see the light...

[guydenning]

it's probably not a new idea, but...
for those not blessed with a multitude of lights in a garage, or a garage, and they find themselves head down in an engine on an evening after work (and 'tis dark at this time of year - i notice these things, that's why they call me an artist). i have a solution dot dot dot
torches aren't always helpful (you probably have to strap 'em to yer bonce with masking tape) but i fixed the bike last night by the light of two of those chemical glo-stick things. the advantages are that you can plonk 'em right in the area that needs loomination - i had em in the petrol ridden carb area (chemical light see - not electrickery). and they give out a nice ambient glow rather than a directional beam that needs aiming. obviously if i pulled my finger out i'd clear the garage out (dead mgbgt) and work on a nice carpet in lots of light - but like i said. not everyone has that option. i've got some glo-sticks that stay lit for twelve hours so you don't find yerself stopping every 5 minutes to crack a new one... probably a good idea for nocturnal roadside repairs - perish the thought...

[bigginger]

Or get a head torch, they come with a nice strap that goes around your head.

[guydenning]

trouble is you get the shadow problem with that... of course some of us have moggies that light up the whole neighborhood in the dark - new solution paint the car dayglo yellow - i'll buy you a pint and say sorry at the club meet

[rayofleamington]

I find my any-angle lamp a real blessing - the downside is that I get through a bulb every couple of days I work on the car as it will go anywhere (so I put it anywhere). Therefore I'm forever leaving it somewhere either precarious or where I will kick it over

[Chris Morley]

Yes, I've got one of those and yes, the bulbs don't last long - mainly because the centre of gravity is too high (small base). Over it goes and thats another 50p bulb gone....

[guydenning]

the other advantage of glo-sticks over anglepoise lamps is that after you've fixed the mog in the dark you can tie a couple of laces on 'em and do a twirly whirly woo aahh circus act... admittedly the anglepoise version would be more impressive - but you'd probably end up with no teeth

[Cam]

I just use a Ring spotlamp and a 12v power supply. I have to say though, Ray's lamp is much more handy for directing the light where you want it. If I could get one of those and put my 12v spotlight on it that would be very handy. The 12v spotlamp can be dropped, bashed dripped on and generally abused. I have only replaced one bulb in 8 years. It's very rugged and very bright but positioning it can be a pain.

Those glowsticks sound like a really good idea for emergencies (keep a couple in the glove box). Where do you get them from?

[rayofleamington]

If I could get one of those and put my 12v spotlight on it that would be very handy.

I was thinking the same thing on Tuesday (when I wasted half the evening rebuilding the lamp to find where the loose connection was )-
If it came with a mains 12V adapter it would be perfect

[bigginger]

Pretty scooshy to DIY, isn't it?
a

[Cam]

Well, I'm using a 10 amp 13.8v power supply as those spotlights draw a fair bit of current. They are not too cheap either. A CB place is probably best to get hold of a decent current one.

[wanderinstar]

Cam ,
You would probably get them from a fishing tackle shop, my eldest uses them for night fishingm [ put them on the float, when the light disapeers you,ve got a bite] But I didn,t know they made 12 hour ones.

Wanderinstar.

[guydenning]

the 12 hour ones came from a friend of a friend of a friend of a military QM. - but they must get 'em from somewhere. camping shops do a variety too... 12 hours night engine work is a bit hardcore... s'alright for you mechanical types - but there's only so many times i can change the oil and plugs...

[Peetee]

the 12 hour ones came from a friend of a friend of a friend of a military QM. - but they must get 'em from somewhere

Are you sure they are safe? Don't go near then if they are made by Montgomery Burns Enterprises.

[wanderinstar]

Dont leave it there, tell us why not?

[Rasputin]

Dont leave it there, tell us why not?

DOH!

[guydenning]

...release THE HOUNDS...

[Onne]

it's probably not a new idea, but...
for those not blessed with a multitude of lights in a garage, or a garage, and they find themselves head down in an engine on an evening after work (and 'tis dark at this time of year - i notice these things, that's why they call me an artist). i have a solution dot dot dot
torches aren't always helpful (you probably have to strap 'em to yer bonce with masking tape) but i fixed the bike last night by the light of two of those chemical glo-stick things. the advantages are that you can plonk 'em right in the area that needs loomination - i had em in the petrol ridden carb area (chemical light see - not electrickery). and they give out a nice ambient glow rather than a directional beam that needs aiming. obviously if i pulled my finger out i'd clear the garage out (dead mgbgt) and work on a nice carpet in lots of light - but like i said. not everyone has that option. i've got some glo-sticks that stay lit for twelve hours so you don't find yerself stopping every 5 minutes to crack a new one... probably a good idea for nocturnal roadside repairs - perish the thought...

Trow em in the deep freez after use, you can use em again that way. I know how to save money, I'm Dutch...... btw they may not last for 12 hours the second time, but certainly half it