I need a new work light...LED or fluorescent?

[porschenut]

This is a little off topic, but I need to buy a new work light and I'm not sure what's better, LED or fluorescent. Up until now I've used incandescent flashlights and a spot light, but I'd like to get a light bar of some type, preferably a cordless one. This would only be for working on the car. So, what are you guys using? Any opinions on LED vs. fluorescent?

[John W.]

I use both - the LED one I have isn't as bright but it's cordless so that's a plus. I use the fluorescent one if I need more light. Maybe they have brighter LED ones now. LEDs do use much less electricity for the same amount of light.

[Scott Douglas]

A fella over on the 912bbs just posted some LED ones he's been using that he got at Sears. A tube and a folding flat panel. They look like they could be pretty bright. I use one of the fluorescent tubes on a reel cord under the car. It's not as bright as the old incandescent trouble light my dad had, but it doesn't get nearly as hot and burn ya the way that one did either.
Here's the link to the thread on the 912bbs:
912 Board - Viewing Topic: Nice addition to the shop

[mholbrook38]

I don't recommend the ones from SnapOn sold at Costco. It still works but the hanger broke off almost immediately. I've got a plastic cheap POS that I've had for 20 years and it still hangs.

I do like the light from the fluorescent tubes but I also use hand held LED flashlights a lot and like them too.

Progress.....

[DRACO A5OG]

Fluorescent, I found LED, though bright cast too many shadows. Fluorescent or Standard Bulbs fills out the area or component better IMHO. I use both for specific needs.

[RSWiser]

I have two LED lights. One on charger and one with me under the car or where ever I need it. One runs down and I switch. Had regular and florescent, both the bulbs broke if I dropped them, which I do.

I prefer the LED.

[nineball]

i used to use a cordless led bar light from sears but after a year or so the thing just wouldn't hold a charge for anything. i also did not like the output from it. this was what it looked like:

Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

now i use one of these and love it:

Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

[Joe Bob]

I just ordered a DeWalt.....compatible with my 18v batteries......

Amazon...30 ish.

[smunczen]

I use a steamlight stinger allot very bright and small to fit in tough areas.

[Joe Bob]

For hand held, brite light from hell, the Lithium Sure Shot has no better comparison.

[RoninLB]

Fluorescent

from flaps both single tube and double
have dropped both units a few times and not broken..... been lucky i guess

led hurts

[porschenut]

Looks like fluorescent for me. From what I've read elsewhere, LEDs are better for directed light, like a flashlight, where fluorescent is better for lighting an area like an engine compartment or a wheel well.

[Flat Six]

I use an old-style 'cage' light but replace the incandescent bulb with a 100 watt equivalent screw-in fluorescent bulb. REALLY bright and bulb stays cool. Only (minimal) downside is that it takes 15-20 seconds to reach full luminosity -- not a big deal in my case.

Also, those little 3-5 LED lights that clip on the bill of your cap are really handy. They looked kinda dorky to me at first, but since I usually wear a cap when wrenching -- especially when under the car -- I thought I'd give one a try. Best $5 I've spent in a while.

HTH

Dale

[KOH]

I use a 19.2 volt cordless fluorescent and a 19.2 halogen, both Sears Craftsman. I've always wanted to try the LEDs that mount on a cap (or are built-in).

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Flat Six

Also, those little 3-5 LED lights that clip on the bill of your cap are really handy. They looked kinda dorky to me at first, but since I usually wear a cap when wrenching -- especially when under the car -- I thought I'd give one a try. Best $5 I've spent in a while.

+1 This sort of light, correct?

[rusnak]

I have one of these 8-LED folding worklight with a magnetic base. I'm always working outside in the dark, so I have to have good worklights.

[Flat Six]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

+1 This sort of light, correct?

More like this, Bob: