How Good is the SnapOn® Flashlight? (3 Year Review)
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- We got a Snap-on® rechargeable flashlight about 3 years back and we’ve used it A LOT. It’s a great flashlight. Nothing’s perfect - so what needs to be improved?
#flashlights #snapontools #rechargeablelight
We use this light quite a bit, so that tells you that it works well in a variety of conditions. It’s a great handheld flashlight, but it really shines (see what I did there?) as a stationary unit that can be attached to any ferrous (iron-based) surface and the light directed where you need it.
It is magnetic both at the bottom and side of the unit. You can turn on the end light (like a typically hand-held flashlight), or turn that off and use one or two sides of the wand light that can be extended out the side of the light. Using a combination of magnet sources and which light you are using, it’s pretty easy to get an area illuminated.
At a price point approaching $200, it better be good - and it is. But it would only be worthwhile if it is used ongoing, and serves well in a variety of work conditions - including where there is a lot of dust, mud, grease, or grime. With the rubber moldings covering the unit, it makes it quite durable so it can be wiped down or cleaned.
Its shape resists rolling, like off a car hood. If it does roll, the magnetic side is likely to grab.
It is charged using a standard USB-C cable. When charging, the status light will flash green. When fully charged, it is solid green. When the charge in the unit is getting low, or you are drawing a lot of current (when both sides of the wand light are on), the status color will be yellow. It holds a charge well, and in over 2 years, we’ve seen only a slight diminishment in the charge capacity.
What do we think could be improved? One thing we think would be an improvement is if the status light would flash when the charge is getting really low and charging is needed right away. The new version description says that it has a power level indicator, so perhaps that has been resolved. Also, as it is now if you swing out the wand light, the front light can’t be used. I’d like the choice to use the front light when it is pivoted and I want more of a spotlight directed at what I want to look at. It’s not a deal-breaker as far as I’m concerned, but it would be a nice choice to have.
If after all the benefits we’ve stated, this is still too much, there are alternatives. This is a professional unit, and it’s build shows it. We’ve had several viewers who are mechanics write and tell us how much they use this light and highly recommend it. Since it is an industrial model, it has an industrial price.
There are “knock-offs” out there and they will work well for most homeowner settings. Pure economics dictate they won’t last as long, but that may be okay. Another approach is to use a headlamp device. They are getting better and better and put light where you are looking. There are several models and companies out there, and depending on the type of work you do, that may be the right choice for you.
Light output is 600 lumens using a single side of the light wand, and 800 lumens when using both. The single-end spotlight puts out 300 lumens. For comparison, a 100-watt light bulb emits about 1600 lumens, a 60-watt bulb puts out about 800 lumens, and a 40-watt bulb produces about 450 lumens.
To get one, you can visit shop.snapon.co....
THE BOTTOM LINE? You’ll need to make the determination if your investment is worth it for this tool, but one thing is for sure. Great lighting, conveniently “on tap” when and where you need it, sure makes it easier to JUST DO IT YOURSELF.
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Good morning from Southeast South Dakota
Good morning!
I fail to understand why any flashlight would not work forever. They dont but with limited moving parts I have to assume they are designed to fail. My first led flashlight, that I got free 50 years ago, still works. It saved my but when I got injured in a cave. It was my 4th light source and it gave feeble light but did not die. Many since then have been thrown away.
I suspect there is planned obsolescence in many products these days. We've encountered that in tools (plastic clips that break easily), dishwashers (racks that corrode out way early and cost about 1/2 of a new dishwasher), and refrigerator (door cams that fail in a couple of years so the door won't self close). I have a Maglite mini that just keeps going and throws an incredibly bright light. Thanks for writing and sharing your experiences and thoughts. Best, DFJ
Bonjour 🇩🇿🌹🇩🇿
Bonjour!
I have a way less expensive Harbor Freight flashlight, sort of the same design and it is my go to light. I don't know what the batteries and won't try to find out until it will not hold a charge. It has the beam light, and a 2 stage panel of LEDs. The magnet is strong , the light is bright, USB rechargeable only and you can buy 6 of these versus the Snap On. Yes, purchasing these makes American products cost more and supports the CCP, not a good thing. We need manufacturing brought back to our country and lets send AOC to China where she will get all those communists in line.
Thanks for jumping in on this! Best, DFJ
Too expensive
Thanks for jumping in! Best, DFJ
Again depends how you use it, I would rather have a good quality dependable light…😊
Snap on is a joke. They try to lure young mechanics into debt. Don't buy any of their tools. Stop reviewing their products.
Thanks for sharing your opinion. Judging by the other comments, there are mechanics that are avid fans of their tools, and they certainly have developed a loyal following over the years. I don't think you can do that by selling junk tools or not backing up your product. It sounds like you've had a poor experience with them in some fashion. I agree with you that debt is to be avoided and isn't a good financial or career tactic. Best Regards, DFJ
What’s the joke they work like supposed to? while the junk appears the same…..then after using cheapo stuff few times it no longer works! Personally dealing with that very situation with harbor freight Braun folding light…..switch fail on light number 3 be ok for someone who dont treally need a light
Are you telling me it’s the fork to blame for obesity? If so try again. As of 2024 it’s still America with freedom and choices.
Great review and please review more long term use and opinion of random snap on tools. Definitely appreciate the long term use vs open box and determine yeah it’s the best type of review. Or yeah it’s same as snap on looks similar with only 5 mins of use, might as well by the cheaper one. ☝️
Snap-on makes tools, & as an entity they are a net positive in terms of what they produce. Some tools are works of art, some are overpriced junk.
Certainly shady dealers lure young guys into buying stuff they don't need, you're right (Snap-on credit too for that matter). That being said, I don't wanna live in a world without Snap-on Tools.
Regarding this light, it's worth the money. My favorite light, the Ecarb042 is the smaller, original version (has been discontinued unfortunately); I own 5 of those in total.
Two for work, one in my car, one in my entryway at home, & one in my wife's car.
I own this version as well, & the Ecargo062, which is the one that has the new, removable lithium batteries (currently $160 for the light; $40 for each battery).
That one, like the other two, is a beautiful light. However, the battery compartment pops open frequently. The bottom magnet is built into the battery hatch. A very poor design. I won't use this one at work, because of the unreliable nature of the design. It's for home shop use only.
Lastly, the Ecarl032, the newest slim design of this light, is pretty awesome too. Currently $85, it's slightly overpriced, but one could buy it as a young mechanic, & have it be their stand alone light for many years if they're careful.
A bit of a ramble by me, but these lights have been so useful in my life.
This is a good follow-up to your earlier review. So many times you have interesting topics to cover. 👍👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for writing!