MAGNETIC LIGHT

This light is expensive compared to many. (buy it on sale!) However, it it the only one worth owning of the various ones I've bought. (I bought a lot of cheaper ones hoping they would do and they are garbage) The Magnet is OK is the surface is flat. The arm stays roughly in position but don't expect precision. I used a focused LED bulb (~$10 on ebay direct from HK) and that works well. I wouldn't use it with a conventional bulb simply because of the heat. But I also believe LED bulbs might solve the other commentator problems. Also LED basically doesn't burn out so I really think its worth it to reduce the amount of stuff you have to upkeep in your shop. To be clear, it doesn't come with a bulb but it uses standard E27 screw in bulbs (the most common style) My use is on the side of my mini-Mill. Sometimes I move it onto a metal table or stick it to a large ferrous tool like a vise. However since it plugs in it isn't handy to move it and I mostly just leave it on the mill. I wrote this review because I am going to get another one (on sale :-) and think it a decent product. I also got the magnetic battery LED one also on busybee hoping that would be similar to this but more portable. Don't get that battery one it is useless. If you can plug in your light then this is the item to get. I would prefer if the magnet were a little stronger as well but it mostly works fine though if you knock it it can fall if not mounted upright.

I bought this light to assist welding on the car I'm restoring. The magnetic base works passibly well if it is afixed to a perfectly flat and clean surface. If the surface is even a bit irregular and off horizontal the magnet is not nearly strong enough to hold the light in place. Grinding near the lamp causes the base to collect debris, further reducing its magnetic grip. The consequence is with any gentle nudge the light will detach from whatever it is on, fall and break its lightbulb. I've gone through dozens. Even rough service bulbs don't last long because I'm constantly knocking the light over or it slips and falls on its own. Last time it fell it snapped off its switch, fortunately in the ON position so I can still kind of use it. If you're going to use this on a drill press or bandsaw as depticted in the photo, fine. If you're going to use it for autobody work, it is marginally useful.