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Anyone here using a Streamlight brand small hand-held flashlight, the rechargeable versions? Need something a bit small when working on engines and such, LED bulbs.
I have their head worn models but could use something small enough to toss in a tool bag that follows me on top of Freightliners, Volvos, Mack big trucks.
Streamlight ain't cheap and that's okay---want durability, quality and hopefully rechargeable too---save the environment!
I'm up on top of those things as well, just the other end is all, a lot of times in the dark leveling my load, and rolling tarps. I found at AutoZone, 2 for $5, a single cell LED, that works well for me. I actually carry it my pocket. Those visor mounted things are alright, I don't care for them mainly if you're talking to someone, the bloody thing is blinding them. In my world, that can be dangerous.
I have been using a Streamlight Stinger for several years. I love it. It is a good size, plenty of light with three different intensity settings and the battery life is pretty good. I paid about $150 for the light, two batteries and the piggyback charger which allows you to charge the flashlight and the spare battery at the same time.
If you misplace things or are apt to drop them in a well or something, this might could work better. I bought two slightly different 10 light cards at Home Despot for under $20 each. We have flashlights everywhere....
I install windshields in the big rigs and sometimes under the visor it gets a bit dark even on the brightest of days. Black on black makes for poor contrast which could lead to a leak. Don't need to tell anyone how annoying a leaking windshield is! The head worn types are perfect for that since they free my hands up to hold the caulking gun.
I just need something hand held to find things that have dropped to that unknown area somewhere between the valve cover and ground!
Keep the ideas coming---cost isn't a major issue for this tool.
I have used a streamlight strion for the last 4 years and the one batttery is still ok. Now it won't hold its charge as long but thursday the Mac Tool truck runs and should have my new battery. I keep it in my front pocket and it is bright as hell. It was anodized black when new now it looks like polished aluminium. It is small and once you get used to it hardly noticeable. I think it was around $145 whe I bought it. It will also fit in a scope ring so it can pull double duty.
Edit : I am a fleet mechanic also so I know where you coming from.
Edit : I am a fleet mechanic also so I know where you coming from.
What's so goofy about falling tools is I've lost a few, could not find them with any light! Once lost a 10oz tube of sealant, could see it resting on top of the transmission but couldn't get to it, didn't have the keys to start and let it rumble off.
Don't get me started on something wedged between the turbo and block!
The Streamlight Strion and a few versions of the Stinger so far are looking good. I'm not against spending $140 or so for a good light---I don't seem to lose those too often.
It does seem most of the Streamlight rechargeables can be powered from a vehicle's 12 VDC, needless to say this is quite handy!
I wear a Brinkman LED head mounted light if I'm carrying mail after dark. If you need both hands free then it's the best way to go. Head mounted or visor mounted.
I also have a small stinger hand held with a home and car charger. Amazing amount of light comes in the little package.
At the time I bought my MAC rechargeable the Streamlight Stinger didn't have LED. I like the Stingers, but the light itself and the charger are a bit bulky for something to carry in your pocket.
The MAC, on the other hand, is small enough to fit in my jeans side pocket, is LED and the charger is much smaller. It actually plugs into the light instead of having to put the light in the charger like the Stinger.
It also has a lifetime warranty (I think the Streamlight does too) which is nice since I use my light everyday. I've had everything but the body changed under warranty.
That's a good point Rifleman, or should I call you Lucas McCain instead?
The higher price of anything Streamlight is greatly offset by their warranty. Considering how much we'd spend over time on cheaper throw away stuff having that peace of mind is well worth some of that cost IMHO.
There is also the Protac Streamlights, one and two AA battery powered. Small in size but that means more likely to be lost or "borrowed" by someone else. At $36 each off Amazon that's not too outrageous.
They are cheaper and I will almost bet that after you have to go change the batteries out a few times it won't take long to want a rechargeable. I let my Strion go until it cuts itself off before I put it on the charger. 4 years for a battery life is good and it will still last a week depending on how much under dash or under truck work I have in the week, I also use it everynight when walking my little buddy so he can go make poopy. I expect to get 2-3 weeks on the new battery.
The kit I have came with the light, two batteries, the piggyback chager and the power cords for either 120v or the car charger. I work night shift outside or in the subway tunnels and almost never have to go to the spare battery in one shift. I have dropped it off trains, onto the rail and abused it in many ways and it still works fine.
The warranty is great by the way. The pushbutton quick working on it and they fixed it for free. They have an authorized service center near me and they not only fixed it while I waited, they upgraded the LED for nothing as well.
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