What light do you use to check your work?

[ShinyChevy]

Nothing reveals defects like direct sunlight but you can't work in it and sometimes it's not available. I've been using some 1000w portable halogen work lights in my shop which put out lots of light (and heat) and usually are very good in showing swirls, but they're awkward to move around a lot or to pick up and hold over a hood or trunk lid. Also, I got surprised on the last project: what looked good under the halogen lights turned out to have swirls when the sun hit it just right the next day.

What other lights do you guys use? I can light up the shop and the cars fine with what I have but I'm looking for something to more closely approximate sunlight to show defects.

[BlueZero]

Re: What light do you use to check your work?

Brinkman Dual Xenon is probably what you need.

Here's a good thread in it... Best Swirlfinder/Defect Light?

[Mike Phillips]

Re: What light do you use to check your work?

For the money, it's pretty hard to beat the Brinkman, our local Pep Boy's sells it for $25.00

There are other options but this tool will give you the best bang for the buck and gets the job done.

[gjohn28]

Re: What light do you use to check your work?

For the money, it's pretty hard to beat the Brinkman, our local Pep Boy's sells it for $25.00

There are other options but this tool will give you the best bang for the buck and gets the job done.

Just bought a Brinkmann at a local Pep Boy's (~$30). Used it for last two details on black cars. Works great!

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: What light do you use to check your work?

The Brinkmann is a excellent tool to find swirls.

[ShinyChevy]

Re: What light do you use to check your work?

Wow, that was fast! Thanks guys, I'll get one today.

[ShinyChevy]

Re: What light do you use to check your work?

Found the Brinkmann at Academy for $25 after some running around. Turns out Home Depot, Loews, Ace, Auto Zone, O'Reilly's, and Wal Mart do not carry it. Did not try Pep Boys as the closest one is not very close.

This thing is great - handy size makes it easy to use and store and it does show the defects.

My $0.02: If you're going to spend some $$$ on power tools, pads, and polishes to correct and refine your car's finish, you might as well get one of these to check your work as you go along. It's a drag to find out on the next sunny day that you did not produce the finish you thought!

[Mike Phillips]

Re: What light do you use to check your work?

They make a great flashlight for around the house or camping too...

Mine came with both a 110 volt plug in charger for the house and a 12 volt car charger.

[sstg]

Re: What light do you use to check your work?

I use the infratech cm5300.3m sun gun is also suppose to be good.But expensive.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: What light do you use to check your work?

I would also suggest 500w-1000w halogens during your work. Man, I can't believe I used to work without them...

They make your life a lot easier, and also help tons for taking pictures of defects.

[Sydster]

Re: What light do you use to check your work?

I use the Brinkman and I'm very happy with it.

[Ryan L.]

Re: What light do you use to check your work?

I would also suggest 500w-1000w halogens during your work.

I use those along with the Brinkmann...great combo. Wait for sales at Sears during the holidays. I got the Craftsman 1000W Tripod for $9.99 and the Craftsman 500W Tripod for $5.99. Retail on them is $39.99 and $27.99.

Ryan

[akimel]

Re: What light do you use to check your work?

Is anyone acquainted with these UtiliTech halogen work lights from Lowes? Do they work well for our purposes? Are they substantial enough? Is 500 watts sufficient? The price is excellent (on sale for only $20 here in Roanoke), which of course make me suspicious.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=237830-52757-WL250DPT-L&lpage=none

[Markus Kleis]

Re: What light do you use to check your work?

I use those along with the Brinkmann...great combo. Wait for sales at Sears during the holidays. I got the Craftsman 1000W Tripod for $9.99 and the Craftsman 500W Tripod for $5.99. Retail on them is $39.99 and $27.99.

Ryan

That's an insane deal. The prices have gone up around $40 for the dual light, 1000 watt setup but I already bought mine on Amazon for around $27~

I might grab some extras if I see the price drop that low...

[Ryan L.]

Re: What light do you use to check your work?

That's an insane deal. The prices have gone up around $40 for the dual light, 1000 watt setup but I already bought mine on Amazon for around $27~

I might grab some extras if I see the price drop that low...

Yea just wait for the Black Friday deals or after Christmas. I got their mechanic's stool for $9.99 too.

Ryan