Flashlights & Work Lights

Flashlights & Work Lights spans handheld lights and the bigger fixtures that light a jobsite, garage or engine bay. Alongside pocket and patrol flashlights from Streamlight, Wurkkos, NEBO and Nitecore, you will find magnetic rechargeable LED bars for mechanics, gooseneck machine lamps, tripod-mounted three-head floods, 100 W temporary work lights, linkable 50-foot construction string lights and corded underhood trouble lights. A handful of solar lanterns and garden globes also sit in this category.

Match the light to the task. For close work, a wide even flood around 500 to 2,000 lumens beats a narrow beam, and a high CRI rating (90 or above, as on the Wurkkos FC11C) shows true wire and paint colours. For distance, look at candela or beam distance in metres. Ingress ratings tell you how weather-resistant a light is: IP65 handles rain, IP67 and IP68 tolerate immersion. Power source matters on site: rechargeable USB-C units are convenient, corded lights run all shift, and some lights share a cordless tool battery platform. For temporary lighting, check whether units can be linked end to end and how many on one circuit.

Treat very large lumen claims with caution unless the maker cites ANSI FL1 testing, which standardizes how output, runtime and beam distance are measured. Lithium-ion batteries lose runtime in freezing weather, so keep a spare warm in a pocket during Canadian winter work. Run corded work lights through GFCI-protected outlets outdoors and keep linked strings within the stated wattage limit.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between lumens and candela?

Lumens measure the total light a flashlight puts out, while candela measures the intensity at the centre of the beam. A light with modest lumens and high candela throws a tight beam a long way; one with high lumens and low candela floods a wide area up close. Mechanics and electricians usually prefer flood, searchers prefer throw.

How many construction string lights can I connect together?

The limit comes from the wattage of each string and the capacity of the plug and circuit. Manufacturers list a maximum number of linked strings, often based on staying under about 1,500 to 1,800 W on a 15 A circuit. Exceeding it can overheat the connectors. Add up the wattage and leave some margin for other loads.

What IP rating do I need for an outdoor work light?

IP65 means the light is dust-tight and protected against water jets, which covers rain and splashes on a jobsite. IP66 handles stronger jets, and IP67 or IP68 means the light can survive brief or longer submersion. For a light that may land in a puddle or get hosed off, IP67 or higher gives extra peace of mind.

Why does my rechargeable work light die faster in winter?

Lithium-ion cells deliver less capacity as they get colder, and below freezing the drop can be significant. The battery is not damaged; output recovers as it warms. Store lights indoors overnight, keep a spare in an inside pocket and avoid charging a frozen battery, which can harm the cells. Bring it to room temperature first.