Milwaukee Underbody Light

If you've ever found yourself struggling to get proper lighting while working under a vehicle, Milwaukee's Underbody Light (model 2126-20) might be just what you've been looking for. This tool is designed specifically to enhance visibility in automotive environments but offers much more beyond its primary purpose.

I recently had the opportunity to put this tool to the test, and I can confidently say that it delivers on many fronts. The first thing that stands out is its impressive brightness. The light offers up to 1200 lumens of TRUEVIEW High-Definition Output, which provides a clear, bright light that can make a world of difference in poorly lit environments. It has three power modes—low, medium, and high—giving you the flexibility to adjust the brightness according to your needs. The low mode, at 600 lumens, is already fairly bright, but the high mode is where this light shines the most, no pun intended.

One of the standout features is its dual swivel points, allowing for 300 degrees of horizontal rotation and up to 180 degrees of vertical rotation. This makes it incredibly versatile and easy to position precisely where you need it. Whether you're working under a car, in an engine bay, or even on a non-automotive project, the flexibility of this light is invaluable. The magnetic base is another excellent feature—it’s strong enough to hold the light securely on any metal surface, ensuring that it stays put even when you’re adjusting its position.

The light also comes with a 12-inch magnetic storage tray, which is a handy feature for holding nuts, bolts, and small tools. This can be a real time-saver, as it keeps all your necessary items within reach and prevents them from getting lost. I found this particularly useful when working on multiple parts of a vehicle simultaneously.

Battery life is another area where this tool excels. The light is part of Milwaukee’s M12 battery system, and on a 6.0 Ah battery, it can last more than a full day of intermittent use. On the highest setting, you can expect up to 5 hours of runtime, which is more than sufficient for most tasks. If you’re using it on the low setting, it can last up to 15 hours, making it perfect for extended projects.

Durability is another strong suit of this underbody light. It is IP54 rated for water and dust resistance, which means it can withstand harsh working conditions without any issues. Additionally, the tool is impact and corrosion-resistant, ensuring it will hold up well over time even with regular use. The plastic material composition doesn’t just make it durable; it also keeps the weight manageable at just under 3 pounds. This balance of sturdiness and lightweight design is an excellent combination for a tool that will likely be moved around frequently.

One minor gripe I had is that while the light offers excellent brightness and adjustability, it could benefit from having a slightly lower low setting. The difference between the 600 lumens low setting and the 900 lumens medium setting isn’t substantial enough to make a big difference in some scenarios. Additionally, for those who are particularly sensitive to bright light, an optional diffuser would be a welcome addition, although this can be easily improvised with common materials.

Another point to consider is that the tool doesn’t come with a USB charging port, which could have been a convenient feature for those who might want to charge other devices while working. However, this is a minor shortfall and doesn't detract significantly from the tool’s overall performance.

Despite these minor issues, the Milwaukee Underbody Light is an outstanding addition to any mechanic’s toolkit. It offers unparalleled flexibility, excellent brightness, and robust durability, making it a highly reliable tool for various applications. Whether you’re a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, this light is likely to become one of your go-to tools.

In conclusion, I highly recommend the Milwaukee Underbody Light. Its combination of high lumen output, excellent battery life, strong magnetic base, and versatile swivel points make it an invaluable tool for anyone in need of reliable, hands-free lighting. Its durability and resistance to harsh environments only add to its appeal, ensuring that it will be a long-lasting addition to your toolkit. While it could benefit from a few minor improvements, these do not significantly detract from its overall effectiveness and usability. If you’re in the market for a new work light, this one is definitely worth considering.