Best Swirlfinder/Defect Light?

[Lexus Guy04]

I have seen quite a few of you use a light to find swirl marks/defects in the paint when it is dark outside, or when the car is in the garage. I have always used the sun, but obviously it isn't out all the time, and we obviously don't detail in the sun. So I think it's time to invest a few dollars in a portable, handheld light (not the halogen lights with stands you can get at sears). I want one that I can use on-the-go. So my question is for those of you that use such an animal, which one is the best one or which one do you guys use. I have done a little research and it seems like the Brinkmann Maxfire Dual Xenon Spotlight is a good choice. What do you guys think?

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Best Swirlfinder/Defect Light?

I use the Brinkmann Dual xenon light. It will find them.

[yalerd]

Re: Best Swirlfinder/Defect Light?

As well as J.A. Michaels I use the Brinkman Dual Xenon

[Nappers]

Re: Best Swirlfinder/Defect Light?

Ditto:



Brinkman has various lights, dual halogen, LED, etc. if your looking, check the package, they all look alike as far as the light. Make sure you read instructions on how to properly charge her up.

Have fun.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Best Swirlfinder/Defect Light?

Any tips on the cheapest place to grab a Brinkman?

[Nappers]

Re: Best Swirlfinder/Defect Light?

I live in NO. California and shop a lot in Oregon (Medford) and found mine for $24.99 at a Fred Meyer (Oregon store only?????) Googled it some time ago and found for the same price, some Lowes, Home Depot may have them......

[TerryAdams]

Re: Best Swirlfinder/Defect Light?

In SoCal: Pep Boys auto stores.

[Blr123]

Re: Best Swirlfinder/Defect Light?

I used to use a Brinkman but now use the 3M SunGun as seen in the link: -

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3M-PPS-SUN-GUN-Color-Matching-Light-Kit-3M-16400_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a543Q7c39Q3a1Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem140275814925QQitemZ140275814925

They are often on ebay USA for not much money and they are better than the Brinkman although the Brinkman is very good

Bryan

[hondamtrco4life]

Re: Best Swirlfinder/Defect Light?

For everyone that has the Brinkman Dual Xenon-

Can you detect if the painted surface has marring using this light? Will it show up or is this light mainly for detecting cob webb scratches and deeper scratches?

[Lexus Guy04]

Re: Best Swirlfinder/Defect Light?

I used to use a Brinkman but now use the 3M SunGun as seen in the link: -

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3M-PPS-SUN-GUN-Color-Matching-Light-Kit-3M-16400_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a543Q7c39Q3a1Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem140275814925QQitemZ140275814925

They are often on ebay USA for not much money and they are better than the Brinkman although the Brinkman is very good

Bryan

What makes the 3M SunGun better than the Brinkman in your opinion?

[Blr123]

Re: Best Swirlfinder/Defect Light?

What makes the 3M SunGun better than the Brinkman in your opinion?

We all know the ideal for seeing swirls etc is direct sunlight, the SunGun is 99.7% as good as direct sunlight the Brinkman can't match it

Bryan

PS a replacement bulb will set you back $54 minimum and that will probably plus shipping

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Best Swirlfinder/Defect Light?

The Brinkman for $25.00 at most Pep Boys is the kill deal, it will show you what you need to see to get the job done properly.

Yes, it will show micro-marring and hazing.

Hold the light about a foot and a half off the surface, don't hold it real close, that's the wrong technique.

[hondamtrco4life]

Re: Best Swirlfinder/Defect Light?

What makes the 3M SunGun better than the Brinkman in your opinion?

I'm not sure because I don't have either but I'm going to say this. 1. its a 3M product and we all know they make some good stuff! 2. its the same price as 14 Brinkman Dual Xenon lights... ha ha so I guess you definitely get what you pay for. (just my thoughts)

[Lexus Guy04]

Re: Best Swirlfinder/Defect Light?

The Brinkman for $25.00 at most Pep Boys is the kill deal, it will show you what you need to see to get the job done properly.

Yes, it will show micro-marring and hazing.

Hold the light about a foot and a half off the surface, don't hold it real close, that's the wrong technique.

Thanks for the tips on how to use this machine properly Mike. I will definitely remember this when I purchase my Brinkmann.

[Blr123]

Re: Best Swirlfinder/Defect Light?

I'll go rake out a couple of pics showing both and, as they say, you decide.......back in a mo

Bryan