Lead Lamps: Mains

When working in a gloomy garage, a lead light can make all the difference. But which of our eight products shines brightest of all?

Auto Express Car Reviews

July 2005

Let there be light - and if you are working under or around your car, that will mean a lead light! For years, inspection lamps only came with normal domestic bulbs - but things have now moved on.

Fluorescent units were the first real alternative, proving much more robust than the traditional lead lamp. Now, lamps which use light emitting diodes (LEDs) have arrived. We have already seen how this technology is likely to revolutionise the car market - can it have the same effect in the garage?

We test eight of the best products, incorporating all three formats. Our lamps are split between those powered by the mains and units which are cordless or run off a 12V lead.

Verdict

Best buy for the mains units has to be JCB's Service 20, which combines good light and easy positioning at a competitive price.

However, if you prefer a fluorescent, Ring's RIL 2000 is a great performer. The Draper 73527 takes the top award for the 12-volt lamps. It is compact enough for most locations, cheap and does the job well.

Laser's rather expensive 3820 combines the best light, when running off the mains, with a respectable output in cordless mode for those five-minute jobs.