For a LONG time, I've wished for a bright, small light on the end of a long, flexible wand that I could bend, snake into a tight spot and have it stay there. Couldn't understand why in the world these were so hard to find.
Then one day I found it at IKEA:
Jansjo LED worklamp. Also available in white and with a clip-on base instead of the weighted one as shown. Price? $10. Go IKEA!
I can snake it under a dashboard to see something deep inside, or bend it to illumate a cut on the bandsaw, peer deep into the engine compartment to search for some #$%^!-end of vacuum hose, or illuminate the nooks & crannies of the Citation I just finished workin on.
Previously I'd been using a residential small can light I'd found for $1 at a garage sale. It uses a halogen GU10 bulb, which is tough & durable, and is very bright. It does produce some heat, which can be nice when you're working in a cold attic in winter. Turns out these are avail new at Lowes:
Mine doesn't have the glvnzd jnctn box on one end. I hooked a cord to it with a couple of wire nuts and I was in business. The lamp holder does swivel, which is useful if I need to lay it on the ground and swivel it up a bit or hang it overhead and point the light a bit in another location. Not too much swivel room, but usually enough. The outer can allows you to hold onto it with your bare hands. 110VAC. Cost? $10. Epoxy a strong Neo-Dim magnet to it and you could stick it anywhere under the hood. You could also attach a large spring clamp to it with a few sheet metal screws. Perfect for older eyes that need more light!
Utilitech White 3-in Standard Remodel Recessed Lighting Kit
Item #: 16059 | Model #: 105851-028
$9.98
A GU10 bulb is like a 110VAC version of a 12V MR22: Sealed halogen, parabolic metalized reflector, bright, white light.
I spent years looking for a gooseneck like the IKEA above with an MR22 on the end that I could power with a car battery...no joy.
