Tools of the Year 2021: Lighting

This is the Lighting category of the exclusive Successful Farming “Tools of the Year” program to highlight innovations and must-have tools and shop supplies for your farm operation. These tools will help you get the job done.

Our editor selected one tool as an “Editor’s Choice” and other tools as “Recommended” in Power Tools; Hand Tools; Ratchets & Sockets; Metalworking; Shop Supplies; Lighting; Workbenches & Tool Chests; and Shop Essentials.

Here is the list of the 2021 winners in Lighting.

Portable Light Provides 27,000 Lumens

If you want to light up an entire barn or bring tower lighting to field repairs, then consider Milwaukee’s MX Fuel Rocket Tower Light/Charger. Delivering up to a blazing 27,000 lumens, the stand light extends to 10 feet and features outriggers for leveling plus stability in 35 mph winds. The unit’s all-terrain 8-inch wheels make moving the light across uneven ground easy.

The tower runs for three hours at 20,000 lumens or up to 10 hours on its lowest setting on a single charge. It can also be plugged into an extension cord for all-night operation, as well as charge any Milwaukee battery pack. The model MXF041-1XC retails for $2,999. Go to milwaukeetool.com.

Super Bright Headlamp

Klein’s rechargeable headlamp turns out up to 400 lumens for four hours. It can also be turned down to 200-lumen spotlight mode (shining 12 hours) or floodlight mode of 100 lumens (shining up to 22 hours).

The headlamp mounts on a fabric strap with adjustable buckle that contains enough silicone grips to fit comfortably on the head. The model 56048 retails for $39.97. Go to kleintools.com.

Under-Hood Spotlight System

Typical cordless under-hood lights feature a single tube to illuminate the engine cavity. Eastwood’s modular light system can host up to four modular lights that can be adjusted to focus light on a particular area or illuminate a wider space.

Each light module has a maximum 1,000-lumen output, yet output is adjustable.

The under-hood bracket adjusts from 48 to 72 inches. Individual light modules retail for $39.97, while the mounting bracket retails for $26.47. Go to eastwood.com.

Wing Work Light

The wings on GearWrench’s 83351 work light transform it from a spotlight to an area light with up to 1,000 lumens.

The wings fold out 180° to allow the user to target light on the job. A magnetic base and hang hook allow the rechargeable light to be used hands-free.

The light can operate as a 400-lumen flashlight and a 500- or 1,000-lumen work light. The model 83351, which recharges using a USB cable, retails for $117.30. Go to gearwrench.com.

Mighty Light in a Small Package

Milwaukee’s M12 Rover work light turns out an impressive 700 lumens, operating for up to 24 hours on a single charge.

The head pivots 110° to direct light. Plus it comes equipped with a strong rear-facing magnet made for jobsite surfaces, a keyhole for hanging, or it can be set upright to serve as a work light. The Rover features an impact-resistant lens protecting the LEDs; it can survive up to 9-foot drops. A 2.1-amp USB port is included with the cordless rechargeable LED floodlight for charging a phone or external device.

The 2367-20 has a suggested retail price of $99.20 but lists online for $59. Go to milwaukeetool.com.

See all of our categories of Tools of the Year winners: