RIDGID 18V Cordless Hybrid LED Panel Light R8698B (Tool Only) (Bulk Packaged)

Why it's worth it

This is a folding panel light rated at up to 3,500 lumens that runs off an 18V RIDGID battery or an extension cord. It pivots on three separate axes, so you can wash a ceiling, a wall, or an engine bay without ever moving the base.

It's the brightest light here from a brand you'll recognize. RIDGID rates the R8698B at up to 3,500 lumens across three brightness settings, and the folding panel spreads that output instead of punching a hot spot into one wall. In practice that's enough to light a two-car bay without dragging a second light over. The lower settings exist for a reason, too, since you rarely need full power at a bench.

The three-axis rotation is the part you'll actually use. Most panel lights tilt one way and that's it, which means you end up shoving the whole light around the floor to change the angle. This one lets you aim into a corner, up onto rafters, or straight down into a wheel well from a single placement. If you work alone, that's the difference between good light and a light you keep re-aiming.

From our review of 8 rechargeable led work lights, by Ben Carter, Tech Editor

What we like

• +It's the brightest light here from a brand you'll recognize
• +The three-axis rotation is the part you'll actually use
• +The extension cord option quietly solves runtime
• +Clear white LEDs help when color has to be right

What to know

• –Battery, charger, and cord are all sold separately
• –It arrives bulk packaged
• –It's the biggest and heaviest pick here