Growing up, I was often the light holder for my Dad and his friends as they worked on the car or an appliance at night in the garage. It never seemed to fail that the overhead light in the garage was never optimally placed for where they needed to see things.
So, I ran cords, hung lights, held lights just so, all so that they could get a somewhat decent view of their work area. They would have loved the options I now have in my own workshop. That is what I have decided to review 5 of the best LED rechargeable inspection lamps so you too can take full advantage of their benefits.
How a LED Inspection Lamp Can Help You in The Garage & Workshop
The basic answer is that they help you see what your doing with more clarity. An overhead light is fine, but often times we find that it would help to have a light a little closer to the action.
One of the biggest benefits of using these type os lights is that they are rechargeable. Which means no more draping, tangling, and tripping over cords. Another plus is that many of them use better bulbs than the old drop light socket holding a bare bulb that would shatter at the least opportune time.
Different Types of LED Inspection Lamps
There are a few different types of LED inspection lamps to look at. Some have a hook to hang them up in the work zone, making them almost identical in use to my Dad’s old drop lights. Others may have a magnetic base. A magnetic base allows for placing a work light in areas where there isn’t anything to hang one up on.
Many with the magnetic base have a multi directional swivel which allows for directing the light where needed. Several I tested also have a flashlight feature and a lantern mode. All very useful features for a portable bright lamp.
How I found the Best LED Rechargeable Inspection Lamps
What do I look for when determining what is the best LED rechargeable inspection lamp for me?
- Cordless design: first thing on my list for this type of work light.
- User friendly: things like how heavy it is, does it have a car charger, etc…
- Wide range of applications: besides work lamp, does it have a lantern or flashlight mode?
- Strong magnetic base: if it has a magnet, it better stick!
- Durable and lasting: hours of use, and protection from rough handling.
Top 5 best LED rechargeable inspection lamps for garages & Workshops!
1. TORCHSTAR Portable Cordless Rechargeable LED Work Light
TORCHSTAR Portable Cordless Rechargeable LED Work Light Specifications
Lumens: 1000
Battery Size: 2200mAh Li-battery
Battery Life: 2-3 hours
Life Span: 30,000 Hours
Price: Click here to find latest price
TORCHSTAR Portable Cordless Rechargeable LED Work Light Review
Coming in first on my list is the uber capable Torchstar LED light. This light can be used as flashlight, work light, emergency light, desk lamp, camping light, emergency roadside work light, automotive work light, really just about use for a portable, yet bright light, this tool fills the need.
A nice feature is that I can plug it in to the accessory socket inside my car to charge it up as well, so even if I am using it as a camp light, I can still charge it if I need to. Camping, I rarely travel with only one light, so it isn’t a requirement for any lamp to stay on all night.
The magnet is very strong too, the lamp is not likely to fall off of a car hood, even if the vibrations of a poorly running engine are involved. Along with the magnetic base, the light tilts so that I could direct the light where I need it.
This lamp is pretty sturdy, but I worry a little about the hard plastic case. For a shop light, I think it would be a good idea to have some rubberized plastic coating, to cushion the inevitable drops. Still, I haven’t broken it yet, and I have not been delicate or careful with it. I am pleased with the quality and durability.
2. Aceland 120 LED Underhood Work Light
Aceland 120 LED Underhood Work Light Specifications
Lumens: 1200
Battery Size: 2000mAh Li-battery
Battery Life: 3-4 hours
Life Span: 30,000 Hours
Price: Click here to find latest price
Aceland 120 LED Underhood Work Light Review
Next up on my roundup is the ultra versatile Aceland LED work light. For me, the best thing about this inspection lamp, besides the basic requirement to be rechargeable, is the long life option. The battery in this light will last about 2 hours or so at full brightness, but the battery charge life can be extended to more than double that by using the half power option.
Since the LEDs are pretty bright in the first place, switching to low power mode made a lot of sense in many situations. It also has a small number of low power red LEDs. Using red light only, such as for a camp night light or as a marker, the battery charge life can be extended to 20 hours.
It unfolds completely, too, so it can be used in the same way a large fluorescent fixture could. I missed the magnet, but the multiple other placement options make it very versatile to set up as a work light.
When it comes to charging this unit, there are a couple of different methods available, including an automotive and wall mounted adapter. But I found when using inspection lamps, it was usually only for small time periods as I could rely on my LED work light.
Overall I was very pleased with this unit and the overall build quality. I have used this model for dozens of hours and I’m sure there is years of use yet to be had. This light is easily among the best LED rechargeable inspection lamps that I tested, even without the magnetic base. Highly recommended!
3. Astro Pneumatic Tool 40SLMAX Rechargeable LED Light
Astro Pneumatic Tool 40SLMAX Rechargeable LED Light Specifications
Lumens: 450
Battery Size: 3350mAh Li-battery
Battery Life: 3-4 hours
Life Span: 30,000 Hours
Price: Click here to find latest price
Astro Pneumatic Tool 40SLMAX Rechargeable LED Light Review
Moving on is a very basic, bright light but with one very unique feature. This unit is sporting a magnetic base which can swivel around like the ball head of a tripod. I could put the lamp in any positions, directing its light to wherever I needed it to go.
Another great feature is the variable power dial and super long life battery. The dial adjusts power from full to almost off, and anywhere in between. All in all the battery charge lasts an impressive 3.5 hours at full power, and 14 or so hours at settings below about half power. This lamp lets you use it while charging which is a nice touch.
Besides the somewhat higher price compared to similar, the only real drawback for regular use was that flimsy hook. It is supposed to fold out of the way, too, but I don’t even see a need for it in the first place, since the swivel magnetic base mount is so versatile.
One odd quirk, especially considering the LED bulbs and lithium ion battery, was that the light output dimmed as the battery charge got lower. Surprised me at first, and some people might consider that a drawback. Overall a good pick!
4. DAWAY W6 Magnetic Flashlight Portable Work Light
DAWAY W6 Magnetic Flashlight Portable Work Light Specifications
Lumens: 700
Battery Size: 5000mAh Li-battery
Battery Life: 3-4 hours
Life Span: 30,000 Hours
Price: Click here to find latest price
DAWAY W6 Magnetic Flashlight Portable Work Light Review
Waterproof is maybe a little misleading. It isn’t protected against being submerged. It is very water resistant, though. Using it in a marine environment or even in the pouring rain is no problem at all with this lamp.
Other things that make this one of the best LED rechargeable inspection lamps is the rubberized coating for enhanced durability, and the four light modes. Two of the light modes use the red LEDs, one mode flashing, the other steady. So, it could be used as a warning marker on a dark rainy road, or a long lasting camp night light.
The battery charge lasts up to 7 hours or so, depending on what power setting is used. On full power, the charge lasts close to 3 hours.
The time it took to fully charge the battery was a little long, but nothing I couldn’t live with. Being water resistant was the big draw for me to include this on this list of best LED rechargeable inspection lamps.
5. STANLEY BF0109 Rechargeable BarFlex LED Work Light
STANLEY BF0109 Rechargeable BarFlex LED Work Light Specifications
Lumens: 700
Battery Size: 5000mAh Li-battery
Battery Life: 3-4 hours
Life Span: 30,000 Hours
Price: Click here to find latest price
STANLEY BF0109 Rechargeable BarFlex LED Work Light Review
Rounding out this list is a brand name everyone who uses tools knows well. One of the interesting features of this work light is that the mounting hook is a carabiner hook. What that does for me is give a little bit of safety to the hook. At times, I have bumped into the lamp hanging above my work area, knocking it down.
Being a Stanley tool, durability is obviously not an issue, but some others who have used this lamp for a while have complained of the rechargeable battery wearing out much quicker than expected.
An inexpensive light isn’t going to last forever, obviously, but I am a little surprised by those complaints. I will have to come back and revisit this list after some time to see if it is an issue or just bad luck for some other buyers.
Final Thoughts
Any of these lights are so much better than the options we had a few years ago. Bright, cool running lamps, no cords to trip over, and several of them with multiple uses. What’s not to like?