I'm looking around for a type of underhood lighting unit that can light up the whole engine bay area. I've seen some that clamp across the width of the hood from underneath, but I don't see them in brick and mortar stores where I can see them in-hand before I buy.

If you guys have any units in particular that you've had really good luck with, please let me know. I'm not particular if it's battery or corded for household current, as long as it's a GOOD unit.

Price wise I'm not sure, but my guess is there might be some lights that are pretty good that you don't have to buy from one of the professional tool truck brand vendors like Snap-on or Mac etc. For some of my tools I do buy from those guys, but I'd like to avoid it for a light if possible, unless it's otherwise a clear winner.

Any advice or recommendations much appreciated.

I’m actually looking at the same thing. Harbor Freight has a work light on clearance that just dropped in price to $30. Link

I’ll be honest, I understand it’s HF, but I have 1 of their smaller Braun magnetic work lights and it’s worked well when I need it. When I get back home, I’ll probably run to HF to grab one at the $30 price. For as much as I’d use it,great price.

I have a nice Dewalt one. They make one that's more like a flash light and another that's more serious, you want the more serious one. Nebo also makes some nice ones that have a magnet and aren't so big.

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-...84138857831303&psc=1

Unless you are a wrench that does this for a living or you work on hobby cars all day of course Milwaukee or SnapOn then, but for normal work maintaining, Harbor Freight has one for $30.

Of all the things they sell their LED lighting is inexpensive and works really well.

Link

and here's a black friday, coupon for 40% off all HF Braun lights.

Coupin... 40% off Link

While you are there, pick up some metal .50 cal ammo cans for $9.96

Ammo Can Coupon

Those lights have their uses, but what I found most effective was a headlamp. It looks where you look and leaves both hands free. I never found one that held up under having to open the case up to recharge and my constant turning it on & off with greasy fingers.

In my experience rechargeable lights are always run down unless it is one from the family of cordless tools you use. I use my Makita LED handheld a lot. If I need more light I use an old tradition corded drop light with a 26w LED lamp. It’s cheap, compact, durable and practical. I attached mine to a cord reel. If I need lots of light for a long period I have found a harbor freight 48” LED 5000 lumen(?) shop light is lightweight and easy to wire to the bottom of an open hood.

I just bought one of 76800 Stinger Switchblade 800-Lumen LED Light Bar I have only used it a handful of times but it seems really well built and has good light quality (CRI it's called I think) and good battery life.

HF is a great home/hobby option and inexpensive. I use this one for under the hood and works great. No battery to die. No glass to break. Lite weight and easy to hang. I also have a couple of the corded reel single bulb safety caged style mounted to garage ceiling and use LED 100w equivalent daylight bulbs. And a headlamp if needed. Next week there will be a day, they're 12 days of Christmas sale, that will have the 40% off on Braun lights again.

https://www.harborfreight.com/...hop-light-59506.html

I'm getting this one next since I already have a ton of M12 stuff:

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/2125-20

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
Those lights have their uses, but what I found most effective was a headlamp. It looks where you look and leaves both hands free. I never found one that held up under having to open the case up to recharge and my constant turning it on & off with greasy fingers.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d...e_lsi4d_asin_0_title

Have you tried this one? Charges by usb c so nothing to open up. So far battery life is more than I can count and durability is excellent.