Winter / Work lights

[RnR]

Unfortunately, when duty calls I periodically have to work outside in an unprotected environment... how else can one have "fun" in those Northern winters?!

In times past, this has meant occasionally sticking an LED light in my teeth to illuminate a limited work area... but that gets old - real fast - or stringing the old drop light from a porch light socket. Neither is ideal, I admit.

Might there be suggestions for a wiser illumination choice, one that could adequately fill an entire engine compartment, perhaps clamp to the open hood, but still be easily detachable for close-up inspection, and rugged enough for cold-weather operation?

I haven't been terribly impressed by "rough service" bulbs in my plastic drop light, nor have I tried a fluorescent bulb in it either, but I suspect there are better options out there.

Technology is of secondary importance, but portability is premium.

What do you like?

 

[daman]

I use the light that came with my 18v Dewalt drill works good nice and bright and lasts.

or do you need a bigger broader lite to light up your work area?

 

[RnR]

Is that LED or incandescent? Sounds workable if it doesn't slip and slide off a non-flat surface.

BTW, can you adjust the head angle?

Already have (2) Makita's though, but nothing in the 18v category.

 

[fdcg27]

How about a twelve volt fluorescent work light? I have one, it does provide good light, and it can be either hung or easily removed for a closer look.
The battery in the car will run it for more hours than you'll care to use it.
I got mine on clearance at either Meijer or Target, can't remember, and I have seen them at Harbor Freight.

 

[eljefino]

Get a LED miner's headlamp like from REI. They're pretty compact and come with elastic stuff that's so comfy you can just leave them on.

Of course it leaves a shadow, so you probably want something else as well.

My drop light has a 75 watt replacement CFL in it and it's the cats meow. It also doesn't break in rough service, though it does unscrew once in a while. I did drop molten welding slag on a CFL once and that did it in. Oops. It will run off an inverter off the cigar lighter.

Hardware stores have old school 10 inch reflector "clamp" lights as well; they use them with heat lamps for keeping chickens warm and these clamp to car hoods, albeit with poor grip. You're looking at the right time of year; clamp lights and such are always in the <$20 gadget end-aisle displays at various big box stores.

 

[RnR]

Interesting and pricy...

LED Worklight found here.

 

[sciphi]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
Get a LED miner's headlamp like from REI. They're pretty compact and come with elastic stuff that's so comfy you can just leave them on.

Of course it leaves a shadow, so you probably want something else as well.

My drop light has a 75 watt replacement CFL in it and it's the cats meow. It also doesn't break in rough service, though it does unscrew once in a while. I did drop molten welding slag on a CFL once and that did it in. Oops. It will run off an inverter off the cigar lighter.

Hardware stores have old school 10 inch reflector "clamp" lights as well; they use them with heat lamps for keeping chickens warm and these clamp to car hoods, albeit with poor grip. You're looking at the right time of year; clamp lights and such are always in the div>


Did you just place a high-wattage CFL in a regular, shielded worklight and call it good?

I have a Dorcy flexible gooseneck LED flashlight that's great for putting light into confined spaces. It's been wrapped around springs, engine components (when cold!), and my shoulders before.

 

[Vikas]

Get a good headlamp

 

[eljefino]

Originally Posted By: sciphi

Did you just place a high-wattage CFL in a regular, shielded worklight and call it good?


Yes but with one mod: I spray painted the solid side of the worklight white so it reflects better!

It's nice how CFLs don't give off much heat. When you're working on dark grease-covered engines they really soak up the light!

Quote:

I have a Dorcy flexible gooseneck LED flashlight that's great for putting light into confined spaces. It's been wrapped around springs, engine components (when cold!), and my shoulders before.


What OP needs. Lots of lighting gadgets come out around Xmas and Father's Day.

 

[sciphi]

Nice idea! I'll have to try that with my donated worklight and leftover white Rustoleum.

 

[RnR]

Originally Posted By: sciphi
I have a Dorcy flexible gooseneck LED flashlight that's great for putting light into confined spaces. It's been wrapped around springs, engine components (when cold!), and my shoulders before.

Once had a Black & Decker snake light which is likely similar to this - but not rechargeable and incandescent.

I like the headlamp suggestion, but something that can be poked into confined spaces with near 360* dispersion would be a nice addition to that. Perhaps something like a traffic wand with a white illuminator could work.

 

[Vikas]

Few weeks ago I picked up the rechargeable 35LED from Sears. I paid $20 on sale and later it was available for $17 :-(

It is good light with reasonable illumination. The best thing about it is that it has fast smart charger which should help maintain the battery over the years.

- Vikas

 

[IndyIan]

I use a headlamp with a white LED, red LED, and a focused incandesent light, for the chores, and I end up using the red LED light on it the most. Your eyes won't adjust to the red light so you can see quite well without losing most of your night vision.
I don't recommend it for working on wiring though...

Colors are hard to make out and some are shifted.