Thread: Headspots and working lights for under the bonnet - battery operated

Originally Posted by Lionelgee

Hello All,

What do you prefer to use when attempting to illuminate dark places while working under the bonnet: head-spots or a magnetic or work light on a hook? Battery operated.

All 3. I have several of each and have been known to use all of them simultaneously.

What brand and model do you use?

Whatever I have lying around. Currently cheap rechargeable torches from Aliexpress with a magnet glued to them, an extendable with gooseneck "Kinchrome" torch that has a magnet on both ends (brilliant for retrieving 10mm sockets), and cheap Energizer brand 3xAAA battery head torches. I also have a generic cheap head torch I picked up on sale ~12 years ago.

Basically whatever fits the bill. It's not unusual for me to use one of the variable-focus Aliexpress torches between my teeth to get *right* to where I need to get to.

This is the only one I have a link for : Magnetic Light & Pick-Up Tool - Kincrome Tools - Kincrome

Originally Posted by BradC

All 3. I have several of each and have been known to use all of them simultaneously.



Energizer brand 3xAAA battery

This is the only one I have a link for : Magnetic Light & Pick-Up Tool - Kincrome Tools - Kincrome

Hello Brad,

I use one of the Energizer brand 3xAAA battery head-spots every night when I take the dog for his last roam before being put to bed. Plus, the big lantern comes along for spotting into the paddock over the gate. Well that works fine until the battery gives up without any notice - then the sudden state of darkness lets me know that it needs recharging. Hence the head spot, as it is a more reliable backup!

Here is the range that I currently have. The Ryobi is very rarely used for working on cars as it is pretty cumbersome.

I am looking to fill the gap between the head-spot and the Jaycar spotty

18V ONE+ LED Shoplight Tool Only 18V ONE+ LED Shoplight Tool Only | RYOBI
Floating Waterproof LED Spotlight 4500LM jaycar.com.au
Energizer 100 Lumen Universal Headlight Torch Energizer 100 Lumen Universal Headlight Torch - Bunnings Australia


Kind regards
Lionel

This is a good thread. For general "brightness" I have found you can hang these by a hook from the bonnet.

Ozito PXC 18V 3 Panel Worklight PXWLS-3000 - Skin Only - Bunnings Australia

You need to turn the brightness down, otherwise its to bright. The problem is its big. I also have several of the ALDI rechargable lamps. They have magnetic bases. I keep breaking them (eg: crushing them, forgetting I have them stuck under a mudguard lighting up the suspension) .... One I even left attached to an exhaust manifold ..... while test running the car. Do you know the magnets melt out of the base of them very easily .....

These are all ok, I think one of those full length lights I keep seeing in youtube videos would be good ( its clamps across the length of the bonnet.

The issue all these lights have is they are only "wide area illumination". When you need to see down into the depths of the engine bay you need a focussed light. I often find I end up using the small torch that lives on my belt.

SWISS+TECH 600Lm Rechargeable Turbo Headlight - Bunnings Australia

The best bit about it ... is its always there when I need it (clipped to my belt) and it has a magnet in the base of it. so you can stick it down where you are trying to see in the depths of the engine by. the battery lasts a very long time.

Im using the kings rechargable work light, last set I bought were 2 for $20, battery lasts well, its got a magnetic base and is skinny enough that you can poke it in to various places to illuminate just where you want to work.