Lighting has come a long way since I first started construction back in 1990.  Yes, I know I am dating myself but the point is that lighting is so much better now than it used to be.  One of the biggest changes is going from hot, easily breakable halogen lights to bright, strong, clean and cool LED lights.  This brings me to today’s article, the Southwire LED Work Light.

Southwire LED Work Light Overview

If you have been following us for a while, you know how much we love Southwire as a company.  There are so many companies out there that could make themselves better if they took a couple of plays from the Southwire playbook.

The light we are covering today is one of my favorite lights around because of the size, quality, brightness, and light’s color temperature. Adequate lighting is key to any work site.  Light provides safety and also lets you see what you are doing. And poor lighting can be frustrating.  I can’t tell you how many times I have tried to work in areas with low light and it just makes everything harder.

So let’s jump in and see some of the features of this light and then we can go into why I like it so much.

Southwire LED Work Light Features

Southwire has four of these work lights available.  They all have the same features and benefits, the only difference, besides weight is the lumens.  They offer 1500 (CSW1X1), 3000 (CSW3X1), 5000 (CSW5X1), and a 10000 (CSW10X1) lumen work lights.

The one we are taking a look at today is the CSW3X1 which is the 3000 lumen light.

Yes, you want to be able to shine the light in any direction so they built the light with a multi-position ratching frame which makes it easier to shine the light in any direction.

The head also pivots 360° making it even easier to light up an area correctly.

The 3000 lumen work light has 42 small LED lights that are protected with a clear cover.  These LED lights shine at a color temperature of 5000K which is a neutral-to-cool white light as opposed to a warm white light.

The light uses a 18/3 SJTW cord. (SJTW means it is a hard service, thermoplastic cable rated for 300V and approved for outdoor use.)

The top has a padded handle for comfort and a secure grip when adjusting, carrying or moving it.

On the back of the light, there is a covered push button on/off switch.

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As noted above, the head does pivot and I like how small the frame folds down so it’s easier to transport, store, or get into smaller places to shine light. You can adjust the frame a full 180°.

Southwire LED Work Light Performance

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In regards to the performance, it’s really hard to show in a picture since the camera never takes it correctly. The first picture above is the room illuminated with our overhead incandescent lights (note the warm tones). The second and third show the same room illuminated with the Southwire LED Work Light.

In addition to the light’s performance, there are a couple of other things I really like. First, I like its dimensions.  It is lightweight (2.7 lbs.). It has a compact frame (approx. 10″ H x 9″W x 7″D) that folds up nicely for transporting or storing.

Secondly, I like the color temperature of the light.  This is a nice clean white light (5000K) and doesn’t cast a yellow tint.  So when you are working, material colors are correctly represented.  This is extremely important to an electrician so you can distinguish between red and orange, black and brown, well you get the point.

Third, I like the amount of light it gives off.  Sure, it’s not going to light up a gym but for the size and weight, it lights up a lot more than what I expected.

Southwire LED Work Light Value

The 3000 lumen LED light is about $50 on Amazon.  All in all, I think this is a great deal.  The light is a quality light, highly adjustable, and has a nice color so I would have no problem spending $50 on this light.  Remember they also have 1500, 5000, and 10000 lumen work lights.

Southwire LED Work Light Wrap up

Bottom line, this is another winner from Southwire and just another example of why I view Southwire as a great company.  I like how they care about quality and the end user.  They don’t seem like they put junk out to just try and make a buck.

This light is worth the cost and it’s a perfect compact work light that not only should all professionals own but even a homeowner. This is a perfect solution when you need quality lighting you can shine in any direction.

The post Southwire LED Work Light appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

When it comes to electricity, Southwire is known in the industry as the premier electrical company.  They are not only known for having the best quality products but they are also known for how much they give back to our communities.  However today we are talking about lighting up a jobsite with the Southwire String Lights.  So let’s jump in and see what these have to offer.

Jobsite Lights

Lighting is one of the most important things on a jobsite.  If you can’t see, you can’t perform.  When I say lighting, I am not talking about dimly lit jobsites, I am talking about genuinely lighting up the jobsite so we can see every aspect of our work.  Not only does a highly visible jobsite mean better outcomes, but it also means better safety.  The Southwire lights are a great way to light up the jobsite, rooms, and more.

Southwire String Lights Features

We had a chance to try out the Southwire X Uplight, which is the 50′ version.  The model number is 71X4SW.  If you prefer the 100′, the model number is 71X5SW.

Each light uses an anti-glare lens and produces 2200 lumens per head.  The front has 2000 lumens.

One cool feature is even the back produces 200 lumens of light.  So it helps eliminate dark spots.

The cord is a heavy-duty 16/3 cord.

The lights use a three-prong cord.  If you are using one string, there is an end cap to cover up the cord.  However, if you want more lights, you can attach them together.

Where the cord attaches to the light, there is a solid piece that helps to prevent twisting and also bending, and breaking.

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The lights offer a 4-way mounting loop where you can place twist locks.  So you can have the light shine in any direction.

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Here is a quick example of how easy the light is to set up and point in any direction.

Southwire String Lights Performance

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Comparing these to traditional lighting, these are far superior.  Easy to set up, plenty of light, and with LEDs, no maintenance, and the light will last a long time, 50,000 hours.

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While it’s hard to tell in a picture, there is plenty of downward light, but the upward light is great to give light in more than just one direction.

Learn More About these Lights

• 50FT LED String Light – X Uplight – Model # 71X4SW
• 100FT LED String Light – X Uplight  – Model # 71X5SW
• 50FT LED String Light – X Uplight 520 Twist Lock – Model # 71X4SW520
• 100FT LED String Light – X Uplight 520 Twist Lock – Model # 71X5SW520

Southwire String Lights Wrap Up

When it comes to lighting, there is a reason Southwire is an elite company.  They have the experience and offer some of the best products in the marketplace.  The String Lights – X Uplight is just another reason Southwire shines.  The lights are easy to set up, last a long time, have no maintenance, and truly provide light to shine up any location, even in damp environments.

The post Southwire String Lights – X Uplight appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Milwaukee revolutionized the way power tool manufacturers look at lighting.  Before Milwaukee, manufacturers were making cheap lights to help fluff up their tool combo kits.  Well, Milwaukee had enough of that and got serious about offering task-appropriate lights that actually helped the worker.  Now, they are considered the front-runner in the lighting world compared to other power tool manufacturers.  And they just took another leap forward with the Milwaukee Detailing Light.

Milwaukee Detailing Light Overview

No one understands the importance of task lighting more than the automotive world.  If you are a detailer, do restoration, or body guy, light is key for your business and your work.

You may think you are matching colors and it may look good under the indoor lighting but when you pull the car out into direct sunlight, it may be a big wake-up call.  As we know, there are so many different shades of light on the spectrum and they all play a key role in the real world.

Milwaukee saw a need and set out to solve a problem so let’s see if their solution really works.

Milwaukee Detailing Light Features

The Milwaukee (2127-20) M12 light is designed for inspecting paint, detailing, and color matching. It will help identify paint defects, show swirls, and even provide the proper illumination to see metallic direction. The light features a 98+ color rendering index in five color temperatures to mimic natural sunlight.  The light can mimic different spectrums of sunlight from early morning, to midday to overcast.  The light has an IP54 which is dust and water resistance.

The light is powered by an M12 battery and offers up to 14 hours of runtime on an XC 4Ah battery.

The LED is protected by a protective lens.

On the back of the light is Milwaukee’s standard battery “fuel gauge”, and the power button.  Another button allows you to change the mode from high (1,000 lumens), medium (600 lumens), and low (300 lumens).  There is also a separate button to allow you to cycle through five light color temperatures on the Kelvin scale.

On the back of the head, there is a strong magnet in case you need to mount the light while working on the car.

Milwaukee Detailing Light Performance

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With lights, it’s hard to show in a picture how well the light works as a camera will change the color.  But trust us when we say the light does an awesome job and works really well at showing paint variations and defects without moving your project outside.

Milwaukee Detailing Light Value

You can pick this light up at The Home Depot for $200.  I usually balk at these prices but for what you get, it’s a good deal.  Think about how much time and frustration this light can save you when detailing or working with paint.  A $200 investment is a pretty good deal.

Milwaukee Detailing Light Wrap Up

Overall this is a great light.  I like how you can truly use this in the automotive world and how a user can change the light setting to mimic real-world lights.  The light is small but powerful and will be a key tool for anyone in the automotive business.

The post Milwaukee Detailing Light – What You Are Missing appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

EGO is the premier Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) brand for homeowners.  When they first hit the market, they changed the way consumers thought of cordless OPE products.  No longer were cordless lawnmowers and trimmers a joke, EGO set the standards that other companies are still trying to catch up to.  Today we look outside their OPE world and will be taking a look at the EGO Panel Light.

EGO Panel Light Overview

Yes, it’s finally here and I am excited.  What am I so excited about?  I will get to that in a second.  Ever since I first tried EGO back in 2014, I have been hooked.  EGO is the real deal.  High quality, easy to work with, and head and shoulders above the rest.

Their OPE line is my favorite for yard maintenance. So, I have been hoping for them to expand and offer some non-OPE “tools” for us homeowners. And I am not the only one asking, it’s a large community begging for them to expand the 56V battery into other areas.

So why am I so excited?  Because they are finally expanding their offerings into other household areas such as misting fans and now this EGO POWER+ Portable Area Light.

EGO Panel Light Features

The EGO Panel Light (LT1000) offers 10,000 lumens and up to 35 hours of runtime on a 5Ah battery.

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The light is powered by any EGO 56V battery.

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On the side of the light, there is a USB A-Port along with a power button, and buttons to turn the lights brighter or dimmer.  Plus there is another button to turn the different panels on or off.

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Each panel has 30 LED lights to help produce the 10,000 lumens.

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A user can turn on all the panels or some of the panels depending upon how you have your light set up and what angle you need the light to shine on your area.

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The light offers up to 360 degrees of illumination.

On the bottom of the light, there are foldable rafter hooks or you can even mount this on a tripod.

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A feature often overlooked is a way to carry the light.  The EGO panel light has two different handles to carry the light.

When not in use, the light folds up and is extremely compact.

EGO Panel Light Performance

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Yes, it’s very bright and it’s hard to show in a picture or even a video but if you look above, you can get some idea of how bright this light is.  Setting the light up to shine at any angle is easy.  I like the control panel and the feedback on the buttons.  For a light, I want brightness, longevity, and being able to shine the light in any direction, which the EGO does all three, so I am satisfied with the performance of this light.

EGO Panel Light Value

The EGO Panel Light is available on Amazon for about $129 (bare tool) Amazon – which isn’t bad for what you get. You get an extremely bright, cordless light with a long run time, and let’s not forget, the quality of EGO.  So in the end, I believe this is a great value and worth the price.

EGO Panel Light Wrap Up

The bottom line, this is just another reason EGO needs to continue expanding into other household areas and make the EGO 56V the leading household battery system.  Their misting fan is another perfect example.  If you are a homeowner, camper, hunter, tailgater, or anything else where light is an important tool, this light is yours for the taking.

The post EGO Panel Light – Let EGO Light Up Your World appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

“DeWALT, Guaranteed Tough”, that’s been DeWALT’s motto for years, and I would agree. DeWALT tools are tough, but they are also well-engineered, which for me is just as important. When DeWALT puts out a product it is almost always designed better than the competition and does what you need it to do a little better than expected. Is this DeWALT Cordless Hood Light an exception, or does it also outperform the competition?

DeWALT Cordless Hood Light Overview

When you’re working under the hood you really need good lighting. Lighting that is bright and gets where you need to work. There is not much we didn’t like about this hood light. It is bright (with two brightness settings), attaches securely (with options), and the length is adjustable. It can be used as a free-standing light, and it’s cordless. You really couldn’t ask for much more.

DeWALT Cordless Hood Light Features

The DeWALT Cordless Hood Light (Model DCL045B) will fit most SUV, truck, and car hoods. It is 51″ long and can be extended to 74″. When folded in half it can be stowed away at 26″ long. It weighs just at 6 lbs., bare tool.

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It works with DeWALT’s Li-Ion battery platforms: 12V, 20V, and/or FlexVolt. According to DeWALT, when using a 20V Max battery, it will run five hours on High (1,700 lumens) and 10 hours on Low (800 lumens).

There are two 11″ light bars. The entire hood light provides up to 1,700 lumens when fully illuminated on High.

All controls are easily accessible at the battery end of the light bar.

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This light offers more flexibility than any other hood light we’ve tried. You can use it on High or Low. You can have it fully illuminated or only use it in a left or right single-arm mode.

The anti-marring, padded hooks also rotate 360°. This offers great flexibility to securely hook this light to most cars, trucks, and SUVs. Folded in half and with the padded hooks rotated outward, this light can also be used freestanding. This would definitely come in handy if you needed to work around the outside of your vehicle, like changing a tire or doing some brake work.

DeWALT Cordless Hood Light Performance

The DeWALT Cordless Hood Light is brighter than almost every other similar bar hood light on the market. We were able to easily and securely hook it in a variety of positions to a variety of vehicles. You can also use it as a free-standing light. So as with other DeWALT tools we’ve used, this light does everything we could want from a hood light and has a few extra features we didn’t expect (like all of the different light settings).

DeWALT Cordless Hood Light Value

It is brighter, lighter, and offers more options than just about any other similar hood light on the market. This is also one of the few hood light bars that fold in half; to be used as a free-standing light and for easier storage. And I really appreciate the battery platform flexibility; that it works almost every DeWALT Li-Ion battery platform you might have – that’s value. So I think $179 (bare tool) on Amazon is a great price.

DeWALT Cordless Hood Light Wrap Up

This DeWALT Cordless Hood Light performed in typical DeWALT fashion: tough, well-engineered, and above my expectations. And I probably haven’t put enough emphasis on how great it is to work with a CORDLESS hood light. No tripping over cords or having cords draped over my work area. If you already have DeWALT cordless tools, this is a great light and one you might want to add to your garage. And if you are not a DeWALT tool owner, but you need a high-performance, flexible, quality hood light bar this light is worth considering.

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Every power tool manufacturer has some type of jobsite lighting in their line up but not all are created equal.  Today we are looking at the SKIL 12V Light to see if this is a good fit for you while working on your vehicle or other projects.  The light is said to be bright and versatile so let’s see if it holds true.

SKIL 12V Light Overview

While you can use this light on a variety of projects, this light is really designed for the mechanic.  The light is lightweight, bright, offers multiple mounting options, and you can direct the light in about any direction.  As you know when working on a vehicle, you have to be a contortionist to get into certain places.  So our light source needs to be a contortionist as well and be able to shine its light onto a variety of workspaces.  Now let’s jump in and take a closer look at the SKIL 12V Light.

SKIL 12V Light Features

So one must-have feature for a mechanic‘s light is brightness; this light provides 600 lumens to light up any area.  While the light may be big in brightness, the light is compact in its footprint.  The light weighs 1 lb. and is 14.69″ L x  3.43″W, making it great for those tight spots.

Yes, it’s only a 12V light but it offers 7.5 hours of runtime making this the perfect light to get through your workday.

As noted the light is powered by a SKIL 12V battery.  Now not all batteries are created equal and batteries are different.  SKIL offers one of the most advanced battery systems in the power tool world.  Each SKIL cell is wrapped with cooling material to help increase the runtime and longevity of the battery.  Heat kills batteries so any advancements in keeping a battery cool during use is a huge leap forward.

One of my favorite features of this light is the lens.  SKIL uses a diffusing lens to help spread the light and keep the light even, making it a cleaner light.  If you have ever seen an LED light with clear glass, it can be very annoying since it shows dots all over the place.

The on/off button also acts as a mode button.  Press the button once and the light will turn to high mode.  Press again and it will turn to low mode.  And if you hold the button on for about three seconds, it will go into strobe mode.

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As we talked about, versatility is extremely important for a mechanics light.  The SKIL 12V Light has a 180° pivoting head with a 270° left/right swivel. These are the features that allow you to aim the light in any direction and illuminate where you need it.

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Sure it’s great to have a head that will allow you to shine light in any direction but having a way to keep it in place while you’re working is just as important.  It’s no surprise that SKIL thought ahead and designed this light with a built-in hook, magnet, and rafter hook so you can just about hang or mount this light in any area.

SKIL 12V Light Performance

This is a solid light for a number of reasons.

First, the quality.  The push-button and the swivel feel extremely nice.  Nothing feels loose or cheap.

Second, I like the versatility.  I can position this light on all most any surface and swivel the head in any direction to get the light right where I am working.

Third, I like the lighting options: high/low brightness, and strobe. And the switch design is smart. I like how I can push the button to go from high to low and then off.  While I won’t keep this in my car, the strobe feature is a great option for those who will have it in their vehicle.  And it’s great that you have to hold the push button down, to access the strobe.  Since I probably won’t be using the strobe, I like how I will never have to toggle through that setting and get frustrated.

Fourth, the 600 lumens is a nice output.  And I really like is how the lens diffuses the light and helps spread it out instead of seeing just the white dots and dark areas that you often get with a clear lens.

SKIL 12V Light Value

You can pick this light up at Lowes for about $40 for the bare tool.  Overall, it’s not a bad deal for the quality, versatility, and light output.  Comparing it to other lights in this price range, the SKIL definitely has more features and versatility than the competitors.

SKIL 12V Light Wrap Up

If you own any SKIL 12V tools, this is a no-brainer.  The light offers plenty of options for hanging and directing light.  If you are looking for a solid light and don’t own any SKIL 12V tools, this is a great start to get you into SKIL’s ever-growing 12V tool line. So the answer to our question from the first paragraph is “yes”, this light is bright and versatile.

The post SKIL 12V Light appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

When it comes to job site lighting, Milwaukee owns the market.  They have everything from a small penlight to their famous Rocket Lights.  Today we are going to cover one of their newer lights, the Milwaukee Service Light.  So let’s jump in and take a look at this 12V light.

Milwaukee Service Light Information

• Name – Milwaukee Rover M12 Service & Repair Floodlight
• Model – 2367-20
• Price – $60
• Where to Buy – The Home Depot
• Milwaukee Reviews – Milwaukee Power Tool Reviews

Milwaukee Service Light Features

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Just because this light is small, doesn’t mean it’s not powerful.  Here are some of the features of the Milwaukee 12V Service Light.

• 700 Lumens
• 24 hour run time on low with a 4Ah battery
• 120° pivoting light head
• Magnetic mounting
• 2.1 Amp USB output
• IP54 Rated

Milwaukee Service Light Impressions

When it comes to power tool lights, I am a huge fan of Milwaukee.  I like the variety of sizes and the price range of lights they offer – plus I like the durability of these lights.  And the 2367-20 is not an exception.  First I like the size.  The light is small and can fit in your jacket pocket or tool bag.

Second, the light is extremely bright for its size.  With 700 lumens, you can easily light up any work area.

Lastly, the light lets you set it up in all most any fashion so you can direct light where you need it most.

Milwaukee Service Light Wrap Up

Bottom line, if you need a great small light that is durable, versatile, and bright, this is a great light to own.  Even if you are not on the Milwaukee platform, this is still worth the investment into buying this and buying a battery.  While the USB charger is a nice feature, for me it’s the size and power.

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When it comes to jobsite lighting, Milwaukee is leading the way.  In fact, no other power tool manufacturer is even close to Milwaukee Tools.  Milwaukee offers anything from large lights to light up a job site to small pens lights and everything in between.  Today we are taking a look at two of their newer lights, the Milwaukee Rechargeable Lights.

Milwaukee Rechargeable Lights Overview

We know Milwaukee is the leader in the lighting field, which is impressive.  But what impresses me the most is the quality.  All of the Milwaukee lights are high-quality materials, components, and LED lights.  So when you buy a Milwaukee light, you know it’s one of the best on the market.

When I take a look at these rechargeable lights, they fit the mold as they are high quality and bright, which means a lot to any tradesmen.  Job site lights are a must on any job site.  They need to be bright and they need to be tough and that is why a lot of tradesmen buy Milwaukee.  So with that said, let’s take a look at these lights.

Milwaukee Rechargeable Lights Features

The two lights we are going over today are the Milwaukee Compact Light (2160-21) and the Milwaukee Twist Focus Light (2161-21).

Milwaukee Compact Flashlight

• 800 Lumens
• 2 Light Outputs – High and Low
  • High Mode – 800 lumens with 2.5 hours of run time
  • Low Mode – 100 Lumens with 11 hours of run time
• Single Bulls-Eye Beam
• 4M Drop Rated
• IP67 Rated
• Chemical Resistant
• 150M Beam Distance

Milwaukee Twist Focus Flashlight

• 1,100 lumens
• 3 Light Outputs – High, Medium, Low
  • High Mode – 1,100 lumens with 1.75 hours of run time
  • Medium Mode – 600 lumens with 4.5 hours of run time
  • Low mode – 100 Lumens with 14 hours of run time
• 4M Drop Rated
• IP67 Rated
• Chemical Resistant
• 175M Beam Distance

As you can see, the flashlights look the same on the outside except for the lens.  The compact light is on the right and you can see the LED light where the twisted light is more opaque.  The twist light lets the user twist the top of the light to adjust the beam.

The flashlight uses a push-button on/off.  This button also acts as a multi-functional button for battery charge status, mode selection, and mode memory.

As with the other Milwaukee flashlights, there is a grip pattern that makes it easier to grip with gloves or if the flashlight is wet.  The flashlight also comes with a removable pocket clip.

Each flashlight comes with a Milwaukee charging cord.

Milwaukee Rechargeable Lights Performance

Above is the Twist Focus Flashlight.  While it still shows the true color of wire and other items, it does have a tint to it.  I am not sure what Kelvin this light is but I feel it’s closer to the 3000K or 3500K scale.

The above picture is the beam from the Compact Flashlight.  As you can see it is more white.  Again I couldn’t find what Kelvin this light is but looks to me like a 4000K or 5000K.

Here they are side by side.  Now they might be the same Kelvin and only appear different because the Compact Flashlight is a direct beam while the Twist Focus Flashlight has a more broad beam range.

Both lights are great and you can tell the build quality is top-notch.  I really don’t have anything to complain about since they charge fast, hold a charge for a long time and the run time is decent considering the output.

Milwaukee Rechargeable Lights Value

• Twist Focus Flashlight – Home Depot for about $80
• Compact Flashlight – Home Depot for about $70

I know these lights might seem to be expensive and yes, they are compared to other lights.  But when it comes to quality, these lights are great.  They are powerful and the build quality is top-notch, so no worries on the job site with these.

Milwaukee Rechargeable Lights Final Thoughts

When it comes to lights, these two lights are great for the tradesmen.  They are bright and perfect for those jobs where you need a lot of light.  It’s hard to find anything I don’t like about these lights. If you are looking for a solid light for the job, I would take a look at either of these lights depending upon what style you need.

The post Milwaukee Rechargeable Lights appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

A lot of power tool manufacturers have been coming out with Jobsite lighting.  A couple have gone so far as creating a tower light that is bright, easy to move around and is tough enough for the job site.  Which brings me to the Dewalt Tripod light.

As you know there are a lot of job sites that don’t have power or you need extra light for working.  Sure you can get a generator but who wants to listen to that all day long?  Dewalt has a solution that is as tough as any other manufacturer in the market but doesn’t cost nearly as much.

Dewalt Tripod Light Features

The Dewalt light is a telescoping light that extends to 7′ tall.

The light is compatible with all 20V and even the Flexvolt batteries.

Dewalt designed the light with a tripod set up so you always have three points of contact with the ground and make the light extremely stable, even if bumped.

On the side of the light, there is a handle that makes it easy to carry around.  There is also a button to allow you to extend or contract the three legs for storage.

In the middle of the light, there is another handle for multiple carrying options.  There is also a push-button for operating the light.  A single push will turn the light on high, another push will turn it on medium and another push will set the light to low light.  Another push will turn the light off.

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The light features a single large LED that puts out 3000 lumens.

As noted above, you can extend the light.  There are two levers that will allow you to move up and down a section of the light so you can set it at the exact height you want.

When not in use, the light folds up so you can store it in your truck, Jobox or under a workbench.

Dewalt Tripod Light Performance

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So here is the deal.  I am not sure how to show you the performance.  I went in a dark room to shine it up but then I was thinking any light will look good in a dark room.  I tried to show it in my addition since I don’t have lights but again, it’s really hard to see the difference.  So above was the only thing I could really show how bright it is.

It’s a picture so it’s hard to show but I wanted to try it in a well lit up place, which is our shop.  Now it’s hard to see but you can see how we have a light above.  Once I turn on the Dewalt you can see that it cast shadows on the wall from the box.  This is the only way I can really show how powerful the light is.  As you can see it out powers the light above and creates a show effect.

Dewalt Tripod Light Value

The light cost about $160 at The Home Depot.  Is that a fair price?  I think so considering the Milwaukee is 500 lumens less and $70 more than the Dewalt.

Dewalt Tripod Light Final Thoughts

Since I have been doing my addition, I have been using the heck out of these work lights.  While I love the power and run time of these lights, my favorite part is how quickly and easily they fold up so I can move them from location to location.  This light is powerful, has decent run time and is stable.  What else can I ask for?

*This is part of the THDPRoSpective program

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I am going to blow your mind when I say this but having light is key to being able to see.  In all seriousness, it’s great to have good trustworthy light when you need one.  Which brings me to the Ryobi spotlight.  Ryobi is one of those brands that builds power tools with professional features but priced for the homeowner.  A spotlight is one of those lights that has such a wide use because of the power they can offer.

Ryobi Spotlight – Information

• Name – Ryobi 18-Volt Hybrid LED Spotlight with 12-Volt Automotive Cord
• Model – P717
• Price – $79.99
• Where to Buy – Amazon
• Ryobi Reviews – Ryobi Power Tool Reviews

Ryobi Spotlight – Features

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While the light is extremely bright, one of the best features is the hybrid feature.  You can power this light using a Ryobi 18V battery or the included 12V automotive power cord.

The spotlight uses 7 LED lights that put out 700 yard beams and over 2,500 lumens. You will get about a 5-hour runtime with a 4Ah battery.

There is a trigger switch like what you would find on a drill or other Ryobi power tools.  Depress it once and the light will be set to high.  Depress it again and the light will enter the low light mode.  A third pull of the trigger will turn the light off.

Ryobi Spotlight – Impressions

I tried to take pictures at night of the beam but the camera will not focus or show the true light.  So I didn’t measure the distance of the beam because I don’t have a tape measure that goes 700 yards but I will take their word.  I can tell you that this beam goes incredibly far and can see that it would easily go 700 yards.

I love that there is a low and high mode depending upon the application of use.  But best of all is the hybrid solution.  Perfect for those delivery people who need spotlights and want unlimited power.

Ryobi Spotlight – Final Thoughts

Bottom line, I am a huge fan of Ryobi because they have so many tools to grow your tool arsenal.  They have cordless products that aren’t even tools but are great for the homeowner.  I love how reasonably priced they are and the quality they offer for the homeowner.  The spotlight isn’t any different.  I love the hybrid option with the brightness of the professional models but priced within reason.

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We all know having the right tool for the job can make a world of difference.  Having the correct tool can make the job easier, faster, safer and just a better experience.  Well, the same is true for lighting.  If you don’t have enough lighting, then things can take a turn for the worse.  The job becomes hard, more frustration and can be less safe.  So that is where job site lighting comes into play. So let’s check out the Milwaukee 4V light review. While this is a 4V review, two of these lights are 4V rechargeable and two are replaced AAA and AA batteries.

Milwaukee 4V Light Review Overview

How many times have you been working and you need just a little more light to make the job easier?  I am not talking about lighting up a whole job site, I am talking about those times you are working under a hood of a car, inside a furnace, in a corner, somewhere above your head.  These are not uncommon areas that we work in for a daily job.  So there are plenty of times we just need a small light, that is bright, runs for a long time, isn’t heavy in the bag to carry around and is strong for daily abuse.  This is where the Milwaukee 4V shines.

For this review, we are going over four different models.

Milwaukee 4V Light Review Models

Milwaukee 2107 325L Focusing Flashlight

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Features

• 325 Lumens high ( 5 Hours of run time), 25 Lumens low mode (18 hours of run time)
• IP67 Rating
• Spot and flood light
• 377 bream distance
• Aluminum body
• corrosion resistant
• Powered by 3-AAA batteries
• Removable metal pocket clip

Performance

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The light features a single LED light.  This is much like their pen light except shorter and fatter.  To adjust the beam, you can pull open or close the head of the light which is easy to work with.  I like the push button on the back.  Push it once and it turns to high mode, push it again and it turns off.  A third push puts it in low mode.

One thing I noticed about this light was the narrow mode, spotlight mode.  Some lights like this will usually have a square pattern.  What I like about this is the pattern is still round.  I am not sure why the square pattern bothers me so much, but it does.

Value

You can pick this up at The Home Depot for about $35.  While I love this light, I think it is a little pricey.  Yes, I would pay the $35 but it might cause me to shop for other light.  A $20 or $25 price target I feel is what this light is worth.

Milwaukee 2108 Rover Magnetic Flood Light

Features

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• 300 Lumens high mode ( 5 Hours of run time, 100 Lumens low mode (16 Hours of run time)
• Magnets on top and back
• IP 54 rating
• 4M impact resistant
• Rotating metal clip which acts as a base
• Powered by 2-AA batteries

Performance

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This is a great flood light and I like how the clip can be used for directional lighting.  Both the magnets are powerful and will easily attach and stay in place on a metal surface.  The power button is a little small but I do like how you press it once and the light is on high. The second press puts the light in low and the third press turns off the light.

Value

This light can be picked up at The Home Depot for about $30.  For me, this is a little bit better deal.  I like the magnets, the brightness, and the build quality.  So for $30, it’s a pretty good deal.

Milwaukee 2114-21 Rover Pivoting Flood Light

Features

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• 550 Lumens (2 Hours), 250 Lumens (4.5 Hours), 100 Lumens (11.5 Hours)
• 210-degree pivoting head
• IP 54 Rated
• Built-in carabiner
• Rechargeable battery
• Charges 80% in under an hour
• Magnetic base
• 2-year warranty

Performance

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This is a nice compact light that allows you to easily adjust the light direction.  I love not only the carabiner but the magnetic base which means this has so many ways to set this light up, including the pivoting base. The light is bright and changing the modes is as easy as hitting a button.

Value

The light retails for $70 at The Home Depot.  For me, this is a pricy light.  Yes, it is built for the job site and is bright, not to mention the rechargeable battery but $70 is a lot for a light that will probably get left behind by accident.  Now for some, the $70 is worth every penny and I can understand.  I would rather see a light with this size and brightness priced around $40.

Milwaukee 2113-21 Pivoting Flashlight

Features

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• 500 Lumens (Spotlight 2.5 hours), 400 Lumens (Flood 3 hours), 100 Lumens (Flood 10 hours)
• 110-Degree pivoting head
• IP54 rated
• Rechargeable battery
• 80% charged in under an hour
• Magnetic base
• 2 Year warranty

Performance

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This one is probably my favorite light.  I love the spotlight and flood modes.  I like how there is a separate power button with a different mode button to cycle through spotlight and flood mode.  The head pivots nice and I like how tight the head is.  There are no positive stops so you can really stop it in any position.

Value

Here is where I am a little lost, the price.  You can buy this at The Home Depot for $80.  Sure it is a very nice light and the rechargable battery is great.  However $80 is a heafty price tag.  However, with this light, it can be used for so many different applications and in so many places so maybe the $80 is worth it.  I will let you decide.

Milwaukee 4V Light Review Final Thoughts

Overall I am a huge fan of Milwaukee lights.  Out of any power tool manufacturer, I think they consistently hit home runs in this category.  While a couple of them are overpriced, they are all nice and each one has it’s the perfect use.  I like how a couple of them are rechargeable while others can use AAA batteries.  If you need a small, powerful light, one of these Milwaukee lights might be a perfect fit for your arsenal.

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A while back we told you about the Bosch area lighting and we received some cool emails about this light.  Well, the time is now and we have one in our hands.  So let’s jump in and take a look at at the Bosch Cordless Flood Light Review.

Bosch Cordless Flood Light Review Overview

When it comes to lighting, Bosch isn’t a power tool manufacturer that would first come to mind.  However, the Bosch lights we have tested, have all been great.  For their size, the quality and the value, they haven’t disappointed.

The one area I would love to see Bosch expand is tower lighting.  After working on my house project, I realize how important not only lighting is, but large lighting is.  There are plenty of times I was using small lights but it was nice having large tower lights in the area where I wasn’t having to move all the time.  So Bosch, if you’re listening, please release some cool lighting options for those who need large lights.

Bosch Cordless Flood Light Review Features

The Bosch GLI18V-1200C is designed with a plastic composite for durability and to lower the overall weight.  The light measures 8″ high and 5.5″ in length with a width of 8.5″. The light has an IP64 rating. A feature to note is the fade in feature.  The light slowly increases the intensity to full brightness to lessen the changes of flash blindness.

You can power this light with either a Bosch 18V battery or the new Core Battery which will increase the run time.

The 12 LED lights are protected by a hard plastic cover.  The lights have two modes, 1200 (10.6 hours 8Ah battery) or 800 lumens.

To turn on and off, plus change the mode, there is a rubber push button located on top of the light.

The 18V battery is protected by a concealed bay door which does lock light.

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One of the best features is all the angles you can set the light up.  Besides using the handles to carry the light around, you can also use the handles to adjust where the light shines.

On the bottom of the light, there is a 1/4″-20 thread for tripod use.

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While I love the app and what you can do, I also realize that not everyone will be using the app.  However, it’s a great feature to have and it allows you to remotely turn on and off the light via BlueTooth.

Bosch Cordless Flood Light Review Performance

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There are a couple of things that are hard to show in an article and one of them is lighting. A camera shows light in different ways so this is the best I can do and you will have to take my word on the rest.

Overall, the light is extremely bright and will easily light up any room.  I love the fact you can place the light on different planes and aim the light in a wide variety of angles. It’s amazing that 12 LED lights produce so much light.

While I love the light, I would have loved to see this in a hybrid where I can run it off a battery or power cord.  Not a buying deterrent but something to note.

Bosch Cordless Flood Light Review Value

You can pick this up for about $99.  Is it worth the price?  Considering it’s Bosch, yes I would pay that only because I have always had a great experience with them. The light is solid and bright.  Now if you are only getting this light and are not into Bosch, I am not sure if I would spend the money for this light, a battery and a charger.  For those who own Bosch, yes, I would get this light.

If you don’t own Bosch, I would take a look at their line as it’s vast, powerful and a workhorse.

Bosch Cordless Flood Light Review Final Thoughts

Bosch doesn’t have a ton of lights in their SKU, but the ones they do have are solid performers.  For me, I love this light for the size, the price, and the power.  I just wish they would expand their line into tower lights and higher output lights.

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Regardless of industry or hobby, light is valuable. For the longest time, flashlights ruled as portable handheld options. In the mining days, hardhats donned mining lights for hands-free use. For us, this convenience has not died. As a gadget enthusiast, I’ve got a lot of headlamps. One true thing about headlamps is that they are not all created equally. I own some strictly for hobby use with super concentrated LEDs, some for biking trails at night and camping, then, of course, some for rough use. With that being said, I had to test out the Milwaukee. So let’s jump into the Milwaukee 475 Lumen Headlamp Review.

The Milwaukee is a smart choice for any hobbyist, pro, or homeowner. In the weeks that I’ve had it, it’s proven to be one of my favorite headlamps I own and my go-to for use on projects. The easy operation and charging contribute to an overly impressive product, typical of Milwaukee.

Milwaukee 475 Lumen Headlamp Review Overview

As stated above, light is valuable when doing work in low light areas, or just simply to enhance visibility in your workspace. Even more important, is being able to work hands-free. It goes without saying that most homeowners and pros value a good headlamp. For me, I value one that’s not only bright but durable and comfortable.

The Milwaukee (model 2111-21) covers these requirements and surpasses them. First and foremost, the 475 lumens LED mode is more than enough to do the job. But, if that is too bright, there are other options that aren’t as intense. On the flip side, they also don’t affect your run time as much. The selector switch on the unit lets you cycle through 475,300,150, and 20 lumens, respectively, in both spot & flood beam mode. Run time’s for those options vary from 2 hours at 475 lumens, down to 24+ hours at 20 lumens, which is pretty great efficiency. Powering all of this are the Milwaukee Red Lithium rechargeable batteries, contained within the unit. The batteries are removable, so in the odd event that one would go bad, the unit is serviceable. On top of the power and performance, the unit is comfortable. A lot of headlamps on the market are heavy, clunky, and generally, don’t fit well, but Milwaukee has done this one right. The light is both durable and lightweight, with a quality elastic band to securely hold the unit on either your head or hardhat.

Milwaukee 475 Lumen Headlamp Review Features

The head lamp’s elastic band is both strong and features a rubberized honeycomb design that provides plenty of grip.

The beam is extremely bright at 475 lumens, and sufficient for any job, especially with the other settings.

A sticking point between myself and headlamps (literally!) is always the forehead grip. Milwaukee has put a gigantic piece of padded rubber as this piece and actually serves quite well even against sweat and moisture.

The strap is robust as well on the Milwaukee. While most companies cheap out for a slender and thin piece of elastic, the Milwaukee is built with a very thick and sturdy piece to keep the light attached to your head or hardhat.

The included hardhat clips are made so that the light can easily attach to all hardhat types. The clips are made of a thick polymer plastic that will hold up against almost any bump or thud.

As seen on the buttons and around the LED housing, the rubber is meant to keep debris and moisture out. This light specifically is rated at IP54, against water and dust intrusion.

My favorite feature on modern headlamps is the ability to charge via USB, and Milwaukee is no exception. This headlamp uses a standard 5v micro USB for charging, which is perfect for out in the field, or at home.

The array of LEDs across the business end are protected by a rubberized guard, and thick plastic to prevent cracking and breaking. The entire housing is impact, debris, and water resistant.

Like most headlamps, the Milwaukee can be canted up, and down to give you the best field of view with your light. Even after cycling the 6 positions canting ability a ton of times, it was still nice and tight and didn’t get bumped out of place when working underneath vehicles.

Milwaukee 475 Lumen Headlamp Review Value

At around $60, this light is no cheap date. However, what you do get is a limited lifetime warranty on the unit itself, with a 2-year warranty on the RED Lithium battery. To me, and compared to other lights made specifically for harsh environments – that’s pretty darn good. What you also get is the tangible feel of a Milwaukee product. The toughness, durability, and a reputation comes with any Milwaukee tool. I was pleased when opening the packaging to find that the light itself, strap, hardhat clips, and even woven USB charging cord were all top quality. You simply get what you pay for with this light. It’s impressive and leads the pack against competitors.

Milwaukee 475 Lumen Headlamp Review Final Thoughts

All in all, I usually have some criticisms when reviewing tools, but I can’t find any for the Milwaukee Headlamp. Even in terms of areas of improvement, the Milwaukee doesn’t leave much room! It simply checks all of the boxes on durability, build quality, run time, battery, and features. With the price in mind, it might be hard to suggest this unit for the homeowner, but it will certainly last them a long time. For pros or enthusiasts, the Milwaukee is a no brainer. With all of this being said, I can’t wait to continue to put this headlamp through the ringer, and maybe even take it camping to test that IP54 rating!

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Husky is a brand that has been around since 1924 and can be found in any of your local Home Depot stores.  They are known for their hand tools.  For me, I feel they have changed over the years.  They have been producing a better quality product so I look at Husky as a quality tool for a reasonable price.  So what about their other products, how do they stack up.  Let’s take a look with the Husky Utility Light Review and see if this stand up to a quality product for a decent price.

Husky Utility Light Review Overview

Lighting is extremely important in any household or job site.  Having the right light can show you spots you might have missed when painting, help you find something under the couch, see where you need to sand more after you mudded the drywall.

Lights come in all size, shapes, and form.  They can be powered by a plug, a rechargeable battery or replaceable batteries.  If you are looking for a small utility light this is where the Husky comes into play.  The light is small and powerful.

Husky Utility Light Review Features

The Husky Utility light, model 17FL1103 is a small utility light that is 1.75″ deep by 7″ wide and 4.75 high.  The body is made of plastic and weights .79 lbs.

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The light is powered by 6 AAA batteries that are set in two different banks.  While the light can run off a single bank, it’s not as bright. You can expect to get about four hours of run time.

The Husky light uses a single 700 Lumen LED light that will throw light about 65′.

A foldable handle is attached to the back.  The handle will rotate 180 degrees and also has positive stops.

With the foldable handle, it’s easy to set up and will stay in place with the positive stops.

Husky Utility Light Review Performance

As you would expect, the light is bright.  It has 700 Lumens so it easily shines up a room on high.  I like the ease of setting it up with the positive stops on the kickstand.  To turn the light on and off, the push button is a nice feature.  I do wish that once you turn off the light, it would reset and go back to high next time I turn on the light.  I do light how I can softly press the power switch (Without turning it on or off) and it will change from high to low.

The overall quality of the light seems to be good and especially for the price point.

You can either hang this light up, place it on a flat surface or use the kickstand to shine the light in any direction.  The one feature I wish this has was magnetics on the back.  It’s not a deal breaker but I would rather have more options than fewer.

Husky Utility Light Review Value

You can pick this light up at The Home Depot for about $15.  For $15 can anyone really complain? I am sure someone will find something but for me, this is a great deal.  You get a light that is 700 lumens, is portable, easy to replace batteries with a common size and can be set up to shine the light in all most any direction, what’s not to like about a $15 price tag?

Husky Utility Light Review Final Thoughts

Bottom line, you get a quality light for $15.  The light is bright and last up to 4 hours.  This light is great for an emergency if you need a little extra light under the hood, around the house or looking for uneven spots when working with drywall mud.  As you know, there are unlimited places you can use this light and for $15, how can you pass it up if you need a solid light you can rely on?

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Milwaukee was the first power tool manufacturer to change the way we look at Job Site lighting.  Before Milwaukee redesigned the category, job site lighting was an afterthought.  It was that tool that came with the combo kit to increase the number of tools and make it look more appealing to the buyer.  Milwaukee saw a need and designed a whole new lighting world for the tradesman.  So if you are looking for a small rechargeable light, the Milwaukee Rover light might be your solution.

Milwaukee Rover Light – Information

• Name – Milwaukee USB Rechargeable Rover Pivoting Flood Light
• Model – 2114-21
• Price – $70
• Where to Buy – The Home Depot
• Milwaukee’s Page – Rover Light
• Milwaukee Reviews – Milwaukee Power Tool Reviews

Milwaukee Rover Light – Features

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The Milwaukee 2114 Rover light is powered by a rechargeable 4V, 2.4Ah battery making it a great light for those small areas and easy to carry around.

• 550 Lumens – Flood Light
• Light pivots 210 degrees
• 3 Output modes (550 High, 250 Medium, low 100 Lumens)
• Magnetic base
• Run Time – High 2 hours, medium 4.5 hours, low 11.5 hours
• Built-in Carabiner
• Charges via included micro-USB cable
• 80% charged in an hour
• IP54 rating
• Chemical Resistant

Milwaukee Rover Light – First Impressions

The light is surprisingly bright for its size.  I wouldn’t expect the output that it produces.  The Rover is small and lightweight.  I like how you can easily set it up at any angle on a flat surface or use the magnet, carabiner or loop on an uneven surface.

I am not a fan of rechargeable batteries since you will have downtime recharging a dead battery.  However, I love the fact you can swap out batteries and not have any downtime.  I am also a fan that you can get an 80% charge in about an hour.

Milwaukee Rover Light – Final Thoughts

Overall this is a good light.  I love the build quality and love all the different ways you can direct the light. Having the rechargeable battery has its pros and cons.  If you are looking for a bright light that is small and has many viewing options, this is a great light.

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