Milwaukee Trouble Light with USB Charging

I recently had the opportunity to test out the Milwaukee Trouble Light with USB Charging (model 2363-20), and I must say, it left quite an impression. As someone who frequently finds themselves working in poorly lit environments, a reliable and versatile lighting solution is indispensable. This trouble light promises to deliver on multiple fronts, including brightness, battery life, and additional features like a USB charging port. Here’s a detailed breakdown of my experience with this tool.

First and foremost, the brightness of this trouble light is outstanding. With a maximum output of 700 lumens, it provides ample illumination for a variety of tasks. Whether I was working under the hood of a car or navigating a dimly lit attic, the light was more than sufficient to light up the entire area. The four light modes—High, Medium, Low, and Strobe—offer flexibility depending on the task at hand. I found the High setting to be perfect for detailed work, while the Low setting was great for general illumination without draining the battery too quickly.

Speaking of battery life, this is where the Milwaukee Trouble Light truly shines. Paired with an XC5.0 battery, I was able to get up to 100 hours of run time on the Low setting. Even on the High setting, the battery life was impressive, lasting around 10 hours. This longevity is a game-changer, especially for extended projects where frequent battery changes can be a hassle. The ability to use different M18 batteries also adds to the versatility, allowing me to choose a battery based on the specific requirements of my task.

One of the standout features of this trouble light is the 2.1A USB port for charging electronic devices. This proved to be incredibly useful during a recent power outage when I needed to keep my phone charged. It’s a thoughtful addition that adds an extra layer of utility to the tool. However, it’s worth noting that the USB port charges devices relatively slowly, so it’s best used for maintaining a charge rather than rapidly refueling a dead battery.

The design of the light is both practical and robust. The rotating collar allows for easy adjustment of the light angle, making it simple to direct the beam exactly where it’s needed. The stainless steel hook is another handy feature, offering a convenient way to hang the light in various positions. Additionally, the IP54 rating for water and dust resistance means that the light can withstand harsh working conditions, adding to its durability.

However, not everything about this trouble light is perfect. One area where it falls short is the strength of its magnets. Initially, the magnets were strong enough to hold the light securely in place on metal surfaces. But over time, I noticed a decrease in their holding power, especially when using larger batteries. This can be frustrating when trying to position the light in tight spaces or on vertical surfaces. It’s a common issue among magnetic lights, but it’s still something to be aware of if you rely heavily on magnetic mounting.

Durability is another mixed bag. While the overall build quality is solid, the light does seem to be somewhat fragile when subjected to drops or rough handling. I experienced a few instances where the light was accidentally knocked over, and it showed signs of wear and tear more quickly than I would have liked. For a tool designed to be used in demanding environments, I expected a bit more resilience.

Despite these drawbacks, the Milwaukee Trouble Light remains a highly versatile and reliable lighting solution. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around and store, while the high-quality lighting and long battery life ensure that it’s up to the task, no matter the situation. The additional features, like the USB charging port and adjustable light angle, further enhance its practicality.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend the Milwaukee Trouble Light with USB Charging for anyone in need of a dependable and versatile work light. Its impressive brightness, extended battery life, and useful features make it a valuable addition to any toolkit. While there are some areas for improvement, particularly with the magnetic strength and durability, the overall performance and functionality of the light more than make up for these shortcomings. Whether you’re a professional technician, a DIY enthusiast, or simply someone who needs a reliable light source, this trouble light is well worth considering.