Anyone use LED flashlights to show swirls?

[qbmurderer13]

Hey guys i've noticed one or two detailers used LED flashlights, more spefically the Fenix tk-10, to show imperfections. The same way you would with halogens. Does anybody else recommend this? This would sure be alot easier to carry around than some halogens.

 

[autoconcierge]

The fenix is a great tool as well use the Infratech and halogens,this way all spectrums of light are available to make sure the finish is corrected.

 

[aclassvaleting]

leds come in handy for a quick inspection before and during a correction job i find.

 

[scott2314]

I had to grab the cheap little one my wife got me, and run outside after I saw this post. It does work really well.

 

[Scottwax]

The 180 lumen LED bike light I have is very unforgiving when I ride by and look at my own car while the light is on.

 

[jfelbab]

Most LED lights are quite good at showing up swirls. It seems that the smaller the point source of the light and the cooler the light spectrum the more it seems to accentuate the problems.

 

[docrice]

A small pinpoint light source is always best in my limited experience to uncover minor flaws. Specifically, a pinpoint light source along with the area coverage of the beam illuminating the surface is necessary to find the outlying ripples of swirls. With my eye about a foot away from the surface, I hold the LED flashlight about a couple of feet away and watch its reflection as I "wave" the light in a circular motion to reveal imperfections.



Although I'm by no means a well-experienced detailer, this is my personal method of surface examination and getting up-close and personal with the paint. With sunlight, I have to bend myself at odd angles around the car. With a powerful flashlight, it's an okay substitute indoors or during the evening and I can choose the angle where the light is coming from to make my inspection easier.

 

[chromecarz00]

My LED flashlight doesnt show a single scratch, it makes the paint look perfect...

 

[REVNU]

I use my Fenix P3D or P1D to check the paint when I don't have direct sunlight. They work pretty good for what they are, not as good as sunlight, but they get the job done.

 

[budman3]

I just noticed this on the Harbor Freight website, more details are in the AGO forum

New alternative to halogen lighting? - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum

 

[Scottwax]

BTW, LED lights are pretty good for showing spider swirls, not so much for rotary swirls. I still think the sun is the best method for finding holograms. However, any lighting is better than none at all.

 

[eyezack87]

I just noticed this on the Harbor Freight website, more details are in the AGO forum



[ig]http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/66200-66299/66274.gif[/img]





New alternative to halogen lighting? - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum

Richard Lin (OctaneGuy) uses that at his shop. I was playing with it and it worked so well I went and bought one myself. I thought it was a great investment

That one is the one he and I have I believe :waxing:

 

[qbmurderer13]

That light does look good and is a great price, but I was looking at that light since its portable. You can just carry it around and show people the swirls without looking for sunlight or having to bring halogens with you.

 

[imported_MBenz]

I picked up some 120 lumen led flashlights from sam's club for like $10 a piece. They do a fine job at showing imperfections in the paint that you need sun/halogens to see. It is a surprisingly useful tool.

 

[TSC17]

I use one of these for quick inspections, and I also bring it with me when I look at a customer's car for the first time. It's great for when you don't have sunshine available. It was about $20 from Home Depot. The product recommendation came from Todd Helme.