Craftsman 25in Magnetic LED Strip Light

In my quest to find the perfect lighting solution for my work area, I recently had the opportunity to test out the 25in Magnetic LED Strip Light from Craftsman, model number CMST98280. This tool promises a lot—easy installation, practical design, and a bright workspace. Here’s my take on whether it lives up to the expectations.

Installation and Design

One of the first things I appreciated about this LED strip light is its magnetic attachment feature. If you have metal surfaces or cabinets, this light sticks on effortlessly. I found it incredibly easy to mount underneath my metal cabinets. The magnetic attachment is strong enough to hold the light securely, even when I accidentally bumped into it a couple of times.

The light itself is slim and sleek, which makes it unobtrusive. Measuring 32.3 inches in length and weighing just 0.7 pounds, it doesn’t take up much space. This is particularly useful when you’re working in a compact area and don’t want your work light to be a bulky addition.

Brightness and Illumination

The Craftsman LED Strip Light provides 300 lumens of brightness, which is quite adequate for most workspaces. I found the light evenly distributed and bright enough to illuminate my entire workbench. The LED technology ensures that the light is clear and consistent, without the flickering that you might experience with older fluorescent lights.

Power Source and Controls

Here’s where things get a bit tricky. The light is cordless and powered via a USB connection. While this might be convenient for some, it does limit your options when it comes to power sources. I had to use a USB adapter to plug it into a standard outlet, which wasn’t a deal-breaker but added an extra step to the setup process.

Each light has its own touch control on/off switch. While this feature sounds convenient, I found it to be a bit of a double-edged sword. The touch control is sensitive, and there were times when it didn’t respond consistently. This could be frustrating, especially when you need reliable lighting for precision tasks.

Durability and Build Quality

The build quality of the Craftsman LED Strip Light is generally good. The materials feel sturdy, and the light itself seems well-constructed. However, I did notice that the cord felt a bit flimsy. In my case, the cord was slightly pulled from the light, but a dab of glue and a push fixed the issue. It’s a minor inconvenience, but something to be aware of if you’re planning to install and remove the light frequently.

Practicality in a Workbench Environment

While the light is bright and the magnetic attachment is convenient, the lack of an AC plug and the separate touch controls for each light can be impractical for a workbench environment. If you’re looking to install multiple lights and control them all with a single switch, this might not be the best option. The inability to connect multiple lights together or plug them into a light switch-controlled outlet limits its utility in a more complex setup.

Warranty and Support

One of the standout features of this LED strip light is its 10-year limited warranty. This gives you peace of mind knowing that Craftsman stands behind their product. I haven’t had any issues that required me to use the warranty, but it’s reassuring to know that it’s there if needed.

Final Thoughts

The 25in Magnetic LED Strip Light from Craftsman has a lot going for it. The magnetic attachment makes installation a breeze, and the 300 lumens of brightness are more than sufficient for most tasks. The slim design ensures that it doesn’t take up much space, and the 10-year limited warranty is a significant plus.

However, the power source limitations and the inconsistent touch controls can be drawbacks, especially if you’re looking for a more integrated lighting solution for your workbench. If you’re okay with using a USB connection and don’t mind the individual touch controls, this light could be a great addition to your workspace.

Would I recommend this tool?

It depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for a simple, easy-to-install light for a small workspace and don’t mind the USB power source, then yes, I would recommend it. The brightness and design are excellent, and the magnetic attachment is quite convenient.

However, if you need a more integrated solution with multiple lights controlled by a single switch, you might want to look elsewhere. The touch controls and power source limitations make it less practical for more complex setups.

In summary, the Craftsman 25in Magnetic LED Strip Light is a good tool with some limitations. Weighing the pros and cons will help you determine if it’s the right fit for your specific needs.