If you’re a professional mechanic or a DIYer chances are you’ve worked on your car past sunset. The frustrating part about working with no natural light or light in general, making sure you’re fixing the right area of part of the car is difficult.
It happens and the best thing you can do is find an underhood work light that works with you. The great thing about underhood work lights is that they’re not complicated to use. They help you get the job done and best of all, you can finally see.
We’ve hand selected the top five best underhood work lights and of course, you already know, we had to do some reviews and give you our number one choice out of the five. The reviews of each product will be based on their features, specifications and what we liked and didn’t like them.
COMPARISON CHART
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1. NEIKO 40477A Rechargeable Underhood Work Light
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2. ATD Tools atd-80357 2000
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3. Milwaukee 2125
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4. Greenidea Rechargeable Underhood Work Light
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5. SGCB Underhood Inspection LED Work Light
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1. NEIKO 40477A Rechargeable Underhood Work Light
Specification
Shape | Cylindrical |
Material | TPR |
Power source | 3.7V, 8,800mAh rechargeable Lithium-ion battery |
Irradiation distance | 47 inches to 76 inches |
Charging time | Approximately 4.5 hours |
Features
- 3 hour run time (high mode) and 6 hours (low mode)
- Equipped with rechargeable battery
- Impact resistant
- Magnetic hooks for attachment onto metal surfaces
The Neiko rechargeable underhood work light is equipped with over 200 LED bulbs and able to produce up to 1,200 Lumens of bright light. The light that this work light produces is extremely bright so you can use it in absolute darkness. All the car repairs that you can work on after the sunsets, this light has made that possible.
The Neiko work lights are housed in polycarbonate and lens, which ensures its extreme durability. You can adjust this underhood work light from 47 inches to 76 inches, fit a variety of hoods and come with cushioned hooks. The cushioned hooks prevent the product from damaging the finish of the vehicle while in use.
In addition, the light comes with two magnetic hooks. The magnetic hooks are used for hanging and are detachable. All those tight spaces that you have to work on, this work light can do that job. Another interesting feature about this product is that it’s cordless. The extra convenience of this item being cordless means you won’t have to worry about tripping over wires while you’re on the grind.
Lastly, the Neiko work light has a 8,000 mAh large capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Its rechargeable battery provides three hours of running time on high mode and six hours on low mode. To charge the light use a UL or cUL certified charger.
PROS
- Two detachable magnetic hooks to provide flexibility of light in cramped and awkward workspaces
- Impact resistant polycarbonate light housing and lens for maximum durability
- Weather resistant design for extended daily use
- Foam cushioned protective hooks preventing scratches or damages to the vehicle finish
CONS
- Battery life doesn’t last as long
- No lifetime battery warranty
2. ATD Tools atd-80357 2000
Specification
Shape | Cylindrical |
Material | TPR |
Power source | 7.4V, 5,200 Lithium-ion battery |
Irradiation distance | 40 inches |
Charging time | Corded worklight |
Features
- 2 hours of light at full power and 4 hours at low mode
- High Lithium-ion battery capacity up to 4,400mAh
- Powerful Lumens count of 2,000
- Oil and grease resistant
The ATD tools work light has 250 SMD LEDs that can produce 200 Lumens of brightness. The strong brightness can make sure that your workspace is fully and properly illuminated. Unlike the Neiko 40447A worklight, this item is a corded light with the convenience of rechargeable light.
The length of the light bar is 40 inches, which will provide maximum area illumination. The hooks on the light bar create an extension from 55 inches to 83 inches. The extreme extension will fit onto new SUVs and light trucks.
The large covered hooks are padded that will give you ease of attachment and an increase in stability. The work light has two brightness modes: high and low mode. The high mode produces 2000 Lumens and the low mode produces 1000 Lumens.
The ATD 80357 work light has a removable 25 foot cord that is flexible in cold weather. This item’s cord is also oil and grease resistant. Lastly, the ATD 80357 has a push button LED battery level indicator.
PROS
- Two different brightness setting offered
- Extremely compatible with SUVs and light trucks
- Hooks provide great stability and attachment
- Cord is grease- and oil-resistant
- Rechargeable enhancement
CONS
- Battery life doesn’t last as long
- No lifetime battery warranty
3. Milwaukee 2125
Specification
Shape | Cylindrical |
Material | Aluminum rack |
Power source | Cordless |
Irradiation distance | 48 inches to 78 inches |
Charging time | Requires battery pack for charging |
Features
- 1,350 Lumens output
- Hooks provide lasting protection against scratches to a vehicle’s finish
- Mounting hooks extend from 48 inches up to 78 inches
- Chemical- and impact-resistant
- Two different brightness options: high (1,350 Lumens, 4 hours) and low (600m Lumens, 8 hours)
The Milwaukee 2125 underhood work light is rated at 1,350 Lumens at high mode, while the low brightness mode emits 600 Lumens. When you use the appropriate battery the work light runs up to eight hours on low brightness and half that time on high brightness.
The Milwaukee work light comes with mounting hooks that are extendable from 48 inches to 78 inches. The extreme extension is versatile and is suitable for different vehicles including wide trucks. The rack of the light is made of aluminum, which makes it lightweight and comes with an additional metal hook at the end of the light bar.
This is a rechargeable underhood work light that will offer you great operation to work under the hood. This item is also extremely versatile, flexible and rotatable so you can position this light anywhere that suits you.
Finally, the bonus with the Milwaukee 2125 underhood work light, it is a highly chemical resistant and impact resistant item. If you happen to get a little rough, the last thing you’ll worry about is this work light.
PROS
- Maximum 8 hours of run time
- Hook mounting bar that is extendable up to 78 inches
- Scratch-resistant mounting hooks that won’t damage the vehicle’s finish
- Product is chemical and impact-resistant
- Rechargeable enhancement
CONS
- Intermediate battery capacity
- Price is higher compared to other work lights
4. Greenidea Rechargeable Underhood Work Light
Specification
Shape | Rectangular |
Material | PC/ABS |
Power source | AC & battery |
Irradiation distance | 18.11 inches |
Charging time |
Features
- 1,000 Lumens output at high mode and 600 Lumens at low mode
- 360° rotatable swivels hidden in the hooks
- Four adjustable light settings and two adjustable color settings
- Impact- and water-resistant
The Greenidea underhood work light comes with four adjustable lights at 20%, 50%, 75% and 100%. So you have the option to work under the light settings that work for you. Another awesome feature with this light is that it has adjustable color temperatures. If you prefer to work in cool or warm light, the option is there. The two light settings that are available for your needs are 3500K and 5700K.
When you wish to use the brightness of this light up to its full capacity it provides 1000 Lumens and can run up to four hours, with rechargeable lights that have 72 SMD LEDs. This product has a built-in 5,200mAh lithium battery, where in one single full charge can last up to 24 hours under low brightness and four hours at 100% brightness.
The cool feature about this work light is that it can work as a portable charger. Yes, that’s right, if your phone dies and you’re in an emergency, this foldable light will have your back. Another added feature of the Greenlight work light is that it’s impact- and water-resistant, so durability is not an issue.
This portable cordless work light has double 360° rotatable swivels hidden in the hooks. The hooks can be hung anywhere from trees to walls. Literally, any location will work as long as there’s something you can hang this light up to.
PROS
- Offers different settings of adjustable brightness
- Mounting hook is 360° rotatable
- Impact resistant at 1.5 meters
- Water resistant with a IP65 component
- Product comes with a magnetic base so multiple attachment options
CONS
- Length of the product is shorter compared to others
- Light is more efficient if set under low brightness
5. SGCB Underhood Inspection LED Work Light
Specification
Shape | Cylindrical |
Material | Plastic |
Power source | Battery powered |
Irradiation distance | 18 inches |
Charging time | 7 hours with 2A adapter and 12 hours with 1A adapter |
Features
- 1,000 Lumens output at high mode and 600 Lumens at low mode
- 360° rotatable swivels hidden in the hooks
- 4 gears available
- Gear one: 67.5 Lumens
- Gear two: 157.5 Lumens
- Gear three: 450 Lumens
- Gear flash: 112.5 Lumens
- Water-resistant and impact-resistant
Our last runner up, the SGCB underhood work light. This work light is as multipurpose as they come. There are three different brightness modes available along with a flashing alert light. The brightness adjustments can be set from low, medium to high.
The SGCB underhood work light has multiple attachments. The bases have strong magnetic units so you can attach to any metal surface. If magnets aren’t something you’re looking for, don’t worry, it also comes with straps so you can have them hanging instead.
Did we also mention that it can act as a power bank? Well, this LED work light will be your saving grace in emergency situations! This underhood work light has a premium Lithium-ion battery with an extremely large capacity of 10,400mAh. With the extreme capacity the SGCB underhood LED work light can run for eight hours on the highest mode, and 80 hours on the lowest mode.
PROS
- Variety of adjustable light settings offered
- Hooks are magnetic and strap based
- Light capacity of 80 hours at low brightness
- Water resistant with a IP68 component
- Extremely large battery capacity of 10,400mAh for maximum efficiency
CONS
- Length of the product is shorter compared to others
- Light is more efficient if set under low brightness
- Hooking straps might create discomfort in some users especially when working under the hood
Conclusion
The winner for this neck-on-neck competition has to go to the Neiko 40447A Rechargeable Cordless Underhood Work Light. This one was a tough one. Each work light came with its great qualities, but the Neiko worklight has them beat. This light will ensure the maximum efficiency and comfort provided to you while you get your hands dirty.
We’ve made the purchasing process as easy as we could! Come on and check out the NEIKO 40447A Rechargeable Cordless Underhood Work Light.
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