Craftsman Cordless Small Area Light

The Craftsman Cordless Small Area Light, model CMCL030B, is a powerhouse when it comes to illuminating dark work areas. Having spent considerable time with this tool, I can confidently say it has exceeded my expectations in many ways, while also presenting a few challenges.

First off, the brightness of this light is truly impressive. It boasts an adjustable brightness setting that ranges from 750 to 1825 LED lumens. The higher setting can flood a workspace with light, making it almost as bright as daylight, which is incredibly useful when working in poorly lit spots like attics, crawl spaces, or garages. This light can easily illuminate a 12x12 workspace, allowing you to see the details of your project clearly and without glare.

One of the standout features is its dual power capability. The light can operate both cordlessly with a 20V MAX Lithium-Ion battery and with an extension cord connected to an AC power source. This versatility is a game-changer. During a recent power outage, I appreciated the ability to switch to battery power seamlessly. Additionally, the cordless feature is particularly useful for tasks that require mobility and flexibility, such as working under a floor or in other difficult-to-reach areas where running an extension cord is cumbersome.

The design of the light is well-thought-out. It includes a pivoting head that allows you to direct the light exactly where you need it. This feature is particularly useful when you're working in tight or awkward spaces. The light can be hung from a hook, mounted on a wall, or placed on a table, offering multiple options for placement and mounting. The base of the light is sturdy and allows for full swivel of the light head, making it easy to adjust the angle of illumination as needed.

However, there are a few areas where the light falls short. For one, the threading on the base does not fit common tripods, which can be inconvenient if you want to elevate the light. I had to go through the trouble of finding an adapter to make it work with a tripod I already owned, which is something Craftsman could have easily avoided by using a more standard threading.

Another issue I encountered was with the durability of the light. While the frame is made of heavy-duty plastic and feels robust, there have been instances where something inside the housing became loose, causing an annoying rattling noise. In one extreme case, the light's head would not hold its position due to a broken part inside the housing. This raises concerns about the long-term durability of the light, especially if it's subjected to the rigors of a busy work site.

Battery life is another mixed bag. On the highest setting, a 2Ah battery lasts about an hour, which may not be sufficient for extended projects. However, using a larger battery pack, such as a 4Ah battery, extends the operating time significantly. For example, I was able to get over eight hours of continuous light on the highest setting with a 4Ah battery. This makes the light suitable for both short-term tasks and longer projects, provided you have extra batteries on hand.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Craftsman Cordless Small Area Light is incredibly user-friendly. It's lightweight, making it easy to carry around, and the lack of heat emission is a significant advantage. Traditional work lights can get extremely hot, posing a burn risk if you accidentally touch them. This LED light, on the other hand, stays cool to the touch, which is a much-appreciated safety feature.

Another point worth mentioning is the warranty. Craftsman offers a 3-year limited warranty on this light, which provides some peace of mind. Knowing that the company stands behind its product adds a layer of confidence in its reliability and performance.

Overall, the Craftsman Cordless Small Area Light is a versatile and powerful tool that is almost indispensable for anyone who frequently works in dimly lit conditions. Its impressive brightness, dual power capability, and flexible mounting options make it a valuable addition to any toolkit. While it does have some minor flaws, such as the non-standard tripod threading and occasional issues with internal components, these are relatively small trade-offs for the benefits it offers.

I would recommend this tool to DIY enthusiasts, homeowners, and professionals who need a reliable and bright light source for their projects. The versatility and convenience it provides far outweigh the minor inconveniences, making it a worthwhile investment.