If you are a mechanic, you must be tired of using a heavy flashlight. Worry not; a penlight can now become your best friend!
A mechanic is always in need of a light that is focused and can give a clear view of the interior of the machine. But for the longest time, people have used a flashlight for this purpose.
I often take it upon myself to do the electrical repairings in the house in case there is a problem. That’s why I ended up trying some of the best penlights on the market.
And I thought, why not share my review with my mechanic friends who can benefit from my experience? Hi! I am Stacy Smith and today, I am going to take you through the best penlight for mechanics that I had the opportunity to review.
After reading this guide, it will become easier for you to decide which one to go for. So, without any more delay, let’s dive right in!
Top 5 Penlight For Mechanics Reviews
1. STREAMLIGHT 66122
One of the first recommendations that I have for you is the STREAMLIGHT 66122. Irrespective of the conditions this penlight will deliver the best results. After testing this item, I can assure you that it is one of the most durable ones that I have tried. Let’s see what else it has to offer.
Product Highlights
There’s no doubt that when buying a penlight, everyone looks for durability and ease of use. And when it comes to this item, both these aspects will be well covered.
This penlight is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, so there’s no reason to worry that it might get damaged anytime soon. Even if you drop it, rest assured that it is resistant to impact.
Other than that, it is pretty resistant to water. If you go for a hike and there is a sudden downpour, this penlight won’t get damaged in your pockets because of the rain. Similarly, even if you opt for a light swim, this product won’t easily get impaired in the water.
Moreover, it is essential to note that it is pretty simple to use. There’s no way that it would mistakenly slip out of your pants as there is a pocket clip to hold it in place.
What’s There To Like About It?
There’s no denying the fact that it is pretty helpful when you are not able to carry a bag to store the light. You can simply decide to use your pocket for storage as the clip would ensure that the penlight does not get misplaced.
It is also super lightweight, and you will not feel like you are carrying anything. Furthermore, it is as bright as 100 lumens which makes it extremely desirable.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
I only wish the rubber button was a little better as it took me a while to understand how best to use it. The problem is that the switch seems to be a little stiff, and it gets easier to use only with time. For correct usage, make sure that you position your forefingers correctly.
Pros and Cons of STREAMLIGHT 66122
Pros
Cons
- Durable, anodized machined aircraft aluminum construction
- White LED produces 100 lumens; 950 candela; 62 meter beam; runs 8 hours
- IPX4: water resistant; 2 meter impact resistance tested
2. Coast G20
If you are a mechanic, trust me when I say that the Coast G20 Inspection Beam can become your best friend. Don’t go by the small size; you would be surprised to see how powerful its light is. Just clip it anywhere you need to and access it as per your requirements.
Product Highlights
What makes this item stand out among its contemporaries is the inspection beam. The light ray that comes out of this torch is never scattered. Instead, because of the inspection beam, it is always streamlined and will ensure that your workspace is adequately illuminated. As a result, it is well-suited for hard-to-reach spaces and objects.
Also, this penlight comes with an excellent pocket clip. Without this, there’s a good chance that it might slip out of your pocket, encounter a fall, and eventually break.
And not to forget the fact that it can run for a good period of time. You will just need 2 AAA alkaline batteries to use this item. With that, you can run this penlight for a minimum of 2.5 hours, after which you have to change the batteries.
What’s There To Like About It?
What made this product stand out for me was the fact that I could use it in all types of weather conditions. It is entirely resistant to water, so even if there’s unannounced rainfall, there’s no chance that it will start to malfunction.
Consequently, it does not matter if you are planning to use it for indoor or outdoor purposes; it is suitable for use in all conditions. Understandably, it will come in handy for your projects.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
The only problem that I encountered while using this item is that it is not well-suited for long-range use. Because the beam light is not white, its reach may seem to be a little less. If you are planning for long-range use, keep this factor in mind before you start working.
Pros and Cons of Coast G20
Pros
Cons
- Inspection Beam: Clear And Consistent Edge-To-Edge Brightness Capable Of Illuminating A Defined Area Up To 9 Meters (30 Feet)
- Adjustable Clip: Versatile Clip Allows For Easy Storage In A Pocket Or Tool Kit
- Specs: 22 Meter (72 Ft. ) Beam Distance And 10 Hour Runtime. Tested And Rated To Ansi/Fl1 Standards
3. Anker AK-T1424012
The next item that I have for you is the Anker AK-T1424012 Rechargeable Pen Flashlight. I can assure you that this device can be relied on as it is lightweight and you can carry it anywhere. It offers you a range of settings to choose from and is pretty versatile, meaning it had to be on my list.
Product Highlights
When you have a penlight, it is pretty crucial that it is convenient to use. And to enhance the ease of use, the brand provides a rechargeable battery in the pack.
You will also find an additional USB port to charge the batteries even when you are traveling. So, there would be no hassle of replacing the batteries often.
Moreover, I could not help but notice how beautifully designed this penlight is. Its high-quality anodized aluminum body is pretty sturdy, and there’s no chance that it will get scratched or chipped easily. Not only does it look good, but it also provides an excellent grip.
What requires a special mention is the fact that it can be used in all types of weather conditions. Before going for a hike, I never have to check for the weather prior to leaving. You can use this penlight even if it is freezing outside and the temperature is as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
What’s There To Like About It?
I would really recommend this product for everyone who is looking for a budget penlight that is durable and easy to use. You just have to spare a little amount of cash to buy this, and you also get a rechargeable battery included in the pack.
There’s no need to put a nail in your coffer to buy this item, and for the price, you will surely experience excellent results.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Despite its brilliant performance, I was not very impressed with the clip present on this device. I guess it is more of a design flaw, and that makes carrying it around a bit difficult. However, after using it for a few days, I noticed that one could easily clip it with belts and pouches.
Pros and Cons of Anker AK-T1424012
Pros
Cons
- STUNNINGLY SLIM: The lightweight, robust aluminum body slips into any pocket or toolbag.
- EASY TO USE: User-friendly, one-button design makes it easy to switch brightness levels.
- RECHARGEABLE: Fill the two 900mAh premium NiMH batteries via any USB port.
4. INFRAY ‎SD-002
If you are on the lookout for a multi-functional penlight, it is best that you give the INFRAY ‎SD-002 Small LED Flashlight a try. This offers 3 setting options which means you can use it at your convenience without wasting any battery power. Also, when it comes to lumens capacity, it is nothing short of incredible.
Product Highlights
Carrying this penlight with yourself will never feel like added pressure. It is super compact and is only 5.7 inches in length and it will easily fit in pockets of any size.
Also, it is quite lightweight in nature and weighs only 42 grams. You can decide on carrying it or attaching it to a keychain according to your convenience.
What’s more, with just 2 AA batteries, it can produce light for 7 hours. But the best part is that the light is pretty bright and produces 22 lumens.
So, in the brightness department, this penlight scores a perfect 10. With this kind of output, you can consider using it during any of your outdoor activities.
Other than that, you can use it in all weather conditions without fearing that it might get damaged. This penlight is IPX5 waterproof and is totally resistant to corrosion and abrasion. Plus, because of its aircraft aluminum body, it is quite sturdy and does not get damaged easily.
What’s There To Like About It?
For me, it does not make sense to spend on an item that is not long-lasting. Luckily, this product has never made me complain about this.
It is constructed well and, with a single battery pack, can run up to 7 hours. You should know that when I put it on the low mode, it had a run time of 14 hours. If that’s not incredible, I don’t know what is.
I was also pretty impressed by the warranty of 18 months. Not to mention, in case you do not like the performance, you can return it and get a refund.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
I was not very happy with the way this item was packaged. The box in which the penlight was delivered was dented on the corners, and I was worried if the product was damaged. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case but from a brand as good as this one, I expected better.
Pros and Cons of INFRAY ‎SD-002
Pros
Cons
- SUPER BRIGHT: This small penlight contains the most updated LED and gives out max 300 lumens. Super bright in a dark and operate by 2 alkaline AAA batteries (not included), it's a good choice for inspection, work, repair and emergency.
- ULTRA COMPACT: infray LED penlight at 5.7 inches in length and only about 42g. It’s designed as EDC flashlights and small enough to slip into a pocket, shirt and backpack or attach it to a keychain. With a removable pocket clip, the pen light is also easy to clip to the belt or as a cap light to use.
- LONG LASTING: Fully adjustable focus from wide to narrow beam just simply rotating the head of the penlight. Lights up concentrated areas with its narrow beam or larger area with its wide beam. Features 3 adaptable settings: High / Low / Strobe and the pen light offers 7 hours of run time on high mode, and 14 hours run time on low setting.
5. GearLight S100 LED Pocket Pen Light
There was no way I would have wrapped up this list without having mentioned the GearLight S100 LED Pocket Pen Light. While introducing this product on the market, the brand had mainly focused on one important thing: to enable the users to illuminate confined spaces.
Product Highlights
A penlight needs to be portable, and the brand understands this factor quite well. This mini penlight is pretty compact, and that makes it easier to carry it in your pockets whenever you travel. It can easily be attached to your belt loops, shirt and can go in your bags.
On top of that, because of its sturdy construction, you can rest assured that it will not face any form of damage easily. It is made of military-grade aluminum and thus won’t face unwanted damage in case you drop it accidentally.
Whether you are a mechanic, nurse, or work in the police department, this penlight will be great for you. The size is perfect, and 2 standard AAA batteries will generate a steady light beam. Naturally, it is in great demand among buyers.
What’s There To Like About It?
I really liked how responsive their customer support team is and during installation, I faced some difficulties, so I reached out to them. I was pretty happy with how prompt they were with their response.
Moreover, it comes with 2 light modes. Therefore, you can prevent the battery from getting drained by switching it to a low light mode when you do not require bright light which should prolong its lifespan.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Despite its brilliant performance, I was not very happy with the fact that it does not come with batteries. Hence it is slightly inconvenient and may not be to everyone’s liking. You would have to visit the local supermarket to stock up on the batteries before this product gets delivered to you.
Pros and Cons of GearLight S100 LED Pocket Pen Light
Pros
Cons
- COMPACT - This sleek and portable pocket flashlight is compact enough to fit into small, tight spaces and illuminate hard to see work areas, making it ideal for close-up tasks.
- BRIGHT - Light up concentrated areas with the bright, diffused beam on this pen flashlight. Conveniently powered for hours with 2 standard AAA batteries (batteries not included).
- DURABLE - Built for rough handling, this durable mini LED flashlight is made of military-grade aluminum and can survive accidental drops and temporary water submersions.
Buyers Guide
Now that I have taken you through the top 5 penlights, were you able to decide which one to go for? Well, I understand that making this decision is not very easy and you might still be confused.
To help in your decision-making, I thought it would be a good idea to spill some of the other factors that you must keep in mind while buying a penlight.
1. Convenience
One of the major reasons why you are here reading a guide on buying the best penlight is that you do not want to carry a bulky flashlight. So, essentially you are looking for convenience.
It is thus crucial to ensure that your penlight is not too big or heavy. You can easily carry it in the backpack or attach it to your keychain when it is of the right weight and size.
Some can easily fit into your pockets without any problem but you have to make sure that the weight is right. Otherwise, carrying it around would become quite taxing for you.
The other thing to keep in mind when buying a pocket penlight is to ensure that it comes with a pocket clip. If it does not have one, there will always be a chance of it falling from your pocket without you noticing.
2. Battery
When buying a penlight, it is essential to check the charging ability. Some require AA batteries, and others require AAA batteries.
However, there are other penlights that require batteries that are difficult to source. If you have difficulties locating these batteries, it is best not to opt for these penlights.
Also, if you have a problem running to the local supermarket every time the battery runs out, I would recommend that you go for penlights that come with rechargeable batteries. For these, you will find USB chargers that can help you recharge the batteries every time they run out of charge.
3. Material
What good is a product that does not last? And a penlight is no different. So, when buying one, it is essential that you check the build. To ensure that, carry out a detailed check on the material of the penlight.
If you are a mechanic, it is likely that your penlight will have to endure rigorous use. For this purpose, I would suggest that you opt for ones that are made of aircraft aluminum material. They are sturdy, durable, and are built in a way that can handle heavy use.
On the other hand, if you are going to use the penlight every time you go for treks, it is essential to get a penlight that can handle weather-based damage. That’s why look out for options that are waterproof and do not corrode easily because if the penlight catches rust, it won’t be very useful.
4. Runtime
Imagine working on a machine and suddenly realizing that your penlight is completely drained of charge. Not a good thought, right? To ensure that you do not find yourself in a pickle like this, it is best to check the runtime of the penlight before deciding to buy one.
How long a penlight can run depends on a few things like the battery, the output of the light, and the type of LED used in constructing it. If you are a medical professional looking for a penlight, you must be looking for higher runtime since there is no requirement for too bright a light.
On the other hand, for mechanics, the requirements are a little different, and there's a need for bright light. As a result, you can expect the runtime to be lesser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Like every other device, a penlight requires proper use to ensure that it lasts for a long time without getting damaged. To maintain it well; it is crucial that you first understand and identify how you are going to use it.
A mechanic will engage in heavy use, whereas for a medical practitioner, that won't be the case exactly. Irrespective of what purpose you are going to use it for, there are a few important things to keep in mind to take proper care of the penlight.
Firstly make sure that you read the instructions well to ensure that you are holding them correctly. And secondly, always take the battery out after you are done using the penlight.
Penlights are made of a variety of materials. However, the most common ones that are used in its construction are aluminum, wood, silver, and copper.
Keep in mind that this is just the body of the penlight. However, the internal mechanisms are made of usual metal, including internal wiring and LED.
My Final Recommendation
With that, now I have reached the end of this comprehensive guide; hopefully, you had a great time learning about the best penlight for mechanics.Â
Also, after reading this guide you find it a bit easier to make your decision. But before I sign off, I would like to let you in on my favorite products.Â
The STREAMLIGHT 66122 takes the award for being the best model overall. But if you are looking for ease of use, it is best to give the Coast G20 Inspection Beam a try.Â
If you have any suggestions that you would like to share with me, feel free to drop your comments in the message box below. Until next time, bye!Â