Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: TJ Hopland on April 23, 2016, 01:48:56 PM

Title: Work lights
Post by: TJ Hopland on April 23, 2016, 01:48:56 PM
What are you all using for work lights for working on and around your car?   

There was a time where I didn't really care if I could see what I was doing and or still could see with a work light shining in my face instead of the work.   Lately I find that I need good light to see what I am doing and having it partially shining in my face just does not work. 

I have a couple styles of Dewalt flashlights that help in some cases but just thinking with all the gadgets out there these days there has to be some better options. 
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: Jay Friedman on April 23, 2016, 03:10:47 PM
For my '49 I use a "trouble light" / "drop light" (or whatever you call it) which has a shield around the bulb so you can point it toward the work and it won't shine back in your eyes.  I have 2 of them which I bought in a local hardware store.  One is plugged in near the front of my car in the garage and the other toward the rear.  I supplement these with a couple of small flashlights for odd corners or when I need an additional light.

I also carry in the car for use on the road a vintage trouble light with a 6 volt bulb that can be plugged into the car's cigarette lighter outlet.
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: James Landi on April 23, 2016, 03:21:43 PM
In a pinch, I use my cell phone light--- sometimes the "flat" flashlight has much more utility, when attempting to check for a leak where only the thinnest "flash light" will squeeze in, and I can hold the top of the phone.  Some of the cheaper l.e.d. drop lights are so glaring and white that they are difficult to work with.  I am also very annoyed with the standard incandescent old style 110 volt bulbs that break the filament with any "drop" of the droplight.  James
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: chrisntam on April 23, 2016, 05:17:32 PM
 I use a snap on light purchased at Costco.  It has a stand, I can hang it with a coat hanger from the hood or lay it flat on it's back for under car work.  The old "trouble light" just doesn't blow my skirt up any more....
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373 on April 23, 2016, 05:31:03 PM
Flourescent type drop light. Stays cool and lord knows I have banged it around enough.
If you go with a standard drop light, get a rough service bulb/garage door opener bulb. They take a banging better.
Jeff
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: David Greenburg on April 23, 2016, 07:28:31 PM
For general purpose work, I have a tube-type flourescent  drop light on a retractable reel mounted near the garage door so I can use it either in the driveway or in the garage. Safe, and small enough to be useful in tight spaces, including under the dash. For serious surgery I have a cheap 500w halogen work light.
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: NickD on April 24, 2016, 05:39:15 AM
I use what chrisntam uses. I have two of these and they are adequate. I too bought mine at costo, 30.00 each.
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: TJ Hopland on April 24, 2016, 08:17:13 AM
Are the snap on ones fairly light so you can clamp them to the hood?  Or do you just try to balance them on something under the hood?
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: Scot Minesinger on April 24, 2016, 08:22:42 AM
The best light is moving the car outside on a sunny day - what a difference.

Anyway I use the drop light with a fluorescent bulb and a cage, have several of them.  Also got one of those long LED lights just recently from Eastwood that clamps on either side of the hood, that throws some real good light - works for under dash work too.  Still the drop light is the old reliable.

Will have to check out those snap lights.
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: TJ Hopland on April 24, 2016, 08:43:04 AM
I was wondering about those long ones that clamp on the hood.   

Fluorescent drop light?   Just the classic style with a CFL lamp?   I was thinking of something like that with the cord reel built in just to help get the cord out of the way. 
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: Jay Friedman on April 24, 2016, 08:52:37 AM
Besides my 2 drop lights with "rough service" bulbs, when I do a big job under the car (brakes, r & r transmission, etc.) I have two old desk lamps that stand up on their own.

In addition, I had installed long fluorescent ceiling lamps on either side of my Cadillac's garage space.

Nonetheless, I agree with Scot there is nothing like sunlight on a nice day.
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: chrisntam on April 24, 2016, 09:21:09 AM
I used a coat hanger bent around the handle of the light to hang it on the hood latch.  It'd be nice if there was a built in hook on it, perhaps the 2017 model.

I've also used 4' LED strip lights (shop light) when working under the car, but it scratches the "top" of the light when sliding it around.

I would consider the Snap on light a "task" light when working under the car
I would consider the Snap On light a light for "general" lighting when working under the hood.  This is because I haven't master the art of being able to "point" it at what I'm working on.

I do have a "trouble light" that I can lay atop what I'm working on.

Funny, I don't recall needing all this light 30 years ago...... ;)
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: INTMD8 on April 24, 2016, 10:51:53 AM
My shop has white walls/ceiling/floor and led lighting. Enough reflectivity to see well without a work light.


Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: David Greenburg on April 24, 2016, 07:34:02 PM
The fluorescent drop light I was referring to has a couple of u shaped tubes in it, and is about 10-12" long. I've had it for many years; it predates CFLs. Probably got it from Griots or someplace like that.
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: bill06447 on April 24, 2016, 07:50:20 PM
I have a rechargeable LED "Nightstick" $36 at Amazon I've had it 3 years so far and it's by far the best work light I've ever owned.

Bill
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: GBrown #8092 on April 24, 2016, 07:55:30 PM
I've got an LED Under hood light. Its not one of the tubes yellow hinged in the middle about 4" wide, got it from Eastwood.
Works great. Just barely long enough to clip on the roof rails of my 72 Fleetwood for interior work.
The one down side is that the light face in when its folded up.
Apparently the manufacturer figured that out as the ones I now see on fee-bay hinge on the side and have little legs that allow them to stand up by them selves.

There is also and LED rough service bulb replacement for the old style drop light, which I have, but have not yet used. Several people here use and really like them.
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: Scot Minesinger on April 24, 2016, 08:24:00 PM
Jim,

Unless these reflective wall lights are the sun, you are probably young.  Never needed much light until age 50.
Title: Work lights
Post by: bcroe on April 24, 2016, 10:14:29 PM
I have 4' fluorescents mounted all over, some to shine under the car.  There are
various types from Horrible Fright, pull down fluorescent, rechargeable LED.  If
the car is elevated I use a Dual Head Halogen Shop Light.  Bruce Roe
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: INTMD8 on April 24, 2016, 10:45:21 PM
Quote from: Scot Minesinger on April 24, 2016, 08:24:00 PM
Jim,

Unless these reflective wall lights are the sun, you are probably young.  Never needed much light until age 50.

I'm 38. It's not the sun but it's fairly bright.

(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1052.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs460%2FIINNTTMMDD88%2Fphoto-5_zpsbc5oipon.jpg&hash=f9b875684a9a7b4da4fcb9b9d434f0f6488507b6)
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Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on April 24, 2016, 11:04:23 PM
Show-off.

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: Quentin Hall on April 24, 2016, 11:08:59 PM
"Ya gotta wear shades Jim."
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: bcroe on April 24, 2016, 11:16:56 PM
Quote from: INTMD8 on April 24, 2016, 10:45:21 PM
I'm 38. It's not the sun but it's fairly bright.
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1052.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs460%2FIINNTTMMDD88%2Fphoto-6_zpsocaqtg5k.jpg&hash=d74eef5267a7201aad9a1bb37888b0a8687c97ac)
I couldn't afford to heat that bldg.  Is that gas tank on the black Cad, one
of those stainless steel jobs (made here in Stillman)?  Bruce Roe
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: INTMD8 on April 24, 2016, 11:21:20 PM
It's insulated with closed cell spray foam, barely takes anything to heat or air condition. During the summer it stays in the 60's inside with outside temps in the 80's with the A/C off.

The tank in the Brougham was made by Ricks tanks.
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: Scot Minesinger on April 25, 2016, 09:24:56 AM
Jim,

I agree it is bright, but at 55 a drop light would still be required for me.  When I was 38 it would be good. 

BTW nice spacious work facility!  My neighborhood has restrictive covenants plus wife did not want detached garage to dwarf house/make it look out of place, so do not have that kind of work space.  My garage looks a little more like a guest house (heated and cooled), but at least I got one on the property.

That reminds me, I should start a new topic about garage space/work area.
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: Gene Beaird on April 25, 2016, 10:03:18 AM
I currently have done all the suggestions.   Our shop is well-lit, and has light gray epoxy floors that helps a fair amount.  I'll frequently move the car outside, though, especially if I'm going to be doing 'dirty' work, and if it's warm enough outside.  I also have a regular drop light.  I used the severe-duty incandescent bulbs until I broke those, then moved to a CFL because they burn cooler, and it's less likely to burn me when I'm sliding under the car and nestle up close to the light.  That worked okay until my wife hooked the cord on a broom causing it to hit the floor, breaking the CFL bulb.  I now have a LED bulb in there.  I think I got the 60w equivalent and it puts out a fair amount of light.

I might have to have a look at that Snap-On unit, though, that might just provide the 'sunlight' I need under the car without the heat. 
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: cadillac ken on April 25, 2016, 10:34:03 AM
I fought it for awhile, but the small LED "headband" lights (a light you wear as a headband) are pretty great for working under the dash and keeping light where you're looking and your hands free.  Just have to get used to the goofy look of it.---not a very sexy look. 
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: bcroe on April 25, 2016, 11:09:52 AM
I moved here in part to get 3000 sq ft of parking in "no painting" buildings, but
it was divided into 3 buildings.  This one originally stored a 5 ton motorhome. 
The concrete is excellent, which this type lift demands.  They don't get hot in
summer, but this one can use a lot of propane when its 20 deg F below zero. 

This picture shows a light I use a lot, but its hot and doesn't get up close into
every corner.  More lights went in after this picture.  I also have a couple head band
LED lights used here and around the property. 

There are a lot of floor coatings that don't hold up; the ones that do are quite
expensive and probably need professional installation.  Lacking that, I have a
stack of large cardboard sheets.  These get thrown on the floor to catch (or
soak up) oil, to keep the concrete cleaner.  As soon as they get very dirty,
they get burned and another goes down. 

I don't do body work.  There is a 1/2" copper pipe running around for compressed
air, and plenty of outlets.  There is also a low voltage electric line for maintaining
12V batteries on infrequently used engines.  Bruce Roe
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: INTMD8 on April 25, 2016, 01:15:36 PM
Quote from: Scot Minesinger on April 25, 2016, 09:24:56 AM
Jim,

I agree it is bright, but at 55 a drop light would still be required for me.  When I was 38 it would be good. 

BTW nice spacious work facility!  My neighborhood has restrictive covenants plus wife did not want detached garage to dwarf house/make it look out of place, so do not have that kind of work space.  My garage looks a little more like a guest house (heated and cooled), but at least I got one on the property.

That reminds me, I should start a new topic about garage space/work area.

Thanks! This is just a steel building but it's behind 2 other garages at a lower elevation (and in the woods) so you can't see much of it except from the driveway.
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: marty55cdv on April 26, 2016, 05:37:51 PM
Quote from: INTMD8 on April 24, 2016, 10:45:21 PM
I'm 38. It's not the sun but it's fairly bright.

(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1052.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs460%2FIINNTTMMDD88%2Fphoto-5_zpsbc5oipon.jpg&hash=f9b875684a9a7b4da4fcb9b9d434f0f6488507b6)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1052.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs460%2FIINNTTMMDD88%2FIMG_2643_zpsibruuinv.jpg&hash=97f43fc451e76b110b7d51b4b129f51044b6b665)
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Jim what is on the floor, Epoxy ?   Looks amazing  !
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: TJ Hopland on April 26, 2016, 05:40:58 PM
I just see a lot of space that needs filled with car stuff.
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: INTMD8 on April 26, 2016, 08:35:23 PM
Quote from: marty55cdv on April 26, 2016, 05:37:51 PM
      Jim what is on the floor, Epoxy ?   Looks amazing  !

Thank you. It is a 3 part system. Epoxy primer, epoxy base and urethane top coat, all tinted white.  Took me a long time!
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: Gene Beaird on April 28, 2016, 02:08:02 PM
Bruce,

We used the U-Coat-It brand of epoxy floor paint.  It's two part with a epoxy urethane top coat.  It's held up well over the years.  We've had the shop for about 10 years, now, and the floor went down before we moved anything in to dirty up the floor.  The 'install' took a long weekend with about 2.5 people working on it (we had one friend show up the afternoon on the third day.  A lot of work, but I'm glad I did it.  It's pulled up in a couple of small spots, where we parked a vehicle with hot, new tires on it for a long time, but otherwise, just little scratches and scuffs.  It cleans up wonderously!  The only problem I really have is keeping my ramps in place when driving a car up on them.  I usually take the vehicle out to the untreated section of concrete to roll it up on ramps.  Otherwise, we jack the car up and roll the ramps under it.  I think the U-Coat-It stuff is about the best bang for the buck, not too expensive, and not a cheap product.  The stuff isn't cheap, but probably an order of magnitude cheaper than the commercial-grade stuff or having someone do it. 

I, too, have used the 'head-lamps' and find them helpful, but it makes it hard to rest your head on the concrete when you're under the car.  That's usually where the battery pack is. 

Title: Ramps
Post by: bcroe on April 28, 2016, 03:03:33 PM
Quote from: Gene BeairdBruce,The only problem I really have is keeping my ramps in place when driving a car up on them.  I usually take the vehicle out to the untreated section of concrete to roll it up on ramps.  Otherwise, we jack the car up and roll the ramps under it. 

In my previous cramped garage, I had to rely completely on ramps.  Just getting them in
exactly the right place was tricky, and then they had a tendency to slide which I addressed
several ways.  The final fix was to get everything in the right spot, mark the floor, and
drill an anchor hole.  Putting a bolt through the ramp base into the hole got everything
in place on the first try. 

These ramps date way back, generous in size compared to many, and with removable
ramp sections.  They got pretty beat and distorted after a few decades.  I finally had to
do some serious hammering & welding to get them in good shape, with some angle iron
added at the weakest spots.  They are still here, but probably unused since I moved in
2004.  I should sell them.  Bruce Roe
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: wrench on April 29, 2016, 08:39:19 AM
I also use the snap on LED light from costco...I use two of them...

For flashlight I use LED Streamlight Poly Stinger:
http://www.streamlight.com/en-us/product/product.html?pid=152

I wear a maglite loop on my belt so that the flashlite is always there its for the c-cell dont know why it says d-cell:
http://maglite.com/shop/parts-and-accessories/maglite-2-cell-d-test-accessory-1158.html

I use the Poly Stingers because if i drop it on an expensive, fancy finish, it wont scratch or dent it.

I also use a lot of the Milwaukee M12 cordless stuff, so I have both of those cordless LED lights along with a bunch of spare batteries...they work great.

Stick light:
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2351-20

Lantern:
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2362-20
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: charlie mckenna on May 01, 2016, 09:21:00 PM
I have recently received the newer led work light from maxxeon the workstar 2000. It's features are a removable belt clip,retractable hook,head that tilts 180,neck that rotates 360,and a tempered glass lens with no hot or dark spots. It's got a high impact body,in my opinion a real nice piece. I also got a new light that is coming out soon called inspector maxx also from maxxeon. It has a 200 lumen floodlight,and a 135 lumen flashlight, a high quality pocket light.  Just sayin...
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: gary griffin on May 02, 2016, 11:30:29 AM
I gave my metal ramps away as they would not stay in place. I recently saw what appeared to be rubber ramps rated for 12,000 pounds and with a stop in front. I think I need them?
Title: Re: Work lights
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on May 02, 2016, 08:32:25 PM
I never use ramps for the non-driving wheels.

Years ago I tried to put a '68 Firebird 400 up on the ramps.   It got half way up, and the ramps just slid.   The weight of the front of this car simply was enough to overcome the ramp friction on the ground.   I had to physically pin the ramps to the ground so they wouldn't move.

Bruce. >:D