Recommendations for suitable mechanics light?

mickwat155

As the titles suggests what's the best torch for car inspections? Nct prep etc etc

johnayo

https://www.micksgarage.com/d/torches-and-work-lights/products/3393810/slimline-cob-led-rechargeable-magnetic-inspection-lamps-5w-
I find this one quite good.

smuggler.ie

Could recommend this. Got it ~8 year ago(different seller ,same brand), still going well with original batteries.
Multipurpose, bright, long lasting battery.
One thing to be aware - bit inconvenient if need to get very close look, as unit sticking out on forehead.

HomeBuyer32

If anyone wants one for home or occasional use I'd recommend this (USB COB LED Magnetic Work Light Car Garage Mechanic Home Rechargeable-Torch U3D7).

Got it for home jobs after seeing a YouTube video comparing it favourably against some of the more expensive options and it's as good as I hoped (the large one).

biko

As another poster I use a head lamp. Mine is for running but works for this too.
They all have advantages or disadvantages.
Get a cheap one to start. That way if you don't use it you won't feel so guilty lol

dieselbug

Yep, headlamp all the way, you'l wonder how you managed without it. I use a LED Lenser great quality but a little expensive but start with a cheap one and see what you think.

darragh o meara

smuggler.ie wrote: »

Could recommend this. Got it ~8 year ago(different seller ,same brand), still going well with original batteries.
Multipurpose, bright, long lasting battery.
One thing to be aware - bit inconvenient if need to get very close look, as unit sticking out on forehead.

I got mine a good bit cheaper on ebay, had to wait a few weeks for it to arrive but only paid about a fiver if I remember right..

In fact here's one from the UK for 6 pound :

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/12000LM-Led-Headlight-Headlamp-Head-Torch-18650-Fishing-Work-Light-Camping-Lamp/183940377365?hash=item2ad3b36b15:g:JA0AAOSweSFdb4JE

Macdarack

dieselbug wrote: »

Yep, headlamp all the way, you'l wonder how you managed without it. I use a LED Lenser great quality but a little expensive but start with a cheap one and see what you think.

Totally, headlamp torches are the only way, get a rechargeable one and you'll be delighted, no arseing around looking for a place to set up a magnetic perch for a stand up torch etc.

zilog_jones

I'd also recommend a headlamp.

dieselbug

Macdarack wrote: »

Totally, headlamp torches are the only way, get a rechargeable one and you'll be delighted, no arseing around looking for a place to set up a magnetic perch for a stand up torch etc.

Once you try one you won't go back. The light is always exactly where you want it and your hands are free. I had a cheaper one for a while and liked
it but when I invested in the much better quality one I was massively impressed with the light quality and yes, rechargeable.

I would recommend something with high CRI (95+).

CRI is a measure of a light sources ability to reveal colours. If you view something under a low CRI source, red can look the same as orange, yellow the same as white etc. It's almost like being colour blind. That's obviously relevant when working on wiring looms etc, but even just in general a high CRI light source is just more pleasant to work under.

Most LEDs used in torches, headlamps, worklights etc use LEDs with fairly low CRI, often 70 or less. You have to specifically look for high CRI variants. Most good brands offer them; you'll pay a little more but it's worthwhile.

Esel

Saw a 3W COB LED headtorch in Tesco (sports section) for €8.

smuggler.ie

Esel wrote: »

Saw a 3W COB LED headtorch in Tesco (sports section) for €8.

This where people get disappointed: 400lumen vs 6000+lumen