Need work light

[rickcarpenter]

I do some relief/repair work and need a good work flashlight for close in work. I don't know the light lingo, so maybe what I need it for will help determine any specs. I want one not too big, not too heavy, not blindingly bright, lightweight, etc. I've seen the hacks for uberlights but don't need that expense, heat, battery usage, or even that distance. What's the best flashlight/bulb and maybe battery recommendations? I have a 3D maglight with 3W magled for general home use, and that's pretty good, but need something smaller for worktrips. It will live in my toolbag with somewhat infrequent usage, so perhaps some best battery storage procedures might be helpful too. Anything just a little better than a "stock" combo will satisfy my testosterone requirements.

Oh yeah, cost is a factor. If it gets lost or stolen or is used as a hammer, I don't want to cry.

Thanks, Rick (first post)

 

[BBnet3000]

perhaps something like the fenix e20 would do

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=205501

it takes 2xAA batteries, for $13ish you could have 4 eneloops or another battery like that and always have a spare set of batteries ready. it doesnt have multiple modes but i imagine it fits the "bright but not too bright" that you are looking for.

and to tell you the truth, i am a huge fan of lights being focusable, i wish there were more

 

[Marduke]

I recommend a tough headlamp for hands free use. The Energizer Hard Case Pro 100lm Cree headlamp should do nicely.

 

[saabgoblin]

If you work with your hands, try a headlamp, plain and simple. Check in over at the headlamp section and look around.

 

[PsychoBunny]

I have found that the best work light for me is actually a LED
lantern. I have to have both hands free, and I work alot on
electronics where the cabinet is closet sized, and I have to
stick my head in it.
I need low lumens, and my lantern has 4 brightness levels and
runs on 8 D cells. It's also quite small and light, and can be attached
somewhere inside the cabinet i'm working on.

For me, this is far better then any flashlight, but of course, your
needs may be way different.

 

[KingGlamis]

Headlamps are good. But I really like this flashlight/lantern combo.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CUL4DE/?tag=cpf0b6-20

Take the lantern diffuser off and it is a regular 100 lumen flashlight. Also it has a magnet on the back for hands-free use.

Here's a pic of it with the magnet holding it to my hood.

 

[KRUPPSTAHL]

i just spend a whole day under a mobile home of a friend i helped.

get a powerful headlamp.....and i also used my FENIX LD 20 Q5

a lot.....and learned to love it ! i power it with 2 AA's rechargables.

i can just recommend the Fenix LD 20.

easy to carry.....and very powerful.....or less if you dont need it.

 

[Gunner12]

A headlamp might work better for you then a handheld one.

Check here for Maglite drop-ins and mods if you want more out of the mag.

A few questions might help narrow down the selection.

What price?
Preferred batteries?
Type of beam? (floody, tight, in between)
Multimode? (low, high, strobe, etc.)
How much abuse will it see?

:welcome:

 

[HKJ]

For close work Zebralight is one of the best. The H501 uses one AA battery and can be used either as headlamp, mounted in a pocket/belt or standing somewhere.