Joe,
Gotta agree with Brian on the retractable reel thing. It also has the
added benefit of at least sometimes keeping the light from hitting the
floor. I have two florescents at work, one is a Snap-on and one is an
el-cheapo yellow tube model. The only benefit I've seen in the Snap-on is
that it has a plug in the side of it for when I need to plug something else
electrical in. (rarely) Both break with the same frequency when they hit
the floor from a height of over 4 feet. If you do break the bulb, it's the
same as with regular bulbs. ALWAYS buy the quality shock proof model bulb
that costs 5 times what the standard one does. You'll get what you pay for.
I've also found I can get a lot better life out of my florescent bulbs if I
take a few seconds to hook the cord over something to prevent the light from
smashing into the concrete. Probably more of a concern for folks working
under vehicle lifts than for those using jack stands in the garage.
Another quick tip on the retractable reel lights that has kept mine going
for years is to tie a simple knot in the cord, open the light housing and
tuck it inside. This has prevented me from jerking the cords out of several
drop lights that see heavy use/abuse, and has never caused any elecrtical
problems.
Chuck Rothfuss
Pole Cat Hollow, NC
At 09:19 AM 11/29/2000 EST, you wrote:
>
>I've seen several mentions of using a florescent
>trouble light vs the traditional "light bulb in a
>cage" type. Mine has a plastic cage, but it's the
>same basic style which has been around for a LONG
>time.
>
>I'm thinking the florescent might be a good suggestion
>for Santa...
>
>Any suggestions of good or bad brands? I've seen
>what looks like a traditional florscent tube in
>a plastic cover, and what looks like a multi-mini
>tube arrangement in a more bulb shaped housing.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Joe
>flake@a3115jmf.atl.hp.com
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