Flashlights

Flashlights and headlamps: LED handhelds and headlamps from Coast, NEBO and Blazing LEDz from about 15 lm up past 500 lm, in AAA-battery and rechargeable versions, plus UV blacklight models. Lumens measure total output and are only half the story — beam type is the other half. A flood or COB head lights the whole area in front of you and suits close work, a focused beam throws distance but leaves your hands in shadow. Rechargeable units cost more up front and are cheaper to run but are useless with a dead cell and no power; AAA units keep working as long as someone has spares. A headlamp is the right answer any time both hands are on the job.

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