electrical supply house or 1000 bulbs would be my go to for conversion bulbs Amazon would definitely raise the chance of hit or miss in quality and longevity

 

[Rmay635703]

Yeah these are all in one led lights where the whole thing resembles a fluorescent shop light enclosure you can hang up by chain anywhere

They are convenient because you can just hang them anywhere and easily take them down.

You see them in box stores, I have one hung over the washer where the lighting is poor, so it’s easier to spot clean.

The new models seem to be missing the frosted plastic cover that diffuses the light so you aren’t blinded and dassled.