Worklights (cordless)

July 2007

Wireless connections are all the rage - and tool makers are getting in on the act. Thanks to advances in LED and battery products, and the fact that the technology is increasingly affordable, for the first time, Auto Express can test work lights that are exclusively cordless.

As with the first cordless power tools, these lamps will improve over time. Still, all our test products offer bright and wide beams. Until interchangeable batteries and fast chargers arrive, battery packs are built in; you simply connect the charger to the unit's socket.

You buy a work lamp to illuminate dark areas, so our first test measured how much light each product threw out. As well as measuring 40cm from the front of the lamp, we rated peripheral lighting at 45 and 70 degrees to the centre.

Battery life is crucial, so we timed how long it took until light output was less than half what it was at full battery power. This was factored against charging time. We also rated how easy each lamp is to position, with many offering handy hooks and magnets.

Verdict

Ring's pint-sized RIL2500 has the strongest battery and one of the highest light outputs, so it's a worthy Best Buy. The Draper 40897 puts in a solid all-round performance to come second, and its hook and magnet are useful. While Sealey's LED28 feels like a professional lamp, we would prefer to see a bigger battery.

Top 3

1. Ring RIL2500
2. Draper 40897
3. Sealey LED28

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