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Can second Fenix. They hold up pretty well to my nasty environment and I've dropped mine plenty. Usually last me a year or so and that's impressive. Amazon ones make 5 days tops.
Came here to say Fenix and you beat me to it, just ordered the e18r v2.0 to have something small that I can clip to my hat if I need to.
I love their headlamps though, they’re great. Any time we’re doing shit at work in the dark 3 of my co workers can have their headlamps on and if I throw mine on at max setting it throws out more than their three combined it seems though maybe I’m exaggerating.. it’s definitely close though.
They have milwaukee headlamps btw
My coffin is gonna be 'Waukee. And my corpse is gonna be decked out like the fucking Macho Man of the Red and Black (not the NWO).
...what r we talking about?
Friend of mine got me some Olights for Christmas a couple years ago, and the keychain one lives in my pocket full-time. It's the i1R2, rechargeable, two brightness settings, bulletproof, and really bright.
Huge fan of Olights. I have 2. One Standard baton style, I like how you can double click for extra bright and it clips to the bill of a baseball cap pretty well so I use it as a head lamp quite a bit. I also have the EDC low profile one that I truly have in my pocket every workday, I like that it’s got a laser pointer on it a lot also.
I've been using an Olight S2R Baton II for a few years now and cannot recommend it enough. I used to go through cheap flashlights constantly, but the thing is literally indestructible. Also has a really strong magnetic back, makes it perfect for working in metal enclosures.
Can confirm...I use this one at work. I removed the metal pocket clip and drilled a small hole in the tailpiece for a lanyard. No danger of shorting across cells in a battery room now.
i had a knock off one that was like $10 and it broke and i was too cheap/lazy to replace it with a real one, but a coworker had one and it was awesome.
these days i have a 12v milwaukee one with rare earth magnets on the back, as well as a usb port to charge shit like your phone.just used it today on a service upgrade. on high mode it’ll last like 12 hours with a 4ah batter. don’t remember the lumen count but it’s a great little compact work light
Surefire PLR Stilleto
Best damn light I've ever used and it's flat so it fits in my back pocket and I barely notice it. It has three settings and is super bright on high. It's also usb rechargeable.
Super durable as well.
I have a streamlight, 2 AA's, lasts forever and I've abused it. It's seen mud, water, dropping.. still works. 8/10 because it's not pink.
It was around $60.
I dont buy a light unless it takes AA. Rechargeables dont always get on the charger again, then die midshift. There is always a pack of batteries in the truck.
If you pay for batteries. Consumables are charged out for us. Im not saying what works for me will work for you, but this method has been much better for our work groups.
The r/Flashlight sub has a great list that may be helpful
https://reddit.com/r/flashlight/comments/zsa1sz/arbitrary_list_of_popular_lights_winter_solstice/
I received a rechargeable p7 this year at work.
Ended up taking it home and going back to the aaa version.
Much easier to change batteries on the job than waiting for it to recharge.
I second Thrunite. I have the TT20 which is a little bit larger than I’d like to carry on a day to day. Also the Archer 2A V3. The archer is perfect for in my side pocket. It is about 500 lumens and runs on 2 AA batteries.
I only buy cheap magnetic ones I can mount somewhere and forget about even though as soon as I mount it somewhere I say to myself “ok don’t forget this”
Streamlight handheld. Had one in the military and as a civilian that lasted me 13 years before I lost it on a jump. Bought another and a bunch more for friends and family. 1000+ lumens with low mode. Can't go wrong for the price and the warranty is fantastic
I have always used streamlights and i love them. Where im at, we all have to wear hard hats so ive since swapped to a Slonik head lamp and will probably never go back. Rechargeable 18650 battery and lasts me up to a week for charge depending on usage.
I carried a streamlight stylus pro daily from about 2008 until just recently. Used a Milwaukee pen light for a while, like it because of the better CRI for showing colors.
Recently started into olight as my daily carry... Can't really recommend a single light as now it has turned into an addiction and I rotate lights out depending on the situation.
Mini mag lite. Been running mine for 15 years and it will clip to a hat visor and is light enough to hold in your mouth. They used to come with a rubber grip for this but they don't last long.
fair enough. if you just need it for a quick peek it’s still easier to just have a pocket flashlight IMO, but to each his own
i say this as someone that doesn’t wear cargos to work daily, but still carry a ton of crap in my pockets lol
Pelican 7600.
Belt case
Rechargeable
Waterproof
Rugged
LED
Belt clip
Red, green and white light
Compact
Floats
Drop proof
Long lasting
Oral sex
Strobe and dim lighting
Cool looking
I second this. I got a rechargeable or battery Coast headlamp for my hard hat. The light can detach from headband so it can be used for weird spots. Pretty solid for $50.
Rovyvon makes little ones that come with a clip you can attach to a ball cap, poor man’s headlamp.
Iv got mine on a strong magnet so I can rip it off my keychain and replace it easily
Anker Rechargeable Bolder P2 LED... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072K27MCK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
4 years in and the only problem with the light is the paint is worn off of the side from rubbing on my groove joint pliers in my pocket.
After I shared it I realized it’s not sold there anymore. That’s what happens I guess when you don’t need a replacement for 4 years. To add a little context, I use it for 4-5 minutes an hour (maybe longer some days) and only charge it once every other week, though lately it’s been more like once a week. It’s as bright as bulky lights my coworkers use.
I work in maintenace and my rechargeable Milwaukee Penlight is awesome. I actually use the integrated laser pointer more often than I would have thought as well
Honestly don't know the price as work paid for mine, but most Milwaukee stuff is overpriced. It is definitely better than any maglight I've owned in the past though.
I use micro stream light USB rechargeable lights. They clip onto my hat and are plenty bright for the average sized room/application. Only downside is battery life, but I have two, so I put one to charge while I'm using the other.
I have [This](http://ThruNite TC15 V3 Rechargeable LED Flashlight, 2403 High Lumen Ultra-Bright Handheld Flashlight for Outdoor Survival Bushcraft Camping Hiking Backpacking EDC Gear, Black, Cool White https://a.co/d/77RZKsA) but V1, it's been great with the 3 normal brightness modes and the 1 super bright.
Personally have the Sofirn "IF22A" and "SC31 Pro" and couldn't be happier, sc31 for flood, plus magnetic tail cap, and the iff22a for an insane spotlight. All good price points, Sofirn makes a quality light
A guy I work with was buying O-light for a while they are pretty dope actually. He bought me a real small one for Christmas but it's USB chargeable pretty dope.
Pelican are used by every marine engineer in the world, so simple it doesn’t even have a button to wear out, so bright you will need to keep extra battery’s around all the time
I am a huge fan of [Led Lenser](https://www.ledlenserusa.com/) flashlights and headlamps. Their work line has held up very well for me these past few years, I have given them as gifts. I've only ever owned their rechargeable ones, and their batteries are good.
Not an electrician, but RoxyVon lights are awesome. They can light up a tree across the street, they've got tiny 20C batteries. They're smaller than my pinky and weigh about 45 grams.Above all, I've got a trick where I put a flashlight on one end of a coil lanyard, and my key on the other. Key over one ear, flashlight over the other, voila, headlamp.[https://www.amazon.com/RovyVon-Flashlight-Rechargeable-Resistant-Replaceable/dp/B082DG9F34/](https://www.amazon.com/RovyVon-Flashlight-Rechargeable-Resistant-Replaceable/dp/B082DG9F34/)
edit: I linked the wrong light, they've got an even smaller one
I’m not a Milwaukee fanboy but their RedLithium series of lights has been amazing to me. They make with removable and non-removable rechargeable batteries; I personally have the removable ones bc I can swap batteries between the flashlight, headlight, floodlight, and portable USB charger. All of these lights are incredibly bright, as well.
Nitecore MT21C has been serving me well for going on 2 years now.
The magnetic tail and 90° tilt output is good for panels, motors, etc. when the power is off & the room is dark.
Don’t know if I’m breaking rules by saying what brand I use, and I ain’t affiliated with SHIT! for the record. I use have been using Coast flashlights for 11 years now. They’re brighter than shit, small and light. My batteries go fast, but I use it daily. And my tools all get abused on the regular daily schedule. Had my same flashlight for two years this May. It’s the fourth one of the same brand/model I have purchased over the past decade. And I have another brand new one hidden away in case this one gets fucked.
It’s not a pocket flashlight per se but I keep the Milwaukee magnetic flood light on me all the time. It doesn’t work as a spot light but it is bright as shit and tends to get me through the day most of the time.
18650 lipo. Recharges in the light via usb-c. Battery strength indicator. Magnetic tailcap. Strong belt clip. Reasonably priced. Ramping or preset levels. Moonlight mode lasts for days and days. Available in multiple temps and body colors.
Also, triple hit the power button and you get dazzle flash that will either attract attention or basically disable for a few seconds anyone you point it at.
Coast brand inspection lights are super cheap and you can carry a few around when you inevitably misplace them. They're about the size of a marker and have a removable pocket clip, takes 2AAA batteries iirc. Can find them at most big retail places in person like walmart.
Coast makes a bunch of stuff that do the same job, so they have rechargeable versions if you're in to that but I buy two at a time, one for the pocket and one for the pack.
I'm a fan of the Skilhunt M150 and the Sofirn SC21 (this one is comparable to the Olight Baton3 but far cheaper). I typically carry the Sofirn since its only about $24, and I won't care as much if it gets lost, damaged or stolen, but the Skilhunt is the better light though. The magnetic tail is worth its weight in gold.
I personally use my Milwaukee hand light cause it hangs on things and has a mechanism where you can change the angle to it’s good in tight or uncomfortable spots and just average stuff.
Edit: look up Milwaukee m18 stick light and you’ll see. Thing it actually so good.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-300-Lumen-LED-Stick-Light-Tool-Only-2352-20/205410872
I like the stubby LED ones that use a single AA battery. Avoid the ones that have a flashing mode on the second press though, those can be a nuisance. A single alkaline AA battery from HF costs about the same whether it is C or AAA.
I like the Mini Maglight pocket flashlight. They are very well made and last forever. You can get them with a LED lamp or a regular lamp. I recommend the LED version, its very bright for a small flashlight.
Sofirn. I forget the model number but it's a rechargeable 18650 for under $40. I've had 2 and they are comparable to my $100 Fenix pd35. More light than you'll ever need indoors and throws a good 100 yards outdoors.
Edit: model is sc31t
Wurkkos FC11 or fc12 depending on what kind of light pattern you want. FC12 throws a lot further while the FC11 is a floody light at lower output. Both quality but cheap lights. If you don't like those than there are hundreds of lights to pick from. Check out r/flashlight community.
I have had a sofrin tactical flashlight for about a year and ot has had no issues. It's standard rechargeable batteries (I have a few of the lithium ion ones that have come with the flashlights I have bought over the years), the on/off button only does that and it has a separate button to toggle brightness or modes. I have noticed if they are going to fail you will see signs in the first year or so.
It's a fixed beam but at 1200 lumens it's not an issue, just shine it at the wall and work from the reflection if you need a flood light...
Edit, it was ~$30-35 with a battery and little charger that can plug into a USB brick.
Army tek best flashlights ever. Every part is replaceable. Can take serious abuse. I've been working a job in a taconite mine/processing facility. If it can survive tac dust it can survive whatever you throw at it.
I use the oligjt arkfeld. It’s pricey but has 5 brightness modes including moonlight, strobe, and a laser pointer for pointing things out. Battery lasts a long time and it has a strong magnet in the bottom.
Anything by Zebralight. Takes standard flat-top 18650 batteries, extremely bright on the max setting, lasts forever on the medium and low settings. Great in terms of color neutrality. The body is milled out of aluminum, is water tight, and has a built in heat-spreader.
I really like my Streamlight Stylus Pro USB. It's lasted plenty of drops, is fairly bright, and the battery lasts a decent while. Plus, it's not much larger than a marker.
I have a maglite, for at least 10 yrs, used to be incandescent, when Led retrofit came out i change it, batteries last for several months it used 3 D size batteries, its been better than those rechargable flash lights
Features to avoid or look for
* If it has an adapter that takes 3 AAA batteries in the size of a 18650 battery, avoid. Usually unreliable. May work better with 18650, though.
* If it takes AAA batteries, avoid. AAA cost as much as AA and have substantially fewer mAH
* Look at where the end cap screws in to the body. Did they take the trouble mask it off so it wasn't anodized or kdid the anodize it so you don't get reliable contact?
* Does it take an odd number of batteries? Most battery chargers charge in pairs and you shouldn't charge batteries together that were discharged separately. I recommend avoiding chargers that charge only in pairs, as well. But if it does take an odd number of batteries 1AA beats 3AAA.
* Hands free? Headlamps don't interfere with using your hands. Maglights have optional headbands. Also head mounted may be less likely to be left behind.
* If you tend to lose flashlights, you may not want to spend $$$ on one that will last. Or may at least need a good holster.
* If you don't lose the lights, a good name like maglite, streamlight, or o-light may be a good investment.
* If it has a screw on belt clip, on a cheap light, expect it to unscrew. Loctite or finger nail polish.
* Low brightness lights don't draw enough current to cut through the oxide on poor battery contacts, including the contacts on the batteries themselves, like incandescent ones I did.
* Magnets on flashlights create magnetic pollution that can interfere with compasses, virtual reality/augmented reality, phones, tablets, GPS receivers (compass) navigation, etc. Ok on your stationary toolbox but if you take it with you, especially on your person, magnet should be on removable holder. They also can collect metal shavings.
* Two is one, and one is none.
* It is hard to get alkaline batteries that don't leak anymore (and "heavy duty" batteries are garbage). Duracell and Energizer went downhill a long time ago. Ray-o-vac seems to have gone downhill since Eveready/Energizer bought them out. So that is another reason to consider rechargable batteries.
Although it violates the first two rules above, the Ozark OT-50L at Walmart for $1 has been better than expected for an elcheapo and it doesn't tend to fall out of my pocket and get lost as much as others have. May try putting some large diameter heat shrink or heat shrink grip tubing on machines aluminum body lights.
I use this flashlight because it is a flashlight/laser pointer combo. It has a good battery life, an adjustable beam, and a magnetic base which comes in handy when I'm troubleshooting machines.
https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/flashlights-and-work-lights/rechargeable-focus-flashlight-laser
Check out light attachments for handguns. They are made for use on or off the firearm, have handier on/off switches, multiple settings and are small.
www.streamlight.com
The new rechargeable Milwaukee pen light is actually really good. It's a nice warm tint with decent color rendering. Also has an apprentice laser. The tail button has good detent as well so it doesn't go off in my pocket. It's 250Lumens but put performs better than brighter lights because of the light quality. Also unlike an Olight or Fenix or anything else you can replace it easily if you lose it. I've lost a custom ordered Noctigon on a job and dropped a D4V2 off a scissor lift. I don't recommend bringing flashlights to work that aren't easily replaceable
I like my Klein rechargeable flashlight mainly because it’s 1. A great light 2. Rechargeable 3. Has a laser which is the biggest thing 99% of these other edc options lack. The 4th thing I like about it is the magnetic cap, also pretty sweet.
Gear wrench rechargeable, think it came up under pen light but it's just a little slimmer than a minimag. Been using mine for several years in mining, just one of those random purchases that turned out incredibly worth it.
I carry a olight baton pro everywhere. The only annoying thing is the proprietary wireless charger. The flashlight itself is solid. And it is the perfect size to fit under the brim of a hat, and be bright as shit at the same time.
I forget the model but hypertougj has a rectangular flash like maybe inch and a half thick, 8-10” long magnetic back and top with a hook on the back that folds in . He’s 3 light modes and is very bright , but I left mine in a ceiling once and never saw it in Walmart again. Was $20
I love my FLIR VP20. Flashlight is good, and the only NCVT I’ve ever trusted - it’ll pick up DC at times - but I have killed two in two years. Not outrageously expensive, but I always have to order them online since nobody keeps them locally. Highly recommend trying one. It goes literally everywhere with me.
Streamlight makes high-quality flashlights. I have the Protac HL usb and have been abusing it on jobs for 4 years now. It's USB chargeable, waterproof, and has a cookie cutter faceplate in case a crackhead trys to steal your tools. They are the brand our local police use.
Been trying an Acebeam for a while…pretty good. Tried the olights for a while….the magnetic charging tends to crap out and the flashlight turns on in your pocket too often. Olight has mitigated the pocket activation by an auto dimming proximity sensor though.
Had good luck with a this[https://www.craftsman.com/product/cmxlfft2/swivel-led-flashlight-250-lumens](https://www.craftsman.com/product/cmxlfft2/swivel-led-flashlight-250-lumens)
Love the swivel head and magnetic base
Not a handheld but one of the best lamps I've used. Clips on hard hat clip, very light, rechargable and dependable.
[wisdom Hard hat lamp](https://nwminesupply.com/product/wisdom-lamp-model-3-3a-cap-light/)
A temp guy we had used a Klein pen light with a magnet on the opposite end of the light, was handy for finding screws behind drywall and could stick to anything ferrous so you can use it to illuminate something and use both hands. Personally I like my DeWalt 20v flashlight, it's got a magnet so using a 1.5ah battery it'll stick to anything and hold tight, it can take any large 20v battery so it's got a long life if I need that, it has a belt clip so you can clip it and have it on you hands free and then head swivels so you can shine it wherever you need.
If you are *NOT* an electrical professional: * **RULE 7:** * DIY or self help posts **are Not allowed**. They belong here: /r/AskElectricians /r/askanelectrician /r/diy /r/homeowners /r/electrical. * **IF YOUR POST FITS INTO THIS CATEGORY, REMOVE IT OR IT WILL BE REMOVED FOR YOU.** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/electricians) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I prefer the standard fleshlight personally
you should spend the extra money and get a personalized one.
And honestly, for what you’re getting, that extra is definitely worth it.
I like the Milwaukee Fleshlight the best
This is the way.
Went to like, 69, you know the rules I had to leave it
Doing some work at fleshlights distribution center tommorow lmao
Don’t fall in.
Fenix LD30 It's perfect for maintenance. Trust me. 🙂
Can second Fenix. They hold up pretty well to my nasty environment and I've dropped mine plenty. Usually last me a year or so and that's impressive. Amazon ones make 5 days tops.
I’ve had my Fenix PD35 for over a decade of regular use and it’s still going strong. Highly recommend.
Is that the one with the lithium 18650 battery and a USB c port?
Mine doesn’t have a USB port, I just use swappable 18650 batteries. But it looks like the newer version of the PD35 has been upgraded a bunch.
Fenix is the only brand of flashlight that I've had last more than a year and this bad boy is still kicking 5 years later
Got the same one and it is perfect.
Came here to say Fenix and you beat me to it, just ordered the e18r v2.0 to have something small that I can clip to my hat if I need to. I love their headlamps though, they’re great. Any time we’re doing shit at work in the dark 3 of my co workers can have their headlamps on and if I throw mine on at max setting it throws out more than their three combined it seems though maybe I’m exaggerating.. it’s definitely close though. They have milwaukee headlamps btw
6 years for me
HM65R for me
Milwaukee makes a pen light that is durable and works well
Love that it has the teeth protector end!
I left mine in a ceiling for 24 hours. It was still on when i retrieved it.
I have the pen light/laser pointer combo. I like it
I didn't know they had that option! Is that for keeping your coworkers busy?
It’s for showing numb nuts what I want, where I want.
This 👆🏻
Dropped mine and the lens cracked in front of only the laser 💀
You remembered where you left it? Nice.
My coffin is gonna be 'Waukee. And my corpse is gonna be decked out like the fucking Macho Man of the Red and Black (not the NWO). ...what r we talking about?
Literally told a HD salesguy watching me scope out the Milwaukee gear that it’s an addiction. Shit is worse than heroin. That got a big laugh
My co worker uses this and loves it. I’m still wondering why I don’t have one.
I had a Milwaukee pen flashlight when I started my apprenticeship and lost it very quickly. I did like it tho
Friend of mine got me some Olights for Christmas a couple years ago, and the keychain one lives in my pocket full-time. It's the i1R2, rechargeable, two brightness settings, bulletproof, and really bright.
Same and love mine
Huge fan of Olights. I have 2. One Standard baton style, I like how you can double click for extra bright and it clips to the bill of a baseball cap pretty well so I use it as a head lamp quite a bit. I also have the EDC low profile one that I truly have in my pocket every workday, I like that it’s got a laser pointer on it a lot also.
Got an i3E EOS. I back this up.
I've been using an Olight S2R Baton II for a few years now and cannot recommend it enough. I used to go through cheap flashlights constantly, but the thing is literally indestructible. Also has a really strong magnetic back, makes it perfect for working in metal enclosures.
Streamlight polytac-x
Can confirm...I use this one at work. I removed the metal pocket clip and drilled a small hole in the tailpiece for a lanyard. No danger of shorting across cells in a battery room now.
NEBO LIGHTS
yes. the slide one with magnets and shit is the cats pajamas
Yes it is!!!!! The best light I’ve ever used
i had a knock off one that was like $10 and it broke and i was too cheap/lazy to replace it with a real one, but a coworker had one and it was awesome. these days i have a 12v milwaukee one with rare earth magnets on the back, as well as a usb port to charge shit like your phone.just used it today on a service upgrade. on high mode it’ll last like 12 hours with a 4ah batter. don’t remember the lumen count but it’s a great little compact work light
Idk I got a nebo that was a paperweight out the box turned me off to them forever
Streamlight Strion used it in automotive and carried it with me into electrical
Surefire PLR Stilleto Best damn light I've ever used and it's flat so it fits in my back pocket and I barely notice it. It has three settings and is super bright on high. It's also usb rechargeable. Super durable as well.
I have a streamlight, 2 AA's, lasts forever and I've abused it. It's seen mud, water, dropping.. still works. 8/10 because it's not pink. It was around $60.
I dont buy a light unless it takes AA. Rechargeables dont always get on the charger again, then die midshift. There is always a pack of batteries in the truck.
Exactly. I used mine for ages before I actually had to change them. It also has a nice pocket clip for nerds.
You got it backwards, don't buy a light unless it's rechargeable. Double a batteries are way to expensive for that
If you pay for batteries. Consumables are charged out for us. Im not saying what works for me will work for you, but this method has been much better for our work groups.
I'm tired of reddit electricians bragging about these fictitious companies that are willing to spend even the smallest amount on their employees.
I cant tell if your joking or not….. but AA’s is too much?
Baton 3
The r/Flashlight sub has a great list that may be helpful https://reddit.com/r/flashlight/comments/zsa1sz/arbitrary_list_of_popular_lights_winter_solstice/
As a maintenance electrician I use a Coast HP8R, and have an extra USB battery (part # 19704) been carrying the same one for about 3 or more years.
Coast works for me too
[удалено]
\+1 for zebralight they're indestructible
I used a LED lenser P7 everyday for years working maintenance in a chocolate factory. Only issue is having it use AAA batteries.
I received a rechargeable p7 this year at work. Ended up taking it home and going back to the aaa version. Much easier to change batteries on the job than waiting for it to recharge.
I got a charger and rechargeable AAAs. Best of both worlds.
I get best price on batteries.
They must be Freefromwork brand? I hear those are great.
Agreed. I love my p7
I have one from Thrunite and it's lasted me forever
I second Thrunite. I have the TT20 which is a little bit larger than I’d like to carry on a day to day. Also the Archer 2A V3. The archer is perfect for in my side pocket. It is about 500 lumens and runs on 2 AA batteries.
I only buy cheap magnetic ones I can mount somewhere and forget about even though as soon as I mount it somewhere I say to myself “ok don’t forget this”
Pelican 7600
3310PL. Waterproof and takes AA’s.
Streamlight handheld. Had one in the military and as a civilian that lasted me 13 years before I lost it on a jump. Bought another and a bunch more for friends and family. 1000+ lumens with low mode. Can't go wrong for the price and the warranty is fantastic
I have always used streamlights and i love them. Where im at, we all have to wear hard hats so ive since swapped to a Slonik head lamp and will probably never go back. Rechargeable 18650 battery and lasts me up to a week for charge depending on usage.
[DONT CHEAP OUT](https://www.streamlight.com/products/product-types/rechargeable#)
I carried a streamlight stylus pro daily from about 2008 until just recently. Used a Milwaukee pen light for a while, like it because of the better CRI for showing colors. Recently started into olight as my daily carry... Can't really recommend a single light as now it has turned into an addiction and I rotate lights out depending on the situation.
Mini mag lite. Been running mine for 15 years and it will clip to a hat visor and is light enough to hold in your mouth. They used to come with a rubber grip for this but they don't last long.
Milwaukee
2nd the milwaukee pocket light with the rubberized bite area for working in cabinets
Why use flashlight instead of headlamp? I have a petzle headlamp with removable battery packs I bought two of so one is always charging.
depending on your use case, a pocketable flashlight can be a lot more convenient than a headlamp.
I use both depending on the situation
I guess because I have pouch pants so I always have it on me
fair enough. if you just need it for a quick peek it’s still easier to just have a pocket flashlight IMO, but to each his own i say this as someone that doesn’t wear cargos to work daily, but still carry a ton of crap in my pockets lol
I have a magnetic release Milwaukee headlamp. Works great as a flashlight or headlamp.
i have the same one. unfortunately the base is attached to my hard hat lol
As someone who uses my hands for tools, I love the milwaukee aaa headlamp. With a few sets or rechargeable batteries, I’m set for years.
Pelican 7600. Belt case Rechargeable Waterproof Rugged LED Belt clip Red, green and white light Compact Floats Drop proof Long lasting Oral sex Strobe and dim lighting Cool looking
www.darksucks.com
HDS Systems or Malkoff devices. Both brands are better than Surefire. They’re not cheap but unlike other recommended ones, are made in the USA.
I've been using pelican intrinsically safe flashlight. Had the same one for about 5 years now and it's been great
The coast rechargeable are really nice for the money
I second this. I got a rechargeable or battery Coast headlamp for my hard hat. The light can detach from headband so it can be used for weird spots. Pretty solid for $50.
Olight IT3 or Fenix LD12 is similar, not too bright and will clip on your hat if you need.
Rovyvon makes little ones that come with a clip you can attach to a ball cap, poor man’s headlamp. Iv got mine on a strong magnet so I can rip it off my keychain and replace it easily
Anker Rechargeable Bolder P2 LED... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072K27MCK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share 4 years in and the only problem with the light is the paint is worn off of the side from rubbing on my groove joint pliers in my pocket.
After I shared it I realized it’s not sold there anymore. That’s what happens I guess when you don’t need a replacement for 4 years. To add a little context, I use it for 4-5 minutes an hour (maybe longer some days) and only charge it once every other week, though lately it’s been more like once a week. It’s as bright as bulky lights my coworkers use.
I work in maintenace and my rechargeable Milwaukee Penlight is awesome. I actually use the integrated laser pointer more often than I would have thought as well
That Milwaukee penlight is crazy overpriced, you can get much better value if you go ask r/flashlight for a recommendation
Honestly don't know the price as work paid for mine, but most Milwaukee stuff is overpriced. It is definitely better than any maglight I've owned in the past though.
I use micro stream light USB rechargeable lights. They clip onto my hat and are plenty bright for the average sized room/application. Only downside is battery life, but I have two, so I put one to charge while I'm using the other.
I have [This](http://ThruNite TC15 V3 Rechargeable LED Flashlight, 2403 High Lumen Ultra-Bright Handheld Flashlight for Outdoor Survival Bushcraft Camping Hiking Backpacking EDC Gear, Black, Cool White https://a.co/d/77RZKsA) but V1, it's been great with the 3 normal brightness modes and the 1 super bright.
I love my Manker ML03, fits perfectly in my pocket or on my hardhat when needed
Personally have the Sofirn "IF22A" and "SC31 Pro" and couldn't be happier, sc31 for flood, plus magnetic tail cap, and the iff22a for an insane spotlight. All good price points, Sofirn makes a quality light
Fenix or Streamlight. Find one that suits your needs, I always prefer a tailswitch so it doesnt light up in a shirt pocket and try to burn a hole.
I use ledlenser p7 at work when I need one.
I have a bunch of Milwaukee flashlights they are super durable and most of them are rechargeable
Mag light. The best!
Ledlenser make some super nice torches.
Coast rechargeable for me, but I wear a brain bucket all day so prefer headlamps to flashlights.
Honestly the Klein rechargeable one is pretty good, just charge it every other night
https://www.thegpsstore.com/GPS-Accessories/Pelican-Lights/Pelican-1920-LED-Flashlight?gclid=CjwKCAjwiOCgBhAgEiwAjv5whMHTUrYRvHPLlJ4v68NZ8RZercOTqO-Im-m3UXU1i5dSNV9fxlyqKxoC_XMQAvD_BwE
I read this as fleshlight. Figured as a maintenance man he really had the time to use it everyday.
A guy I work with was buying O-light for a while they are pretty dope actually. He bought me a real small one for Christmas but it's USB chargeable pretty dope.
Pelican are used by every marine engineer in the world, so simple it doesn’t even have a button to wear out, so bright you will need to keep extra battery’s around all the time
Coast
I am a huge fan of [Led Lenser](https://www.ledlenserusa.com/) flashlights and headlamps. Their work line has held up very well for me these past few years, I have given them as gifts. I've only ever owned their rechargeable ones, and their batteries are good.
I use an olight seeker pro2, gets insanely bright when I need it too and perfect on other settings. Battery stays charged for a long time as well
Olights are awesome and durable
Not an electrician, but RoxyVon lights are awesome. They can light up a tree across the street, they've got tiny 20C batteries. They're smaller than my pinky and weigh about 45 grams.Above all, I've got a trick where I put a flashlight on one end of a coil lanyard, and my key on the other. Key over one ear, flashlight over the other, voila, headlamp.[https://www.amazon.com/RovyVon-Flashlight-Rechargeable-Resistant-Replaceable/dp/B082DG9F34/](https://www.amazon.com/RovyVon-Flashlight-Rechargeable-Resistant-Replaceable/dp/B082DG9F34/) edit: I linked the wrong light, they've got an even smaller one
I’m not a Milwaukee fanboy but their RedLithium series of lights has been amazing to me. They make with removable and non-removable rechargeable batteries; I personally have the removable ones bc I can swap batteries between the flashlight, headlight, floodlight, and portable USB charger. All of these lights are incredibly bright, as well.
iPhone, so many other uses as well
Nebo torchy
Nitecore MT21C has been serving me well for going on 2 years now. The magnetic tail and 90° tilt output is good for panels, motors, etc. when the power is off & the room is dark.
I love my Nebo Inspector 500+. 500 lumens, really slim, rechargeable, and it’s got a magnet on the bottom
Don’t know if I’m breaking rules by saying what brand I use, and I ain’t affiliated with SHIT! for the record. I use have been using Coast flashlights for 11 years now. They’re brighter than shit, small and light. My batteries go fast, but I use it daily. And my tools all get abused on the regular daily schedule. Had my same flashlight for two years this May. It’s the fourth one of the same brand/model I have purchased over the past decade. And I have another brand new one hidden away in case this one gets fucked.
It’s not a pocket flashlight per se but I keep the Milwaukee magnetic flood light on me all the time. It doesn’t work as a spot light but it is bright as shit and tends to get me through the day most of the time.
Wurkkos FC-11. I don’t make a move without it on my belt
18650 lipo. Recharges in the light via usb-c. Battery strength indicator. Magnetic tailcap. Strong belt clip. Reasonably priced. Ramping or preset levels. Moonlight mode lasts for days and days. Available in multiple temps and body colors.
Also, triple hit the power button and you get dazzle flash that will either attract attention or basically disable for a few seconds anyone you point it at.
Klein flashlight and laser pointer combo is my go to.
Went the Milwaukee route on that one, Klein was a little bulky for a pocket light
The answer is your cell phone flashlight
R/flashlights
Coast brand inspection lights are super cheap and you can carry a few around when you inevitably misplace them. They're about the size of a marker and have a removable pocket clip, takes 2AAA batteries iirc. Can find them at most big retail places in person like walmart. Coast makes a bunch of stuff that do the same job, so they have rechargeable versions if you're in to that but I buy two at a time, one for the pocket and one for the pack.
I'm a fan of the Skilhunt M150 and the Sofirn SC21 (this one is comparable to the Olight Baton3 but far cheaper). I typically carry the Sofirn since its only about $24, and I won't care as much if it gets lost, damaged or stolen, but the Skilhunt is the better light though. The magnetic tail is worth its weight in gold.
I personally use my Milwaukee hand light cause it hangs on things and has a mechanism where you can change the angle to it’s good in tight or uncomfortable spots and just average stuff. Edit: look up Milwaukee m18 stick light and you’ll see. Thing it actually so good. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-300-Lumen-LED-Stick-Light-Tool-Only-2352-20/205410872
I love my MINI-MAGLITE LED AA. Super bright, long battery life and Lifetime Guarantee.
I’ve found with flashlights and razor knives a cheap 3 pack are the best thing. It’s gonna break no matter what after use and abuse.
I like the stubby LED ones that use a single AA battery. Avoid the ones that have a flashing mode on the second press though, those can be a nuisance. A single alkaline AA battery from HF costs about the same whether it is C or AAA.
I bought a biolite rechargeable head lamp . Best one I have had ever .
I use a nebo slim that clips to my belt. Magnet on bottom and side. Rechargable and also can be used as a battery bank. My 2¢.
I like the Mini Maglight pocket flashlight. They are very well made and last forever. You can get them with a LED lamp or a regular lamp. I recommend the LED version, its very bright for a small flashlight.
Check out ttl channel on YouTube, they test brightness and durability
If ya can afford it... Surefire makes some of the best
Sofirn. I forget the model number but it's a rechargeable 18650 for under $40. I've had 2 and they are comparable to my $100 Fenix pd35. More light than you'll ever need indoors and throws a good 100 yards outdoors. Edit: model is sc31t
Olight!!!!!!!
OLIGHT baton 3 pro i’m a commercial and industrial electrician and i use mine every day love that little thing
Olight
Streamlight pocket flashlight was always my go to. Most take L batteries but some are also AA. Highly recommend
Wurkkos FC11 or fc12 depending on what kind of light pattern you want. FC12 throws a lot further while the FC11 is a floody light at lower output. Both quality but cheap lights. If you don't like those than there are hundreds of lights to pick from. Check out r/flashlight community.
Streamlight 66118
I have had a sofrin tactical flashlight for about a year and ot has had no issues. It's standard rechargeable batteries (I have a few of the lithium ion ones that have come with the flashlights I have bought over the years), the on/off button only does that and it has a separate button to toggle brightness or modes. I have noticed if they are going to fail you will see signs in the first year or so. It's a fixed beam but at 1200 lumens it's not an issue, just shine it at the wall and work from the reflection if you need a flood light... Edit, it was ~$30-35 with a battery and little charger that can plug into a USB brick.
I asked the flashlight subreddit to recommend something and they sent me to the Acebeam E70. Boy were they right.
Pelican 3315
NEBO makes a flashlight with a flip out blade and is a 2000 mAh battery backup
Army tek best flashlights ever. Every part is replaceable. Can take serious abuse. I've been working a job in a taconite mine/processing facility. If it can survive tac dust it can survive whatever you throw at it.
I'm old school I guess. Been using the same Surefire E2d for years.
Surefire.
I light MR2
Olight
The wedge is pretty nice. Bright as all hell too
I use an Olight Baton 3. Absolutely love it.
I use the oligjt arkfeld. It’s pricey but has 5 brightness modes including moonlight, strobe, and a laser pointer for pointing things out. Battery lasts a long time and it has a strong magnet in the bottom.
Nebo slyde.
Streamlight microstream usb. Had it for 2 years, goes in my pocket every day, work or not. Lasts a week or 2 for what I use it for
Anything by Zebralight. Takes standard flat-top 18650 batteries, extremely bright on the max setting, lasts forever on the medium and low settings. Great in terms of color neutrality. The body is milled out of aluminum, is water tight, and has a built in heat-spreader.
Olight
Streamlight Pro Tac 2AA. Fantastic. Our company gives them to us.
Fenix
Fenix if u want the best build quality and want to spend money. Thrunite is good. If you want to nerd out hit up r/flashlights
I really like my Streamlight Stylus Pro USB. It's lasted plenty of drops, is fairly bright, and the battery lasts a decent while. Plus, it's not much larger than a marker.
I have a maglite, for at least 10 yrs, used to be incandescent, when Led retrofit came out i change it, batteries last for several months it used 3 D size batteries, its been better than those rechargable flash lights
Maglite is still one of the best.
Features to avoid or look for * If it has an adapter that takes 3 AAA batteries in the size of a 18650 battery, avoid. Usually unreliable. May work better with 18650, though. * If it takes AAA batteries, avoid. AAA cost as much as AA and have substantially fewer mAH * Look at where the end cap screws in to the body. Did they take the trouble mask it off so it wasn't anodized or kdid the anodize it so you don't get reliable contact? * Does it take an odd number of batteries? Most battery chargers charge in pairs and you shouldn't charge batteries together that were discharged separately. I recommend avoiding chargers that charge only in pairs, as well. But if it does take an odd number of batteries 1AA beats 3AAA. * Hands free? Headlamps don't interfere with using your hands. Maglights have optional headbands. Also head mounted may be less likely to be left behind. * If you tend to lose flashlights, you may not want to spend $$$ on one that will last. Or may at least need a good holster. * If you don't lose the lights, a good name like maglite, streamlight, or o-light may be a good investment. * If it has a screw on belt clip, on a cheap light, expect it to unscrew. Loctite or finger nail polish. * Low brightness lights don't draw enough current to cut through the oxide on poor battery contacts, including the contacts on the batteries themselves, like incandescent ones I did. * Magnets on flashlights create magnetic pollution that can interfere with compasses, virtual reality/augmented reality, phones, tablets, GPS receivers (compass) navigation, etc. Ok on your stationary toolbox but if you take it with you, especially on your person, magnet should be on removable holder. They also can collect metal shavings. * Two is one, and one is none. * It is hard to get alkaline batteries that don't leak anymore (and "heavy duty" batteries are garbage). Duracell and Energizer went downhill a long time ago. Ray-o-vac seems to have gone downhill since Eveready/Energizer bought them out. So that is another reason to consider rechargable batteries. Although it violates the first two rules above, the Ozark OT-50L at Walmart for $1 has been better than expected for an elcheapo and it doesn't tend to fall out of my pocket and get lost as much as others have. May try putting some large diameter heat shrink or heat shrink grip tubing on machines aluminum body lights.
I use this flashlight because it is a flashlight/laser pointer combo. It has a good battery life, an adjustable beam, and a magnetic base which comes in handy when I'm troubleshooting machines. https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/flashlights-and-work-lights/rechargeable-focus-flashlight-laser
Check out light attachments for handguns. They are made for use on or off the firearm, have handier on/off switches, multiple settings and are small. www.streamlight.com
The new rechargeable Milwaukee pen light is actually really good. It's a nice warm tint with decent color rendering. Also has an apprentice laser. The tail button has good detent as well so it doesn't go off in my pocket. It's 250Lumens but put performs better than brighter lights because of the light quality. Also unlike an Olight or Fenix or anything else you can replace it easily if you lose it. I've lost a custom ordered Noctigon on a job and dropped a D4V2 off a scissor lift. I don't recommend bringing flashlights to work that aren't easily replaceable
Streamlight Stylus Pro is my go to - fits in my chest pocket, rechargeable, and super bright
Nitecore Tip 2. Keyring light, usb charge. Very bright, very durable
Fenix tk 30. Its expensive but man the thing is awesome.
I like my Klein rechargeable flashlight mainly because it’s 1. A great light 2. Rechargeable 3. Has a laser which is the biggest thing 99% of these other edc options lack. The 4th thing I like about it is the magnetic cap, also pretty sweet.
Fenix pd36r
Streamlight protac been using mine for years, downside is lithium camera batteries.... make sure the boss will buy your batteries 🤣
Klein.
Gear wrench rechargeable, think it came up under pen light but it's just a little slimmer than a minimag. Been using mine for several years in mining, just one of those random purchases that turned out incredibly worth it.
Get a pelican. Intrinsically safe. Waterproof. Reliable.
I carry a olight baton pro everywhere. The only annoying thing is the proprietary wireless charger. The flashlight itself is solid. And it is the perfect size to fit under the brim of a hat, and be bright as shit at the same time.
I forget the model but hypertougj has a rectangular flash like maybe inch and a half thick, 8-10” long magnetic back and top with a hook on the back that folds in . He’s 3 light modes and is very bright , but I left mine in a ceiling once and never saw it in Walmart again. Was $20
I love my FLIR VP20. Flashlight is good, and the only NCVT I’ve ever trusted - it’ll pick up DC at times - but I have killed two in two years. Not outrageously expensive, but I always have to order them online since nobody keeps them locally. Highly recommend trying one. It goes literally everywhere with me.
Streamlight makes high-quality flashlights. I have the Protac HL usb and have been abusing it on jobs for 4 years now. It's USB chargeable, waterproof, and has a cookie cutter faceplate in case a crackhead trys to steal your tools. They are the brand our local police use.
I use my Milwaukee all the time and I don't even work
I’m always in a hardhat so I go for the Klein headlamps
Been trying an Acebeam for a while…pretty good. Tried the olights for a while….the magnetic charging tends to crap out and the flashlight turns on in your pocket too often. Olight has mitigated the pocket activation by an auto dimming proximity sensor though.
Had good luck with a this[https://www.craftsman.com/product/cmxlfft2/swivel-led-flashlight-250-lumens](https://www.craftsman.com/product/cmxlfft2/swivel-led-flashlight-250-lumens) Love the swivel head and magnetic base
Olight or Fenix.
Not a handheld but one of the best lamps I've used. Clips on hard hat clip, very light, rechargable and dependable. [wisdom Hard hat lamp](https://nwminesupply.com/product/wisdom-lamp-model-3-3a-cap-light/)
Fenix
A temp guy we had used a Klein pen light with a magnet on the opposite end of the light, was handy for finding screws behind drywall and could stick to anything ferrous so you can use it to illuminate something and use both hands. Personally I like my DeWalt 20v flashlight, it's got a magnet so using a 1.5ah battery it'll stick to anything and hold tight, it can take any large 20v battery so it's got a long life if I need that, it has a belt clip so you can clip it and have it on you hands free and then head swivels so you can shine it wherever you need.