Ridgid GEN5X 18V Flood Light

The Ridgid GEN5X 18V Flood Light, model R8694620B, is an impressive addition to any toolbox, especially for those who find themselves frequently working in poorly lit environments. The flood light is designed with a plethora of thoughtful features that make it a versatile and essential tool for both professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that strikes you about the Ridgid flood light is its robust build quality. With dimensions of 8.50 inches in depth, 8.75 inches in height, and 6.50 inches in width, this light is compact yet substantial. It weighs in at 3 pounds, making it portable without feeling flimsy. The light is encased in a sturdy housing that feels durable enough to withstand the rigors of a construction site or the occasional drop from a workbench.

One of the standout features is the detachable 180-degree swiveling light cradle. This allows for a wide range of motion, making it easy to direct light exactly where it’s needed. The cradle also doubles as a handle, adding to the light’s portability. Additionally, the base includes two hooks that slide out, enabling you to hang the light on 2x lumber. This is particularly useful for attic work or when you’re framing a building.

Performance and Usability

The Ridgid flood light is impressively bright, capable of illuminating an entire room or a large outdoor area. The adjustable brightness feature is a significant boon, allowing you to dial the light down when working in close quarters to avoid blinding yourself. The variable power dial is intuitive and easy to use, enabling precise control over the light intensity.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this flood light is its extended runtime. With a 5.0 Ah battery, it can run for up to 20 hours, making it reliable for long projects. However, it’s important to note that a 2.0 Ah battery will drain much faster, especially at higher brightness settings. This makes having an extra battery on hand a wise choice for extended use.

Practical Applications

The versatility of the Ridgid flood light cannot be overstated. I found it particularly useful for automotive work, where its wide base and adjustable cradle allowed me to position the light perfectly under the truck. Its bright output made it easy to see every detail, even in the darkest corners. The only downside in this scenario was that the wide base sometimes got in the way, requiring some maneuvering to get the light into the perfect position.

For indoor projects, such as painting a room or working under a sink, the flood light excels. The ability to detach the light from its base and place it in tight spaces is incredibly handy. The hooks make it easy to hang the light in attics or on exposed beams, providing ample illumination in areas where traditional lighting might not reach.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is one area where the Ridgid flood light shows both its strengths and limitations. While the extended runtime with a 5.0 Ah battery is impressive, the light does consume a lot of power, especially at higher brightness levels. A 2.0 Ah battery will only last about 30 minutes on the highest setting, which can be a drawback for longer tasks. However, the light does provide a warning by blinking when the battery is about to die, giving you a moment to switch out batteries if needed.

Charging the batteries is straightforward and relatively quick, ensuring minimal downtime between uses. If you plan on using the light for extended periods, investing in higher capacity batteries or having multiple batteries on hand is advisable.

Additional Features

While the Ridgid flood light is packed with useful features, there are a few additional elements that could enhance its functionality. A magnetic base, for example, would make it easier to attach the light to metal surfaces, such as the underside of a vehicle hood or steel beams on a construction site. This addition would make the light even more versatile and user-friendly.

Another potential improvement would be the inclusion of more durable hardware for the base. While the base is generally sturdy, some users have reported issues with hardware falling out, which could affect the stability and usability of the light over time.

Conclusion

In summary, the Ridgid GEN5X 18V Flood Light is a well-designed, highly functional tool that delivers on its promises. Its bright, adjustable light output, extended runtime with a high-capacity battery, and versatile mounting options make it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re working in an attic, under a vehicle, or on a construction site, this flood light provides the illumination you need to get the job done effectively.

While the battery life with a 2.0 Ah battery can be limiting, this is a minor drawback compared to the overall performance and utility of the light. Investing in higher capacity batteries or having spares on hand can easily mitigate this issue.

Overall, I highly recommend the Ridgid GEN5X 18V Flood Light for anyone in need of a reliable, versatile lighting solution. Its robust design, ease of use, and impressive performance make it a valuable addition to any tool collection.