Arlec Rechargeable Work Light Torch

Arlec 450lm Rechargeable LED Work Light Torch. Using these for over 2 years, now have 24, they are awesome!!! – Don't believe the low stars on the Bunnings Reviews, most people don't bother reviewing small priced items unless they are faulty. Yes I have had 3 DOA (dead on arrival), but simply returned them and swapped for more. The ones that work seem to keep working. This is an awesome unit and I should know. Over the last 2 years I have been buying 3 or 4 at a time, from several different Bunnings stores throughout Brisbane and am now up to 24 of them.

They are Very Bright, but the 2nd button press lowers the brightness by half, the 3rd press goes into Flash Mode (which makes my wife feel sick), then press again they go off.

They are small but pack heaps of punch. I opened up one of the DOA's out of curiosity and it's almost all Batteries, unlike many larger torches I have bought over the years that have a small battery and lots of wasted space. With 2 proper full sized 18650 Lithium (not Ni-Cads etc.) batteries crammed in there, they go for many hours even on the brightest setting.

* They have a flip-out stand so you can lean it on its side at any angle (see top & middle row). * There is a hole mount to rest it on a screw head. * There is a flip-out hanging hook that we use all the time hanging from tree branches etc. * And best of all a strong Magnet which in a small space like a wheel arch, holds the torch well when working on brakes etc. * The whole unit is wrapped in a rubberised frame which is sweet as we drop them all the time, and as yet none have failed after a drop which is common for Hot LED's. * Charges from USB, with so much battery capacity inside it does take many hours, but we just leave them on overnight until the flashing red light goes solid. * Not technically waterproof, but mostly sealed well and we have had them out in dribbly rain with no problems yet.

We sell and deliver Industrial Machinery and often do night time deliveries of heavy tricky-to-move items. We set a few of these up around the site using the magnets and hooks and it has made the process much faster and safer.

I now have several in each vehicle, and a few hanging or sticking to walls all over the place so there is always one handy. The missus was like "why do you keep buying so many of these?" but it wasn't long and she started using them.

At over $30 for a small light they may seem pricey at first (and probably why those who gave bad reviews felt they needed to speak up). But most of that cost is because they are packed full of Lithium Cells = "Light you long time". I just wait till I see them on special then buy more.

Complaints: 1.) The flashing Strobe Mode, a nice-to-have bush or sea rescue feature, but I have never needed it yet. You have to pass by that mode briefly (3rd press) to get them to turn off (4th press) and it's so bright it hurts your eyes for a bit. I have learnt to hold the torch LED side to my stomach as I press past the strobe mode and then it's no problem. 2.) The rubber flap that protect the charging port has come off 2 of them, they can be poked back in but I lost one of them (see the Top Left light). 3.) Don't let the magnet slap hard against a non-flat metal surface, I cracked the magnet on one by letting it drop hard onto a curved pipe, but I glued it back into the recess. 4.) I carry one around in a backpack but the on button isn't well recessed and easy to press, so I often find it on and getting Hot in my backpack. 5.) Not all Bunnings stores have them so check online that your store has them before you drive there.

No I don't work for Arlec or Bunnings, and I'm not usually the biggest fan of Arlec stuff, often feels cheap and flimsy, but not this one. I had to write this review as I feel sorry for the other Bunnings reviewers that got one of the 3 out of 27 that were busted from the start. Dudes.... take it back and swap it for another before you decide, it will cost you nothing.

I included a pic but some are hanging out at other locations, so sorry I couldn't gather all 24 of them for a family photo.

And yes I am waiting for the next special to buy more.