Need a good under hood work light

Bugsinrugs · 02-09-2018, 02:28 PM

Today I replaced the passenger side valve cover gasket on my wrx. Job wasn't too hard but having enough light to see the bolts and get a wrench on them was challenging. Can anyone recommend a good work light. I'm going to reward myself since I saved $$ doing this myself.

pwd72s · 02:46 PM

https://wiki.ezvid.com/best-under-hood-work-lights?id=adw&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoJaLjoCa2QIVihuBCh179QczEAAYASAA EgKNyvD_BwE

and from our host:

https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/TOOL/POR_TOOL_MT0776-detail.htm

RKDinOKC · RKDinOKC's Garage

Thought I had a good light that had a magnetic base. Then realized my car has an aluminum hood and fenders, Doh.

John Rogers · 02-09-2018, 02:53 PM

I got one from Harbor Freight: 120 LED Rechargeable Under Hood Work Light, less than $20. works GREAT.

Nickshu · Nickshu's Garage

Wear a headlight. Works great for me. I actually use an LED camping headlight from REI.

Sent from my Galaxy S7 using Tapatalk

asphaltgambler · 02-09-2018, 03:49 PM

Cat light ( as in Caterpiller). I use mine all the day long. Available online

Bugsinrugs · 02-09-2018, 03:54 PM

I like this one, https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/TOOL/POR_TOOL_MT0776_pg62.htm
I wonder how long the batteries last?

Bugsinrugs · 02-09-2018, 03:56 PM

So many choices.....not having a cord is nice but then not worrying about batteries is also nice.

pete3799 · pete3799's Garage

I've got one of these in the garage and like it . Can charge it from a wall outlet or cigarette lighter.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NBC85911

look 171 · 02-09-2018, 04:32 PM

We have those Home Depot cordless LED lights that put out 1000 Lumens for about 35-40 bucks. If it runs out of cordless power, then plug it in and continue using it as it charges at the same time. No bulky batteries to worry about and if it gets run over, its not really a big lost. We dropped them a bunch of times off the ladder and they held up pretty damn well. Plenty of light too. It will last about 2 hours on continuous run. Not bad at all for 40 bucks.

drkshdw · 02-09-2018, 04:37 PM

I use one of these. It's HF's version of an Astro 40SL. It works amazing. Lights up everything, has a magnetic base, USB charger, gets into tight spaces, has an adjustable head and works after being dropped in mud and on concrete. You can often find it on sale for $20.

https://www.harborfreight.com/390-lumen-magnetic-slim-bar-folding-led-worklight-63958.html

gshase · 02-09-2018, 04:55 PM

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B074FZ581R/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1

I use these in my business and they last for over 4 hours and are great in an attic. They are super small and bright

ckelly78z · 02-09-2018, 06:38 PM

Working on my Mustang today trying to change spark plugs/cleaning coil packs and the big halogen light keeps flickering. I finally yank it away, and get an incandescent hand held shoplight, and the bulb pops after a slight jiggle....ended up using my high powered pocket flashlight.

After reading this thread, I will tart using my high powered head lamp more often....thanks.

svandamme · svandamme's Garage

I just buy el cheapo LED battery lights, big and small, cost about 4-5 euro a pop.

now if i crawl under my car, i can put one right next to me, and stick 2 or so in the engine bay in various positions, why bother with 1 good lamp when you can get 20 or so cheap ones for the same price?

if the battery runs out, get a new one from the drawer
if one falls to the ground, get a new one
if one dunks in a oil pan... you guessed it, get a new one