Craftsman Magnetic Puck Light Kit

Lighting up your workspace can sometimes feel like a quest for the Holy Grail, especially if you're dealing with tight spots or those shadowy corners that seem to swallow everything. Enter the Craftsman Magnetic Puck Light Kit (model CMST98187), a nifty little gadget designed to shine light exactly where you need it, thanks to its wireless and battery-powered configuration. Here’s my take on this product after putting it through its paces.

Design and Build Quality

First off, let’s talk about the design. The puck light is compact, measuring just 1.4 inches in diameter and standing 7.2 inches tall. It weighs a mere 0.5 pounds, making it incredibly easy to handle and maneuver. The small size is definitely a plus if you’re working in tight spaces or need to stash it in a toolkit or a drawer.

However, despite its handy size, the build quality feels somewhat lacking. The light housing and battery compartment appear flimsy, which became evident during a few unfortunate drops. The battery compartment has a tendency to pop open on impact, sending batteries scattering. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's definitely something to keep in mind if you’re planning to use this light in a bustling, high-activity environment.

Brightness and Performance

On the brighter side (pun intended), this puck light delivers an impressive 200 lumens of brightness. It’s more than enough to light up small areas like the inside of a cabinet, a toolbox, or even under the hood of a car. The light uses 3 AAA batteries, which are included, and it has a runtime of up to 1 hour on high output mode. This is quite decent for quick tasks but might fall short for prolonged work sessions.

The push button for on/off activation is simple and intuitive, which I appreciated. No fumbling with complicated switches – just a straightforward press to get things going.

Attachment Mechanism

One of the standout features of this puck light is its dual attachment mechanism. It can stick to surfaces using a hook or a magnet. In theory, this is a fantastic feature, offering versatility depending on where you need the light. In practice, the magnet left something to be desired. It’s not particularly strong, which became apparent when it failed to hold onto metal surfaces reliably. A slight bump or jostle was often enough to dislodge the light, leading to some frustration.

The hook, on the other hand, performed admirably. It’s a solid fallback option if the magnet isn’t doing the trick. You can easily hang it in various spots, making it a versatile companion for different tasks.

Usability in Various Scenarios

Where this light excels is its overall usability and convenience. The compact size and lightweight build make it a joy to use in tight spots. I found it particularly handy for automotive work. Being able to position the light under the car and have it stick (mostly relying on the hook, as mentioned) made tasks like oil changes and brake checks a lot smoother.

In a workshop setting, the light proved useful for illuminating dark corners of a workbench or inside cabinets. It was also quite effective when attached to a metal surface inside a shipping container, making it easier to locate tools and materials.

However, these benefits come with caveats. The weak magnet means you have to be cautious about where and how you position the light. And the somewhat flimsy build quality requires a gentle touch to avoid breakages.

Battery Life and Power Efficiency

The puck light’s battery life is serviceable but not exceptional. With an optimized runtime of up to 1 hour on high output mode, it’s suitable for short bursts of activity. For longer tasks, you’ll find yourself swapping out batteries more frequently. It’s worth noting that the light does not come with rechargeable batteries, which could be a more eco-friendly and cost-efficient option for regular users.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

In conclusion, the Craftsman Magnetic Puck Light Kit is a mixed bag. On one hand, it offers excellent brightness and versatility in a compact form, making it a handy tool for quick illumination needs. The dual attachment mechanism, while flawed with a weak magnet, still provides useful options for positioning the light.

However, the build quality and magnet strength leave room for improvement. The light’s tendency to fall apart upon impact can be frustrating, and the limited battery life might not meet the needs of users requiring extended periods of illumination.

Would I recommend this tool? Yes, but with reservations. If you’re looking for a quick, convenient light source for occasional use in small, tight areas, this puck light is a practical and affordable choice. Its compact size and decent brightness make it a valuable addition to your toolkit. However, for professional or heavy-duty use, you might want to look for a more robust and durable option.

In summary, the Craftsman Magnetic Puck Light Kit is a handy tool with some limitations. If you can work around its quirks, it’s a useful addition to your lighting arsenal.